The best cycling routes around Brea
4.5
(44)
541
riders
66
rides
Best touring cycling routes in Brea, California, offer diverse landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts. The region features a network of trails, including paved bikeways and multi-use linear parks, connecting to larger regional parks. Cyclists can explore green hills, access river trails, and navigate routes with varied elevation changes. This area provides a mix of urban and natural environments suitable for touring cycling.
Best touring cycling routes around Brea
- The most popular touring cycling route is Andersen Bump β Four Corners loop from Parking F, a 13.6 miles (21.9 km) trail that takes 2 hours 13 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers varied terrain and connects to scenic viewpoints.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Santa Ana River Trail Bridge β Santa Ana River Trail Bikeway loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park, a moderate 37.6 miles (60.5 km) path. This route primarily follows paved surfaces along the Santa Ana River Trail, accessible from Carbon Canyon Regional Park.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Four Corners β View of Yorba Linda loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park, a 28.2 miles (45.3 km) trail leading through areas with significant elevation changes, often completed in about 3 hours 51 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Brea is defined by diverse landscapes, paved bikeways, and access to regional parks and river trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy rides to more challenging routes with elevation gain.
- The routes in Brea are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. More than 700 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Brea's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
61
riders
15.0km
01:07
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
14
riders
The Four Corners β View of Yorba Linda loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park offers a diverse touring cycling experience, blending paved roads with unpaved fire roads and even some loose, sandy sections. You'll pedal through the tranquil Coastal Redwood grove in Carbon Canyon Regional Park, enjoy panoramic views over Yorba Linda, and explore picturesque sections of Chino Hills State Park, particularly vibrant when wildflowers are in bloom. This difficult route covers 28.3 miles (45.5 km) with 1941 feet (592 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 52 minutes, making it ideal for cyclists with very good fitness looking for a substantial challenge.
To tackle this demanding route, plan an early start from Carbon Canyon Regional Park, ensuring you have ample time and water for the nearly four-hour ride. While the park offers parking, be prepared for varied terrain that includes both paved surfaces and dirt/gravel roads, some of which may require pushing your bike. This route is best suited for experienced touring cyclists ready for a significant workout across changing landscapes.
This loop provides a fantastic way to explore Orange County's unique natural features, from the rare Coastal Redwood grove to the expansive vistas from Chino Hills State Park. It also connects to the extensive Yorba Linda citywide trail system, offering further exploration opportunities for those wanting to extend their ride. The blend of natural beauty and urban overlooks makes this a notable cycling route in the region.
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16
riders
20.8km
02:19
580m
580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
25
riders
49.2km
04:48
950m
950m
The View of Yorba Linda β Four Corners loop from Brea Olinda High School offers a dynamic touring cycling experience, transitioning from suburban streets to rugged, unpaved trails. You'll navigate challenging dirt roads with steep, unshaded climbs in Telegraph Canyon, but your efforts are rewarded with expansive vistas from the South Ridge, overlooking Yorba Linda and potentially the LA Basin. The route also includes the fun, mostly downhill singletrack of Raptor Ridge, winding through hilly pasture land.
This difficult 30.5-mile (49.2 km) loop, with its 3110 feet (948 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 4 hours and 47 minutes to complete. It demands very good fitness, as some sections might require pushing your bike. Starting from Brea Olinda High School, ensure you carry ample water, especially on sunny days, as shade can be scarce on climbs. The Four Corners junction provides a convenient spot with restrooms and information.
This route is a highlight of the extensive Yorba Linda trail system, which boasts over 100 miles of trails and connects to major regional parks like Chino Hills State Park. The Four Corners junction is a significant hub where four popular trails converge, making it a key intersection for exploring the wider network. The diverse terrain and connectivity contribute to its high regard within the Komoot cycling community.
5.0
(1)
12
riders
27.1km
02:21
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is the intersection of five trails: Raptor Ridge Trail, North Ridge Trail, Bovinian Delight Trail or Telegraph Canyon Road. There are also some boards with information about the trails and a restroom.
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Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a great local park with a small lake and some nature trails featuring Redwoods and the Carbon Canyon Creek. It connects to the Chino Hills State Park and is a great spot for some quick day hiking, fishing, sports, or just sitting and enjoying some nature.
