Best Biking Trails in Los Angeles
As the second largest city in the U.S., Los Angeles offers thousands of shopping and entertainment options. Among the bustling cityscape lies diverse enclaves of natural habitats. From mountains and rolling hills to beaches and wetlands, LA’s sprawling landscape provides hours of outdoor recreational activities, including dozens of biking trails that we’re sure you’ll enjoy for a long time to come.
Boasting 550 miles of public bike trails spread over more than 20 routes, LA offers scenic views on pathways of various difficulties. Whether you’re a weekend cyclist looking for a leisurely scenic ride with views of the Pacific Ocean, or a seasoned mountain biker looking for a more challenging trail to train on, you’re bound to find the right path for you. Here are nine of the best biking trails in LA.
Ballona Creek Bike Path
The Ballona Creek Bike Path runs along Ballona Creek from Syd Kronenthal Park in Culver City to Marina Del Ray. Popular among wildlife enthusiasts and weekend cyclists, the mostly asphalt and concrete trail will take you through greenways, wetlands, and residential neighborhoods before ending at a beach path that offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The Ballona Creek Bike Path has several access points that connect with residential streets, making it easy to customize your route.
Trail type: One-way
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7 miles
Marvin Braude Bike Trail
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Lovingly known as The Strand by locals and featured in hundreds of movies and TV shows, the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail is the definition of coastal vibes. Running along the Los Angeles County coastline from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach and circling Marina Del Rey, the concrete and asphalt trail has picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean courtesy of the Santa Monica Pier and miles of beachfront and shoreline.
Trail type: One-way
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 22 miles
Rio Hondo River Trail
The multi-use Rio Hondo River Trail runs through several neighborhoods along the Rio Hondo River. It starts at the Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia and follows along the channel to the Whittier Creek Recreation Area before coming to an end at the start of the Los Angeles River Trail. Popular with families who enjoy the ample green spaces and the expansive mountain views, the concrete and asphalt trail also offers wildlife experiences at the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area.
Trail type: One-way
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 17 miles
Chandler Bikeway
Converted from an old rail line, the Chandler Bikeway is a paved trail extensively lined with landscaped greenery like scrubs and flowerbeds. Riding along the path through Burbank to North Hollywood, you’ll spot dozens of public art pieces, charming and unique homes, and several farms that provide produce to the local community. The views of the Verdugo Mountains are a main attraction of the Chandler Bikeway.
Trail type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6 miles
Mount Hollywood Bike Loop
Circling Griffin Park, one of LA’s many urban oases, the Mount Hollywood Bike Loop offers views of North Hollywood, Glendale, Burbank, and Universal City from the Mount Hollywood Summit. As your elevation increases, the trail is paved in some places, while you’ll encounter gravel and dirt roads in others. The loop also passes by the well-known Griffith Observatory rail and is popular among seasoned mountain bikers and cyclists for its unique views, moderate slopes, and hilly terrain.
Trail type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8 miles
Los Angeles River Trail
The paved Los Angeles River trail is divided into two sections parallel to the river. The northern section transverses several residential communities from Glendale and Burbank to Egret Park, while the southern section of the trail runs from the small industrial community of Vernon down to Long Beach. Due to recent revitalization efforts, much of the course is lined, with new parks and green spaces that offer ample opportunities to rest and see the sights.
Trail type: One-way
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 24 miles
Orange Line Bike Path
Primarily used by commuters and residents as an alternative to the Metro’s Orange Line rapid busway, the Orange Line Bike Path travels through several LA neighborhoods, from North Hollywood to Woodland Hills. The path offers a tranquil ride with views of wildlife and nature as it travels through Anthony C. Beilenson Park. The Orange Line is one of the few bike trails offering a car-free experience.
Trail type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 18 miles
Arroyo Seco Bike Path
The paved Arroyo Seco Bike Path travels along the Arroyo Seco stream from South Pasadena to Mount Washington, providing diverse views of the area’s landscape. The short path runs through residential enclaves to rolling hillsides and views of the San Gabriel Mountains. You’ll get stunning views of the LA skyline and the distant mountains.
Trail type: One-way
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2 miles
San Fernando Road Bike Path
The San Fernando Road Bike Path travels from Pacoima to San Fernando, where it parallels the Metrolink. Fully paved, the bike path is landscaped, fenced, and lighted, giving riders lush greenery and enhanced safety when riding in the evenings. A popular way for San Fernando residents to access the commercial and business areas of the city, recent renovations extended the San Fernando Road Bike Path through Sun Valley to the Hollywood Burbank Airport.
Trail type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6 miles
At Teak Master, we can’t think of a better way to spend a beautiful sunny day in LA than biking one of these nine beautiful bike trails. Did we forget to mention your favorite trail? If so, Contact us and let us know so we can add it to our list.
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