The best traffic-free bike rides around Los Angeles
4.9
(11)
310
riders
14
rides
Gravel biking around Los Angeles offers a diverse landscape, transitioning from urban areas to extensive natural environments. The region is characterized by prominent mountain ranges like the Santa Monica Mountains and Angeles National Forest, featuring vast networks of fire roads and trails. Riders can explore rugged peaks, deep canyons, and rolling hills, often with panoramic ocean and city views. This varied terrain provides a wide array of options for gravel cyclists.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Los Angeles
- The most popular no traffic gravel bike trail is Inspiration Loop Trail, a 4.3 miles (6.9 km) trail that takes 33 minutes to complete. This easy loop offers panoramic ocean and city views, suitable for all fitness levels.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is The Hub (Topanga State Park) β San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint loop from Woodland Hills, a difficult 24.5 miles (39.4 km) path. This route features significant elevation gain through the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Local gravel bikers also love the San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint β West Mandeville Fire Road loop from Santa Monica Mountains, a 16.4 miles (26.5 km) trail leading through the Santa Monica Mountains, often completed in about 2 hours 27 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Los Angeles is defined by extensive fire roads, challenging mountain climbs, and scenic coastal views. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to advanced, multi-hour adventures.
- The routes in Los Angeles are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 300 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Los Angeles's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
6.91km
00:33
140m
140m
The Inspiration Loop Trail in Will Rogers State Historic Park offers an easy 4.3-mile gravel bike ride with panoramic ocean and city views.
5.0
(2)
22
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
24
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
27
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
26.3km
02:18
790m
790m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Topanga State Park has a lot of great trails, mostly for hikers; you have plenty of mountain bike options too, but only on the fire roads. No dogs allowed β sorry!
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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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Sweeping panoramic overlook across Pacific Palisades, West LA, Santa Monica, and the Pacific Ocean bay at the junction of Paseo Miramar and Los Leones Trail
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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 no-traffic gravel bike trails are available in the Los Angeles area?
Our guide features 14 curated no-traffic gravel bike routes around Los Angeles, ranging from easy loops to challenging mountain climbs. These routes are specifically chosen to offer a car-free riding experience.
What makes Los Angeles a great destination for no-traffic gravel biking?
Los Angeles offers a unique blend of urban proximity and vast natural environments, providing diverse terrain for gravel biking. You can find extensive networks of fire roads and trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, challenging climbs in the Angeles National Forest, and scenic routes in Griffith Park, all designed to keep you away from vehicle traffic.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly no-traffic gravel bike trails in Los Angeles?
Yes, there are options suitable for beginners. For instance, the Inspiration Loop Trail in Will Rogers State Historic Park is an easy 4.3-mile loop offering panoramic ocean and city views, perfect for all fitness levels. This guide includes 1 easy route and 2 moderate routes, with the rest being more challenging.
Which areas offer the best no-traffic gravel biking experiences in Los Angeles?
The Santa Monica Mountains are a premier destination, with trails like those around Topanga State Park and Malibu Creek State Park. The Angeles National Forest also provides extensive fire road networks for challenging rides. Additionally, the Verdugo Mountains and Griffith Park offer excellent car-free options.
Can I find circular no-traffic gravel bike routes in Los Angeles?
Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes in Los Angeles are designed as loops. For example, the challenging The Hub (Topanga State Park) β San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint loop from Woodland Hills offers a substantial ride with great views. Loop trails allow you to start and end at the same point, making logistics easier.
What kind of views can I expect on these no-traffic gravel trails?
The trails offer a wide range of stunning views. In the Santa Monica Mountains, you'll often find panoramic ocean and city vistas. The Angeles National Forest provides sweeping views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Other areas like Cheeseboro Canyon offer scenic, flowing dirt trails through rolling hills and open canyon views.
Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions near these no-traffic gravel bike trails?
Absolutely! Many trails are close to notable attractions. For instance, while riding in the Griffith Park area, you might be near the Back of the Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee or the Mount Hollywood Summit. The region also features various bike parks and scenic viewpoints.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Los Angeles to avoid traffic and enjoy good weather?
The best time for gravel biking in Los Angeles is generally during the cooler, drier months from late fall through spring (November to May). Summers can be very hot, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and fire season closures. Winter offers pleasant temperatures, though occasional rain can make some dirt trails muddy. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Are these no-traffic gravel bike trails suitable for families?
While many routes in this guide are rated difficult, there are family-friendly options available, especially those categorized as easy. The Inspiration Loop Trail is a great example of an easy, scenic route suitable for families looking for a car-free experience. Always check the route's distance and elevation gain to ensure it matches your family's ability.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the no-traffic trails in Los Angeles?
The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic gravel biking in Los Angeles, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views, the escape from urban noise, and the diverse terrain that caters to various skill levels, from gentle loops to challenging mountain ascents.
Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' no-traffic gravel routes near Los Angeles?
While many popular spots can get busy, areas like the Santa Clara Truck Trail in the Angeles National Forest offer a more remote feel with less traffic. Cheeseboro Canyon is also known for its scenic, flowing dirt trails that can provide a more relaxed and less crowded experience, especially on weekdays.
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