The best traffic-free bike rides around Riverside

Riverside offers a great selection of car-free touring cycling routes. Our guide features 16 dedicated routes, with 13 of them rated as easy, making them accessible for various skill levels.

Riverside boasts a compelling blend of natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and dedicated infrastructure ideal for touring cyclists. You'll find everything from serene river paths along the Santa Ana River to routes through rolling hills, often taking you away from busy roads into more open, desert-like regions. The area's long-standing cycling culture also means well-maintained paths and a community that embraces cycling.

Yes, Riverside is well-suited for family cycling with many easy, car-free options. For example, the Eastwood Metro Park – Five Rivers Fountain of Lights loop is an easy 30 km route that's perfect for a relaxed family outing. Another great choice is the Eastwood Metro Park – Eastwood MetroPark loop, which is also rated easy and offers a pleasant 26 km ride.

The no-traffic routes in Riverside offer diverse scenery. You can expect to cycle along river paths, through lush citrus groves, past rolling hills, and even into desert landscapes. The Santa Ana River Bikeway, for instance, provides tranquil views of the river, while other routes might take you through areas with panoramic mountain vistas.

Absolutely! Many of the no-traffic touring routes in Riverside are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Creekside Trail – Xenia Station loop, a moderate 44 km ride, and the Creekside Trail – Beavercreek Station loop, an easy 30 km option.

While cycling, you can explore several interesting spots. The Santa Ana River Bikeway passes by the Hidden Valley Nature Center. Other nearby attractions include Taylorsville Dam and Wegerzyn Gardens Metropark. You might also encounter unique features like the Wooden Bridge on Yellow and Orange Trails.

Many routes offer convenient parking options. For instance, the Fifth Third Gateway Park and Ride Facility is a designated parking area that can serve as a starting point for several tours. It's always a good idea to check the specific route details on komoot for recommended parking locations.

Riverside's climate generally allows for cycling year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, making them ideal. Winter can also be a good time, especially for avoiding summer heat, though some desert routes might be cooler. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, areas like the Santa Ana River Trail and the Hidden Valley Nature Center, which is a 1500-acre wildlife area, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Cyclists often spot various bird species and other local fauna, especially during quieter times of the day.

The no-traffic touring routes in Riverside are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from 94 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful atmosphere away from traffic, and the diverse natural beauty, from river views to scenic parklands.

While many routes are easy, some offer more elevation gain and distance for experienced riders. For example, the Creekside Trail – Xenia Station loop is rated as moderate and covers over 44 km with some elevation changes, providing a good workout while remaining traffic-free.