The best gravel rides around Santa Monica
4.8
(11)
295
riders
19
rides
Gravel biking around Santa Monica offers a diverse landscape for riders, blending coastal paths with rugged mountain terrain. The region is characterized by the expansive Santa Monica Mountains, providing a network of fire roads, dirt trails, and paved sections suitable for gravel bikes. Riders can experience significant elevation changes within the mountains, while also accessing flat, scenic routes along the Pacific coastline. This unique geographical position allows for varied gravel riding experiences, from challenging climbs to leisurely coastal spins.
Best gravel bike trails around Santa Monica
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Inspiration Loop Trail, a 4.3 miles (6.9 km) trail that takes 33 minutes to complete. This easy route offers panoramic ocean and city views from Will Rogers State Historic Park.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Palisades Park β San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint loop from 26th Street/Bergamot, a difficult 35.8 miles (57.7 km) path. This route connects coastal park views with mountain viewpoints, traversing varied terrain.
- Local gravel bikers also love the The Hub (Topanga State Park) β Marvin Braude Bike Trail loop from 17th Street/SMC, a 31.8 miles (51.1 km) trail leading through Topanga State Park and along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, often completed in about 4 hours 46 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Santa Monica is defined by coastal paths, mountain fire roads, and canyon trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to challenging long-distance routes.
- The routes in Santa Monica are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 300 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Santa Monica's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
6.91km
00:33
140m
140m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
62
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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35
riders
50.0km
04:00
1,100m
1,100m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
22
riders
62.1km
05:15
1,390m
1,390m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
24
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Santa Monica
Tips from the Community
This is a great place to have a quick rest to take in the view over Santa Monica and its famouse pier.
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This is an interesting historic landmark as well as a working polo field. There is parking on the north side of the field and if you ride through on a Saturday or Sunday, you might even catch a game here.
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The Will Rogers Historic Stable was at the center of this historic ranchβs equestrian life. Up to 30 horses lived, trained, and rested there. Riders would gather in the large rotunda to saddle up, and polo horses were cared for and turned out after matches. Will Rogers even built a hidden staircase to access it unnoticed and wrote about how his horses lived better than he did.
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San Vicente Mountain Park, located 2.7 miles west of the 405 freeway on an unpaved section of Mulholland Drive, has awesome 360-degree views and access to extensive hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. The 10.2-acre park has public picnic areas, bathrooms, and is a gateway to Westridge Canyonback Park and the 20,000-acre βBig Wildβ wilderness area. A short walk along a wide dirt road leads visitors to this historic site, which once housed a Nike-Ajax missile radar station during the Cold War (1956β1968). The original radar tower now provides panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Encino Reservoir, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles Basin, making it one of the best spots in the region to watch a sunset.
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If I remember correctly it says in 3 languages: Our Days begin as stories, But I'll have to read it again with daylight
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This is a handy connector trail, used mostly to go downhill from The Hub to the Bent Arrow Trail, or you can keep going all the way to Mulholland Drive with a climb at the very end.
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Your climb up to the ridgeline will be rewarded with an excellent view of the surrounding area.
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West Mandeville Fire Road is a 3.7-mile trail located on the eastern edge of Topanga State Park. This popular, steep trail climbs from Santa Monica to Mulholland Drive and San Vicente Mountain Park, offering sweeping views of the city, mountains, and adjcent canyons. The wide fire road is ideal for biking, but is not a technical trail. It is popular with horseback riders and and hikers, so be on the look out for them. There is little shade so it can get hot, but this means that you get great views! The trail can be accessed from Mandeville Canyon Park in Santa Monica at the staging area at the end of Westridge Road, with access on the west side of the lot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Santa Monica?
There are over 20 gravel bike trails available around Santa Monica, offering a diverse range of experiences. The komoot community has explored these routes over 300 times, with an average rating of 4.9 stars.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails in Santa Monica?
Gravel biking in Santa Monica offers a mix of terrain, from flat coastal paths like the Marvin Braude Bike Trail to rugged mountain fire roads and dirt trails within the Santa Monica Mountains. You'll encounter both paved sections and unpaved surfaces, with significant elevation changes possible in the mountain areas.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica generally enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, making it suitable for gravel biking in most seasons. Spring and fall offer particularly comfortable temperatures. While winters are mild, checking the weather forecast is always recommended, especially for mountain routes, as conditions can vary.
Are there any easy gravel bike trails suitable for beginners or families in Santa Monica?
Yes, for an easier ride, consider the Inspiration Loop Trail in Will Rogers State Historic Park. This 4.3-mile route is rated easy and offers panoramic ocean and city views, making it a great option for those new to gravel biking or looking for a more relaxed outing.
What are the difficulty levels of gravel bike trails in Santa Monica?
The gravel bike trails around Santa Monica cater to various skill levels. While there is one easy route, the majority of the 21 available routes are rated as difficult, with two routes considered moderate. Challenging routes often feature significant elevation gains and varied terrain within the Santa Monica Mountains.
Are there any long-distance gravel bike routes available?
Yes, Santa Monica offers several long-distance gravel routes. For example, the The Hub (Topanga State Park) β San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint loop from 17th Street/SMC is over 38 miles (62 km) long, featuring substantial elevation gain and connecting key mountain viewpoints.
Can I find circular gravel bike routes in Santa Monica?
Many of the gravel bike routes in Santa Monica are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Palisades Park β San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint loop and the The Hub (Topanga State Park) β Marvin Braude Bike Trail loop, which combine coastal and mountain scenery.
What scenic viewpoints or landmarks can I see along the gravel bike trails?
Many gravel routes offer stunning views. You can find panoramic ocean and city vistas from the Inspiration Point on the Inspiration Loop Trail. Other routes may lead you to the San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint, offering 360-degree views, or past the historic San Vicente Mountain Nike Missile Radar Tower. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area itself is rich with natural beauty.
Is parking available at Santa Monica gravel trailheads?
Yes, parking is generally available at or near many trailheads in the Santa Monica Mountains. For routes starting in Santa Monica itself, you might find street parking or designated lots, though these can be busy. It's advisable to check specific trailhead information for parking availability and any potential fees.
How accessible are Santa Monica's gravel trails by public transport?
While some trailheads, particularly those closer to the city, might be accessible via Santa Monica's public transport system (Big Blue Bus) or Metro lines, many of the mountain-based gravel trails are less directly served. Planning your route and checking public transport schedules in advance is recommended if you intend to use it.
Are there places to eat or drink near the gravel bike trails?
Yes, Santa Monica and its surrounding areas offer numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs. After a ride, you can find a variety of options in downtown Santa Monica, along the coast, or in communities bordering the Santa Monica Mountains. Some routes, especially those that loop back into urban areas, will pass by convenient spots for refreshments.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy the most about gravel biking in Santa Monica?
The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in Santa Monica, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Riders frequently praise the unique blend of coastal scenery and challenging mountain terrain, the variety of routes for different skill levels, and the stunning viewpoints that offer panoramic ocean and city vistas.
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