4.4
(5)
162
riders
9
rides
Mountain biking near Alhambra, California, offers access to diverse landscapes beyond the city's local parks. The region serves as a gateway to more extensive trail networks in the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest. Terrain includes rolling hills, canyons, and forested areas, providing varied riding conditions. These areas feature shared trails for hikers and bikers, with options ranging from flat loops to routes with significant elevation changes.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
4.8
(4)
89
riders
21.2km
01:49
480m
480m
The El Prieto Trail loop offers a challenging mountain biking experience, winding through a lush, oak-lined canyon with frequent stream crossings and technical singletrack. You'll encounter tight switchbacks and rockβ¦
14
riders
42.8km
03:33
810m
810m
The Brookside Park β Wella's Peak loop from Allen is a difficult mountain biking route that plunges you into the rugged beauty of the Angeles National Forest. You'll navigate aβ¦

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7
riders
37.9km
02:38
590m
590m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
22.9km
01:42
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
65.0km
05:37
1,770m
1,770m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Short tunnel on the eastern slope below San Gabriel Peak, part of the old Mt Lowe Motorway, that was never paved. The tunnel is very short, so you don't have to worry about bringing light. The road continues to the trailhead half a mile uphill.
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Henninger Flats sits along the road with views of Altadena. Youβll pass by it while climbing the Mt. Wilson Toll Road and can take a moment to catch your breath while enjoying the views. The route features a steady climb with minimal shade, so itβs best to start early, especially in summer. At the top, enjoy panoramic views of the San Gabriel Valley and explore the area, which includes a visitor center, picnic spots, and a tree nursery.
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Cherry Canyon Park is an area of 130 acres in the San Rafael Hills, close to La CaΓ±ada Flintridge. It features multiple trails and fire roads for horses, mountain bikers and hikers, but also various single tracks that are only for hiking. From the trails, you will get a great overview over the area.
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The road south creates a nice, fast, gradual descent from the north side of Altadena. Just be safe and keep an eye out for cross-traffic at the intersections.
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Defenders Park is a small neighborhood park in the southwest corner of Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevard, along the California Mission Trail. There is plenty of open space surrounded by trees for shade, along with drinking fountains, perfect for a quick break during a run.
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Explore the looped road around the summit of Mount Wilson, a prominent peak known for its historic Mount Wilson Observatory. The summit houses telescopes, solar towers, and the modern CHARA Array for stellar research. Standing at 5,710 feet, Mount Wilson offers sweeping views of the Los Angeles Basin, the Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands on clear days. This site also serves as a major broadcast hub for the Greater Los Angeles area, easy to see with the numerous antennas and relay facilities sticking out all over the summit.
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Brookside Park is Pasadena's largest fully maintained park at 61.1 acres. It sits south of Rose Bowl Stadium with tons of parking off Arroyo Boulevard. The park features a lighted baseball diamond, two softball diamonds, and a large, lighted, multi-purpose field for soccer and flag football. There is also a speaker's platform with permanent seating, numerous picnic tables, barbecue pits, a play area, restrooms, and drinking fountains.
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A short climb leads up to the Mt Wilson summit that's covered with telecommunications towers
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There are 8 mountain bike trails documented around Alhambra on komoot, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult. These trails provide access to diverse landscapes in the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest.
The terrain around Alhambra offers a mix of rolling hills, canyons, and forested areas. You'll find shared trails with options ranging from relatively flat loops, like the well-known Rose Bowl Loop Track, to routes with significant elevation changes, particularly in the Angeles National Forest.
Yes, there is 1 easy mountain bike trail available. For a more relaxed ride, the Rose Bowl Loop Track in Pasadena is a popular, flat 3-mile loop suitable for all skill levels. While not listed as an easy komoot tour, it's a great starting point for beginners.
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking longer distances and elevation, routes like Wella's Peak β Pasadena Historic City Hall loop from Memorial Park cover 22.3 miles with significant elevation gain. Another option is the Brookside Park β Cherry Canyon Park loop from Highland Park, which is 23.5 miles long.
Southern California generally offers good mountain biking conditions year-round, but spring and fall are often ideal due to milder temperatures. Summers can be hot, especially at lower elevations, so early morning rides are recommended. Winters are typically mild, though higher elevation trails in the Angeles National Forest may experience snow or colder conditions.
Yes, many of the trails around Alhambra are loops. Examples include the Henninger Flats loop from Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, the Brookside Park β Cherry Canyon Park loop from Highland Park, and the Ridge Motorway β Defenders Park loop from Memorial Park.
While general access to the Angeles National Forest for recreational purposes typically does not require a permit, some specific areas or activities might. It's always best to check the official Angeles National Forest website for the most current information regarding permits or Adventure Passes, especially for parking at certain trailheads.
Beyond the trails, you can explore various attractions. The Historic Colorado Street Bridge is a notable landmark. For nature lovers, Bosque del Rio Hondo offers a natural forest setting, and several lakes like Silver Lake Reservoir and Debs Lake are also nearby.
Public transport options for reaching specific mountain bike trailheads in the greater Los Angeles area can be limited, especially for trails deep within the Angeles National Forest. However, some areas like the Rose Bowl Loop Track in Pasadena are more accessible via local bus routes, though bringing a bike on public transport may have restrictions. Driving and parking are generally the most convenient ways to access trailheads.
The mountain bike trails around Alhambra are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, from challenging climbs to scenic descents, and the rewarding vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains. The variety of routes caters to different skill levels, making it a popular destination for many.
While dedicated family-specific mountain bike trails are not explicitly listed, the Rose Bowl Loop Track in Pasadena is a flat, paved 3-mile loop that is very popular and suitable for families with children who are comfortable on bikes. For off-road experiences, look for trails designated as 'easy' or 'moderate' and consider their length and elevation before heading out with family.
Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many popular trailheads in areas like the Angeles National Forest or near the Rose Bowl in Pasadena offer designated parking lots. It's advisable to check specific trail information or local park websites for details on parking facilities and any potential fees or permits required, such as an Adventure Pass for certain National Forest areas.


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