After practicing my mountain biking skills lately , I became curious about where I could challenge my abilities. Since Southern California is closest to me, I decided to put together a list of the best mountain biking trails in the area to narrow down my search. Whenever I decide to make the trip, I will definitely check out these 17 epic trails.
What are the best mountain biking trails in Southern California? The ideal mountain biking trail for you will depend on your level of experience and the kind of ride you are seeking out. Some of the best mountain biking trails in Southern California overall include the Ken Burton Loop and Topanga Creek Outpost Loop near Los Angeles.
The New Millennium Trail in the Malibu area is great for gaining beautiful views of Calabasas, while the Jesusita and Tequepis Trails are ideal for scenic rides in the Santa Barbara area. Regardless of the path that you choose, Southern California is one of the most beautiful places to navigate behind the wheels of a mountain bike.
If you have ever wanted to try mountain biking in Southern California but didn’t know where to start just like I did, this quick and easy guide will help you find exactly what you are looking for. No matter what your level of experience is with mountain biking, there is certainly something for you along the West Coast.
Keep reading for a comprehensive list of 17 epic mountain biking trails in Southern California. Each section will hold a detailed description of what you can expect on the trails as far as terrain and difficulty level, which will make it easier to decide which pathway is right for you.
1. Ken Burton Loop
The Ken Burton Loop mountain biking trail is located within the Angeles National Forest, which is about 15 miles out from Downtown Los Angeles. This trail was built in the early 1990s, and is the only official mountain biking trail that exists throughout the entire forest, even still to this day.
In 2009, there was a fire in the forest, which caused significant damage to the trail. However, it was restored for several years until it was opened back up again in the year 2015. The entire scenic trail stretches 14 miles in a loop, and is a smooth ride for the most part.
If you decide to take the Ken Burton Trail for a spin on your mountain bike, you can expect to have a steep ride for the first couple of miles, with flat ground for the rest of the way. This trail is perfect for those who are looking for a relaxing bike ride that doesn’t require too much climbing.
2. Portuguese Bend Reserve Loop
The Portuguese Bend Reserve Loops is located inside the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy in Southern California. This trail is almost 30 miles away from Lost Angeles, but is definitely worth the trip if that’s where you’re coming from.
The great thing about this trail in particular is the fact that there are ocean views along the way. This trail is ideal for enthusiastic mountain bikers who are looking to challenge their muscles and skills.
While it’s not the easiest of mountain biking trails, the end of this intermediate trail is a a leisurely downhill stroll. If you plan to take a trip to the reserve loop, you will want to make sure that you bring a map of the area. Due to the fact that the trail is not marked clearly along the way, you will want to be prepared in this aspect.
3. Topanga Creek Outpost Loop
The Topanga Creek Outpost Loop, found inside of Topanga State Park, is a mountain biking trail of moderate difficulty. The entire trail is fashioned in the form of a largely open loop, and includes some consistent climbing up the rocky terrain.
The brave mountain bikers that choose to embark on this journey will be rewarded with the views of an expansive meadow at the peak of the climb. The best time to take the Topanga Creek Outpost Loop is in the spring, when the meadow is full of colorful wildflowers.
This loop has much more beauty to offer than just the wildflowers, though. In case you are planning a trip any other time of the year, you can look forward to breathtaking views of Mulholland Drive, San Fernando Valley, and of course, the ocean. Topanga State Park also boasts clear views of bright red canyons.
While taking this trail, you will want to be careful not to get too distracted by the views, though. The roads can get confusing and bumpy in some areas, with a waterfall near the end of the trail.
4. Backbone Trail
The Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area is home to an advanced mountain biking trail called the Backbone Trail. This particular trail will certainly provide a challenge to the mountain bikers who are seeking one.
With plenty of twists and turns throughout the trail, there is never a dull moment when you are riding through the indicated pathways. And don’t worry, it wouldn’t be a Southern California mountain biking trail without striking views of the Pacific Ocean alongside you.
The views of the ocean area accompanied by a birds-eye view of Hollywood and, of course, the Santa Monica Mountains. The entire trail stretches from Will Rogers State Historic Park all the way to Temescal Bridge, looping you back around to where you started from.
5. Cheeseboro Loop
The Cheeseboro Loop is a smaller part within the Sheep Corral Trail, a remote area that is away from the fire roads that make up most of Southern California’s mountain biking trails. This trail is considered to be intermediate to advanced, with some technical areas.
If you like to get away from the city and prefer to be more secluded, this trail is perfect for you. Before you head out, you should be aware that you will be too far out to receive any cell phone signals, so it’s a good idea to bring a map with you.
On top of that, you probably will not see anyone else on this trail throughout your entire trip. So, if that’s your thing, you should certainly check it out.
The beginning of the trail will include a steep climb totaling about 5 miles, leading you to a much easier ride for the rest of the duration. The easiest way to access this trail is to cut through the Cheeseboro Canyon Trail.
6. New Millennium Trail
The New Millennium Trail is located within the Malibu Creek State Park, providing mountain bikers with striking views of Calabasas and the Hills.