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Very nice walk, path suitable for strollers.
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This is a beautiful lake, definitely a pleasant spot for a small break.
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This is a cool, panoramic overlook with a placard off the side of the South Ridge Trail. The overlook is situated over the city and neighborhoods of Yorba Linda.
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Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a great local park with a small lake and some nature trails featuring redwoods and the Carbon Canyon Creek. It connects to Chino Hills State Park.
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Andersen Bump is a 482m high hilltop that rises above the city of Los Angeles in California. It provides some wonderful views of the surrounding peaks that make up the Water Canyon Natural Preserve, and on a clear day, across the city and toward the ocean, too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Brea?
Brea offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 60 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 23 easy, 24 moderate, and 21 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.
What are some family-friendly cycling options in Brea?
For families looking for an easy ride, The Tracks at Brea Trail is an excellent choice. This four-mile, multi-use linear park features a paved bikeway and is equipped with amenities like fitness stations and seating areas. The Santa Ana River Trail Bridge β Santa Ana River Trail Bikeway loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park also offers mostly paved surfaces suitable for all skill levels, though it is a longer route.
Are there any routes with significant elevation changes for more experienced riders?
Yes, for cyclists seeking a challenge with notable elevation changes, routes originating from Carbon Canyon Regional Park are a good option. The Four Corners β View of Yorba Linda loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park is classified as difficult and covers 28.2 miles with substantial climbs. Another challenging route is the Andersen Bump β Four Corners loop from Parking F, which includes varied terrain and an elevation gain of over 420 meters.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the cycling routes in Brea?
Brea's cycling routes offer access to diverse natural features and landmarks. You can explore the unique Redwood Grove within Carbon Canyon Regional Park (Redwood Grove), or pass by the scenic Andersen Bump (Andersen Bump). The Olinda Oil Museum and Trail also provides a blend of history and nature, with a working oil well from 1898.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the Brea area?
Many of the touring cycling routes in Brea are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. Examples include the popular Andersen Bump β Four Corners loop from Parking F and the longer Santa Ana River Trail Bridge β Santa Ana River Trail Bikeway loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park. These loops allow you to start and end your ride at the same point, often near parking facilities.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Brea?
The spring months are particularly vibrant for touring cycling in Brea. This is when the green hills of areas like Chino Hills State Park are most lush, and trail conditions are generally optimal. While cycling is possible year-round, spring offers the most picturesque scenery.
Where can I find parking for Brea's bike trails?
Many routes in Brea, especially those connected to regional parks, offer designated parking. For instance, the Andersen Bump β Four Corners loop starts from Parking F, and routes like the Santa Ana River Trail Bridge β Santa Ana River Trail Bikeway loop are accessible from Carbon Canyon Regional Park, which has parking facilities.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Brea?
The touring cycling routes in Brea are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the mix of paved bikeways and natural trails, and the accessibility to regional parks and river trails.
Can I access the Santa Ana River Trail from Brea?
Yes, the Santa Ana River Trail is accessible from Brea, offering an extensive paved route. A popular option is the Santa Ana River Trail Bridge β Santa Ana River Trail Bikeway loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park, which follows the Santa Ana River Trail for a significant portion, providing a mostly flat and scenic ride.
Are there any specific trails that are particularly scenic for touring cycling?
Beyond the general beauty of the region, the Tracks at Brea Trail offers a unique scenic experience as it transforms a former railroad corridor into a multi-use path with interpretive signs. Additionally, routes through Chino Hills State Park are known for their picturesque green hills, especially vibrant in the springtime, and diverse ecosystems.
What kind of facilities are available along The Tracks at Brea Trail?
The Tracks at Brea Trail is well-equipped for cyclists and pedestrians. It features fitness stations, bike repair stations for convenience, seating areas with shade, and interpretive signs that provide insights into the area's history and ecosystems. For more details, you can visit the City of Brea website.
Are there any routes that connect to larger regional parks?
Absolutely. Many routes in Brea provide excellent connections to larger regional parks. For example, Carbon Canyon Regional Park serves as a gateway to extensive adventures, and it directly connects to Chino Hills State Park, offering a vast network of trails for both mountain and gravel biking.
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