Los Angeles County is a great place to explore on two wheels. With its stunning ocean views, lush valleys, and bustling city streets, there are plenty of bike trails to discover. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride along the beach or a challenging mountain biking adventure, Los Angeles has something for everyone. Here's a look at some of the best bike paths in Los Angeles County.
The 22-mile bike path that runs almost the entire length of Los Angeles is a beloved route for cyclists. Starting at Will Rogers State Beach, the path takes you through Santa Monica, Venice, and Manhattan Beach before winding its way to Torrance County. While you'll have to share parts of the road with pedestrians, most of the route is dedicated to bikes only. The seven-mile Ballona Creek trail begins just a few blocks from Culver City's E (Expo) line stop and extends to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you'll find dozens of closed entrances and plenty of opportunities to take a leisurely stroll or a more challenging ride.
Be sure to check the weather in winter months as the river-level route can quickly flood and be blocked during heavy rains. The inner end of the Ballona Creek trail also meets up with a trail along the E line that runs between Santa Monica and USC. While you'll have to share the road with car traffic and follow lanes along the edges of the road, there is a short section west of Ballona Creek with its own unique trail. This particular section runs uninterrupted from under Riverside Drive in Griffith Park to Egret Park in Elysian Valley. The Long Beach bike path starts at Shoreline Village and crosses the city's stretch of sandy beach. Along the way, you'll pass by the Long Beach Museum of Art, Belmont Brewing, and Rosie's Dog Beach before ending near Bay Shore Avenue.
From there, you can follow Bay Shore Avenue north to reach the entrance to Naples canals. The York Boulevard bike path takes you from York Boulevard in Highland Park all the way to Pasadena Avenue. You'll have to pedal through some residential streets but if you're up for it, you can reach the Rose Bowl where you'll find a circuit of protected lanes. Griffith Park is an amazing place to explore on two wheels. With its mix of native chaparrales and landscaped trails covering 4,310 wild acres, it's easy to forget that you're still in Los Angeles. The most efficient way to tour this park is by bike and you can stick to the perimeter or take on more challenging routes like Crystal Springs Drive or a grueling climb up to the mountain. Finally, don't forget about San Gabriel Canyon Road.
This road runs parallel to a small but always audible stream and is often shaded by trees and mountains. It's closed to public vehicle traffic so it's just you, your bike, and nature. There are plenty of picnic tables along the way so be sure to pack something to snack on.