This trail is considered to be of advanced level, even though it is a pretty straight forward ride with a single trail that is difficult to veer away from. In terms of the actual ride, you can expect lots of climbs and fast turns throughout your journey.
If you want to add a little bit more of a challenge to this already-steep bike trail, you can extend the ride by continuing on to the Las Virgenes trail once you have reached the end of this one.
All in all, the New Millennium Trail is perfect for the mountain bikers who are looking for an easy-to-navigate path that will challenge their ability to climb and adapt to fast turns.
7. Guadalasca Trail
The Point Mugu State Park in Malibu holds the 6 mile Guadalasca Trail, which is just a small piece of the total 70 miles throughout the park. If the 3 miles each way seems a little short to you, it can be extended with the Backbone Trail at the end for a longer and more challenging ride.
The views that are included along the trail will certainly pull you in and make you want to stay even longer, which is why it is suggested that you keep going even after the trail has officially ended.
Out of the entire 6 mile journey forward and back, almost ninety percent of it will provide you with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. Along with the scenery, you can expect a nice cool breeze from the nearby water throughout the whole trip.
The best time to ride this trail is in the morning or at night, where you can enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets all around you with cool weather that is bearable, and even enjoyable, for such a consistent workout.
While navigating this trail at the beginning or end of the day, you will also be more likely to have it all to yourself. This particular area will be the most crowded during the daytime and on the weekends, which is why it is best to stay one step ahead and claim the entire trail during the least popular time frames.
8. San Juan Trail
For the mountain bikers that are seeking out a trail that will challenge their skills and endurance, the San Juan trail near San Juan Capistrano might be just the right place to go.
This is a very difficult trail that includes lots of climbing and switchbacks throughout the narrow pathway, which is why it is best for the most advanced of mountain bikers.
While this trail can be very challenging for beginning bikers, it can still be done with a lot of effort and determination, although it is best to know what you are doing before taking on such a steep and rocky trail.
Once you have gotten the hard part of climbing uphill over with, the last 11 miles of the trail will reward you with an easy downhill transition back to the bottom of the mountain. Therefore, not all of the trail will be as hard as it sounds if you are able to make it through the first half.
Since this trail holds such a high reputation among the mountain biking community, you can expect it to be very crowded, no matter when you decide to go.
9. Chiquito Trail
The Chiquito Trail is another advanced mountain biking trail in Southern California. It is a single track pathway that begins at the Blue Jay Campground, with constant views of forest and rocky mountains.
The entire trail covers a distance of about 9 miles, and begins as a relatively easy ride. However, don’t get too caught up in this part of the trail.
Although the beginning of the pathway can be deceiving, it definitely will not tell you how difficult the rest of the trail will be. After the first few miles, you will soon discover a very bumpy and rocky trail with obstacles in every direction once the smooth sailing has come to an end.
While this is nowhere near the easiest mountain biking trail in Southern California, it is great for those who appreciate a challenge and want to get a pretty good workout with beautiful views of nature surrounding the trail.
10. Noble Canyon Trail
The Noble Canyon Trail is located in the southeast area of San Diego in Southern California. This is an advanced trail that includes lots of different terrain throughout the path.
The desirable and mild weather in San Diego does not exclude this breezy trail. With green views of lush hills surrounding you, there is tons of beauty to enjoy while you are cruising along this path. However, do not expect this trail to be easy whatsoever.
Despite the wonderful weather and post-card worthy scenery, it is still considered to be an advanced trail.
During this ride, you can expect to experience a difficult single track with smooth dirt, rocks, or sand at any given moment. You should also be prepared for quick and tight switchbacks on this trail.
11. Del Cerro Trail
The Del Cerro Trail in Palos Verdes is one of the most scenic mountain biking trails on this list. With views of the Pacific Ocean and green rolling hills of grass and flowers, you are sure to enjoy your time here.
The total distance of this trail is 10 miles long, with a relatively smooth terrain throughout the entire thing, although the track can get rather technical in some areas.
Other mountain bikers have caught on fast to the beauty of this trail, so you can expect it to be crowded during the day, especially if you travel on a weekend. The best time to beat the crowds is the early morning if you’d rather avoid the interaction.
12. Aliso Canyon and Wood Canyon Park Trail
The Aliso Canyon and Wood Canyon Park Trail is one of Orange County’s greatest treasures. If you happen to be in this area, you should cruise down this intermediate trail within the parks system.
This particular trail is unique due to all of the wildlife that you are likely to pass along the way. These animals can include snakes, bobcats, and even haws flying above you as you move further along the trail.
This 10 mile trail is a popular one, and there is not much that you can do to avoid the crowds, but the views are worth it if you are able to share the trail.
13. Gebrielino Trail Mountain Bike Trail
The Gabrielino Trail is closest to Los Angeles in Southern California, and is composed of a technical single track with a relatively high difficulty level.
For the most experienced and daring mountain bikers, this trail is full of unique challenges such as stream crossings and tight switchbacks on a narrow trail.
While a convenient shuttle ride can get you to the top of the trail quicker than you will arrive traveling by bike, the hard work that you put in at the beginning of the trail will definitely challenge your skills.
