4.6
(33)
721
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76
rides
Touring cycling around East Pasadena offers diverse landscapes, from the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains to the riparian ecosystem of the Arroyo Seco. The region features an extensive network of routes, including challenging mountain ascents and more moderate paths along paved surfaces. This area provides varied terrain for touring cyclists, encompassing natural preserves, urban routes, and scenic parklands.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
48
riders
74.1km
05:17
1,500m
1,500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
47.4km
05:00
1,760m
1,760m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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20
riders
38.5km
03:35
1,280m
1,280m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
45.4km
02:45
290m
290m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
35.1km
02:13
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Short tunnel on the eastern slope below San Gabriel Peak, part of the old Mt Lowe Motorway, that was never paved. The tunnel is very short, so you don't have to worry about bringing light. The road continues to the trailhead half a mile uphill.
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Panoramic overlook, with a somewhat technical approach trail for the last couple of hundred yards off the main trail, offering a pleasant flow trail descent. There are some old visor pipes installed to help identify distant landmarks and peaks.
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Henninger Flats sits along the road with views of Altadena. Youβll pass by it while climbing the Mt. Wilson Toll Road and can take a moment to catch your breath while enjoying the views. The route features a steady climb with minimal shade, so itβs best to start early, especially in summer. At the top, enjoy panoramic views of the San Gabriel Valley and explore the area, which includes a visitor center, picnic spots, and a tree nursery.
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For a ride with history and views, check out the Ye Alpine Tavern ruins in the San Gabriel Mountains. Once a popular mountain resort, it burned down in 1936 and was later demolished, but you can still spot the stone fireplace, foundation, and water tank.
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This tunnel was blasted into existence in 1942 to form the old Mount Lowe Motorway.
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Red Box Gap, located below Lawlor Peak, offers great views and an ideal spot for a break. A 3.5-mile trail from here leads to Strawberry Peak, which comes into view before reaching the saddle. Popular with hikers and bikers, Red Box has a trailhead parking area, the Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center, and a natural stone viewpoint. The center typically opened on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Explore the looped road around the summit of Mount Wilson, a prominent peak known for its historic Mount Wilson Observatory. The summit houses telescopes, solar towers, and the modern CHARA Array for stellar research. Standing at 5,710 feet, Mount Wilson offers sweeping views of the Los Angeles Basin, the Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands on clear days. This site also serves as a major broadcast hub for the Greater Los Angeles area, easy to see with the numerous antennas and relay facilities sticking out all over the summit.
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Brookside Park is Pasadena's largest fully maintained park at 61.1 acres. It sits south of Rose Bowl Stadium with tons of parking off Arroyo Boulevard. The park features a lighted baseball diamond, two softball diamonds, and a large, lighted, multi-purpose field for soccer and flag football. There is also a speaker's platform with permanent seating, numerous picnic tables, barbecue pits, a play area, restrooms, and drinking fountains.
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East Pasadena offers nearly 90 touring cycling routes, catering to a wide range of preferences and skill levels. These routes explore diverse landscapes, from challenging mountain ascents to more relaxed paths along the Arroyo Seco.
The routes around East Pasadena offer a mix of terrain. You'll find challenging mountain ascents with significant elevation gain, such as the Mount Wilson Summit Viewpoint β Mount Lowe Summit loop from Allen. There are also many moderate routes, often on paved surfaces, like the Arroyo Seco Bike Trail β Red Car Bridge loop from Allen, and easier paths suitable for beginners. Overall, there are 18 difficult, 34 moderate, and 37 easy routes.
Yes, East Pasadena has several routes suitable for families. Many paths along the Arroyo Seco are on paved surfaces, offering a more relaxed experience. The Arroyo Park β Brookside Park loop from Sierra Madre Villa is a moderate route that leads through urban parks and green spaces, which can be enjoyable for families.
Touring cycling routes in East Pasadena offer access to diverse natural beauty and historical sites. You can explore the lush Arroyo Seco ecosystem, enjoy views of the San Gabriel Mountains, and discover places like the Eaton Canyon Waterfall. Historical landmarks such as the Historic Colorado Street Bridge and the Mount Lowe Railway Ruins are also accessible along various routes.
Yes, many touring cycling routes in East Pasadena are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the challenging Mount Wilson Summit Viewpoint β Mount Lowe Summit loop from Allen and the moderate Arroyo Seco Bike Trail β Arroyo Park loop from Allen.
East Pasadena benefits from a Mediterranean climate with approximately 300 days of sunshine annually. The best time for touring cycling is typically from late May to mid-October. Spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
The touring cycling routes in East Pasadena are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from challenging mountain climbs to serene riverside paths, and the variety of routes suitable for different skill levels.
Yes, some routes combine natural beauty with urban exploration. The Pasadena Historic City Hall β Arroyo Park loop from Allen, for instance, takes you through parts of the city and green spaces, offering a blend of cultural sights and parkland scenery.
While specific parking details for each route may vary, many trailheads and parks in the East Pasadena area offer parking facilities. For general information on outdoor activities and potential parking areas in Pasadena, you might find resources on the Visit Pasadena website helpful.
Many cycling routes in East Pasadena pass through or near areas with amenities. For example, routes exploring Old Pasadena or passing through parks might offer access to cafes and other facilities. The The Cub House is a notable highlight that cyclists might find useful.
Absolutely. The San Gabriel Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop and offer routes with substantial elevation gain. The Mount Wilson Summit Viewpoint β Mount Lowe Summit loop from Allen is a prime example, featuring over 1700 meters of ascent and descent, ideal for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge.


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