The best gravel rides in Fond Wilderness Preserve
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riders
7
rides
Gravel biking in Fond Wilderness Preserve offers challenging routes through hilly terrain and open spaces. The area features significant elevation gains, characteristic of its crests and canyon roads. Riders can expect varied landscapes, including sections that traverse natural open space and connect to established trails.
Best gravel bike trails in Fond Wilderness Preserve
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Verdugo Crest Trail Trailhead – Verdugo Peak loop from Burbank Airport–North, a 23.8 mile (38.4 km) trail that takes…
Last updated: May 16, 2026
14
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
39.7km
03:13
930m
930m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
riders
25.8km
02:00
520m
520m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
58.0km
04:12
1,170m
1,170m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
23.8km
02:19
810m
810m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A solid entry to the Verdugo Mountains with rewarding climbs and views, but watch the start—there are ruts and leftover metal pieces on the trail. Stay alert and pick your line carefully to avoid punctures or spills before the smoother sections begin.
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You can approach this 3,124-foot peak from several directions, but the multi-use Verdugo Motorway is the most common uphill option.
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Immerse yourself in a vibrant display of wildflowers blooming across the landscape in the spring. Embark on the popular Oak Springs Trail for a scenic hike. Depending on the season, you might be rewarded with a breathtaking waterfall and refreshing pool. Explore the trail further on foot, leaving your bike at the trailhead.
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Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Angeles National Forest, with towering trees and lush greenery providing a tranquil escape. Spot diverse wildlife, from majestic birds to playful squirrels, as you journey through this natural wonderland.
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The Oak Springs Trailhead and Picnic Area has three picnic sites, vault toilets, and trash receptacles. There are also two hitching rails for horses, but there is no water for animals or people at this trailhead. The Oak Springs Trail is a popular trail that, depending on the season, takes you to a small waterfall and pool. This trail also has amazing wildflowers in the spring, but can have ticks so please be sure to wear long pants and check yourself after your hike.
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Verdugo Peak stands at 1835 feet and is a remote feeling summit off of the Verdugo Motorway. This sunny summit grants you fantastic views across the Verdugo Mountains and the valley below. In the spring there are often wildflowers along the motorway.
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From this vantage point at the top of some winding switchbacks, you get great views of Brand Park, the town of Glendale, the hills and peaks of Griffith Park, and the entire LA valley. This is a great place to sip some water and snap some photos before continuing on your hike.
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The Doctors House in Brand Park is one of Glendale’s two remaining Queen Anne-Eastlake style Victorian homes. Built in 1888, four notable doctors in a row lived in it, giving the the house its name. It is currently listed on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources and amazing place for any history or architecture-lover to visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall difficulty level of gravel biking trails in Fond Wilderness Preserve?
Gravel biking in Fond Wilderness Preserve is characterized by challenging routes. All six of the documented trails are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and hilly terrain.
Are there any beginner-friendly gravel bike trails in Fond Wilderness Preserve?
Based on the available information, all gravel bike trails in Fond Wilderness Preserve are rated as difficult. Riders should be prepared for substantial climbs and challenging terrain, making them less suitable for beginners.
What are the typical distances and durations for gravel bike routes in Fond Wilderness Preserve?
The gravel bike routes in Fond Wilderness Preserve vary in length and time. For example, the Flat Discovery loop from Burbank Airport–South is about 16.0 miles (25.8 km) and takes around 2 hours. Longer routes, such as the Flat Discovery – Dillon Divide loop from Burbank Airport–South, stretch to 36.5 miles (58.7 km) and can take over 5 hours to complete.
Are the gravel bike trails in Fond Wilderness Preserve primarily loop routes?
Yes, many of the popular gravel biking options in Fond Wilderness Preserve are designed as loops. This allows riders to start and finish at the same point, such as the LA City Open Space loop from Hansen Dam Recreation Area or the MRCA Open Space – La Tuna Canyon Road loop from Downtown Burbank.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the gravel bike trails?
Riders can expect varied landscapes, including hilly terrain, open spaces, and sections that traverse natural open space. The routes often feature significant elevation gains, characteristic of crests and canyon roads.
Where can I typically find parking for gravel biking in Fond Wilderness Preserve?
While specific parking facilities are not detailed, routes often start from established locations like 'Burbank Airport–North', 'Hansen Dam Recreation Area', or 'Downtown Burbank', suggesting that parking is generally available at or near these starting points.
What makes the gravel biking in Fond Wilderness Preserve challenging?
The challenging nature of gravel biking in Fond Wilderness Preserve stems from its significant elevation gains, hilly terrain, and the mix of open spaces and canyon roads. Riders should be prepared for demanding ascents and descents.
Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots along the gravel routes?
While specific viewpoints are not listed, routes like the Verdugo Crest Trail Trailhead – Verdugo Peak loop from Burbank Airport–North are noted for offering panoramic views from the crest, indicating scenic opportunities along the higher elevations.
How many gravel bike routes are available in Fond Wilderness Preserve?
There are 6 documented gravel bike routes in Fond Wilderness Preserve, all of which are rated as difficult.
What do other gravel bikers say about their experience in Fond Wilderness Preserve?
Over 40 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Fond Wilderness Preserve. They often highlight the challenging nature of the routes, the significant climbs, and the varied terrain, including open spaces and crests.
Is Fond Wilderness Preserve suitable for family gravel biking?
Given that all documented routes in Fond Wilderness Preserve are rated as difficult and involve significant elevation gains, it is generally not considered suitable for family gravel biking with young children or inexperienced riders.
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