At the end of the trail toward the bottom, you will be in for a surprise when you reach the rocky stream crossing. Once you reach this point, you will be faced with the decision to ride through the area or walk with your bike in hand.
14. Jesusita Trail
The Jesusita Trail is located just a few miles out from Santa Barbara, California. One of the most sought after mountain biking trails in the area, it provides tons of challenges and thrills along the pathway.
On this particular trail, you can expect to ride over rocks and make sharp turns. The trail will begin with over one thousand feet of climbing on an uphill terrain, which will require lots of strength and endurance.
You will be reminded of why you chose to push through the initial climb once you reach the top and discover breathtaking views of the Channel Islands and the Pacific Ocean. On the opposite side, you will also have a clear shot of the Santa Barbara skyline, with plenty of city lights and bright green hills.
The remainder of the ride will not be as difficult and advanced as the first part, with smooth downhill terrain. Before you head out to the Jesusita Trail, it is a good idea to come equipped with a bell of some sort.
Due to the fact that you will likely be sharing this trail with hikers and runners who want to enjoy the same views that you came for, you will want to be able to let them know you are coming around the corners to avoid any accidents.
This beautiful trail doesn’t have to end when it is supposed to, either. You can extend the ride by continuing onto the Tunnel Trail once you reach the bottom. Alternaticely, you can choose to take the Seven Falls, Arlington Peak, or Cathedral Peak tails instead.
15. Romero Canyon
The Romero Canyon Mountain Biking Trail is an advanced scenic trail that offers plenty of options for a tricky and adrenaline-filled ride. There are two separate ways that you can go with this particular trail.
Before you begin, you can choose to go down the Romero Fire Road or choose the single track trail instead. The fire road can be considered intermediate level, but includes a very steep uphill climb. This trail is accessed from the bottom of the Bella Vista Drive trailhead.
If you choose this path, you can expect lots of rocks and washout along the way that provide some level of technical difficulty along this near 7 mile trail.
On the contrary, you can go the opposite way and stick with the single route Romero Canyon Trail. This path is much more difficult and even more rocky than the first option. While this one is less than 5 miles long, you can expect lots of climbs and fast turns.
The good thing about this particular ride is that you don’t have to choose one or the other. Since both trails are interconnected on either side, you can take one route up and another one down.
The experienced mountain bikers who would like to push themselves further and make a day out of this activity can take one path uphill and another down, proceeding to climb back up the same path and traveling downhill on the other in order to experience both terrains.
16. Camuesa Connector
The Camuesa Connector, located about 10 miles from Santa Barbara, is a back route that follows a wide open loop around green hills on grassy trails.
While there are tons of switchbacks on this trail, there are also plenty of beautiful views to enjoy while you are navigating through them. The ride will begin with a climb for approximately two miles, with up to four miles of an easier single track pathway.
This ride will end with another four mile long open trail that will be relatively easy and smooth to travel through, and will lead you directly back to where you started. This trail can be considered intermediate level, with a combination of steep climbs and easier pavement areas.
17. Tequepis Trail
The Tequepis Trail is one of the easier trails that Southern California has to offer for mountain bikers. Located near the Santa Barbara area, this wonderful trail can be accessed from the Gun Club on West Camino Cielo.
There is an option to take a shuttle from this location, or you can access the trail directly from the head of the Circle V Trail.
The shortcut from the Circle V Trail will make the ride a total of 9 miles long, while the alternative option will extend the trip to about 11 miles. With thousands of feet of elevation along the way, this journey will take a lot of endurance.
In the midst of your cardio workout, you will notice picturesque views of the Cachuma Lake, with even more views of the coast of Southern California for those who make it to the top of the summit.
While this is one of the most beautiful beginner-level mountain biking trails in the area, it is also one of the most populated. There will rarely be a time where you have this particular trail all to yourself, so you should be prepared to share before you embark on this journey.
As you can see, there are plenty of mountain biking trails covering miles of land throughout Southern California. With a combination of city and mountain views, there is a lot to experience on these challenging yet rewarding pathways.
Each trail has a specified difficulty level, with some being more simple to navigate than the others when it comes to the rocky terrains and speed of turns and switchbacks along the way.
Depending on the experience that you have with mountain biking in combination with the challenge that you are seeking out, there is certainly something for you in the beautiful state of California.
Related Questions
Can mountain bikes be used on the road?
Mountain bikes are constructed in a way that makes it easy for the rider to pedal in rockier terrain, while the pedals will slow down on flat surfaces such as the pavement on the road. However, it is not impossible to use them on the road, and they actually still provide a very comfortable transition even in these circumstances.
Is spinning equivalent to mountain biking in terms of fitness?
When spinning and mountain biking are compared in terms of fitness, mountain biking actually provides a better workout. Due to the fact that mountain bikes are actually used on the road, they require cardio and core strength at the same time, while using more muscle groups than the ones that are required for spinning.
What is the difference between a regular bike and a mountain bike?
The difference between a regular bike and a mountain bike is pretty much what they are used for. Both vehicles carry out very similar functions and have almost identical working pieces, the only discrepancy between the two is that one is intended to be used on flat pavement while the other is supposed to be operated in more rocky areas.