The best gravel rides around South Pasadena

There are over 15 gravel bike trails around South Pasadena, with a total of 19 routes recorded on komoot. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from urban pathways to challenging mountain trails in the San Gabriel Mountains.

While many routes in the San Gabriel Mountains are challenging, the Arroyo Seco Bike Trail – Verdugo Peak loop from South Pasadena includes segments of the Arroyo Seco Bike Trail, which offers mostly paved sections suitable for all fitness levels. The Arroyo Seco itself features both paved and unpaved segments, allowing for varied experiences. For a less strenuous ride, the Arroyo Seco Bike Trail is a good starting point, and Brookside Park also features several miles of bike trails through woodlands.

Gravel biking around South Pasadena offers a mix of terrain. You'll find dedicated bike paths, leafy urban streets, abandoned dirt roads, and challenging singletrack. The region is known for its mountain fire roads and dirt trails in the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, as well as the diverse paved and unpaved sections along the Arroyo Seco.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking longer distances and significant elevation, routes like the Mueller Tunnel – Mueller Tunnel loop from Altadena cover 26.1 miles (42.0 km) with over 1600 meters of elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Pasadena Historic City Hall – View from Mount Lukens loop from Memorial Park, which spans over 52 km and features significant climbs into the mountains.

Many gravel routes offer panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the surrounding valleys. Along the Arroyo Seco, you can enjoy the natural setting of the Arroyo Seco Woodland and Wildlife Park. For a notable natural attraction, the Eaton Canyon Waterfall is accessible via trails from the Eaton Canyon Natural Area, which is on the northeast edge of Pasadena. The historic Colorado Street Bridge also offers great views.

The Arroyo Seco Woodland and Wildlife Park, adjacent to the Arroyo Seco channel, is a natural setting where you might find dog-friendly sections. However, specific regulations for dogs on bike trails, especially within the Angeles National Forest, can vary. It's always best to check local signage or park regulations for the specific trail you plan to ride.

The region generally offers good cycling conditions for much of the year. However, the San Gabriel Mountains can experience significant weather changes, including heat in summer and cooler temperatures or even snow at higher elevations in winter. Spring and fall often provide the most pleasant temperatures for gravel biking, with comfortable conditions for exploring both the lower Arroyo Seco paths and the mountain fire roads.

While general access to the Angeles National Forest for activities like biking is usually open, certain areas or specific activities might require permits. It's advisable to check the official Angeles National Forest website or contact a local ranger station for the most current information regarding permits, especially if you plan to venture into remote or protected sections.

Many trailheads and parks in and around South Pasadena offer parking. For routes starting near urban areas, public parking lots or street parking may be available. For example, routes originating from Glendale Community College or John Muir High School would likely have parking options nearby. When planning your route, check the starting point for available parking facilities.

The gravel biking routes around South Pasadena are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from more than 2 reviews. Over 80 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the challenging climbs, panoramic viewpoints, and the diverse landscape that transitions from urban paths to rugged mountain environments.

Yes, many of the popular gravel bike routes around South Pasadena are designed as loops. For instance, the Mount Thom Viewpoint – Verdugo Peak loop from Glendale Community College and the Ye Alpine Tavern ruins – Inspiration Point loop from John Muir High School are excellent examples of circular routes that allow you to start and end at the same point, offering a complete and scenic journey.

South Pasadena has public transport options that can connect you to areas near some trailheads. The Arroyo Seco Bike Trail, for example, is relatively accessible within the urban fabric. For routes deeper into the San Gabriel Mountains, public transport access might be more limited, requiring a short ride or walk from the nearest stop. Planning your route with public transport in mind is recommended.