The best gravel rides around San Gabriel

There are currently 9 gravel bike trails around San Gabriel listed in this guide. These routes primarily feature challenging terrain with significant elevation gains, catering to experienced riders.

San Gabriel offers excellent gravel biking opportunities year-round due to its consistent Southern California weather and sunny skies. However, be aware that higher elevations in the San Gabriel Mountains can experience snow during winter months.

The gravel routes listed in this guide for San Gabriel are generally considered difficult, featuring substantial elevation gains and challenging sections. For easier options, you might explore parts of the San Gabriel River Bike Trail, which offers more relaxed, sometimes paved, sections suitable for a family outing, though these are not specifically gravel-focused in this guide.

Gravel biking in San Gabriel primarily involves extensive fire roads and mountain trails within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. You can expect diverse landscapes, from high alpine environments to canyons, with significant elevation changes and panoramic views. Routes often blend road and mountain biking on unpaved surfaces.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in San Gabriel are designed as loops. For example, the Verdugo Peak – Brookside Park loop from South Pasadena and the Turnbull Canyon – Turnbull Debris Basin loop from Rose Hills are popular circular options, offering challenging rides through varied terrain.

The San Gabriel Mountains offer breathtaking scenery. Routes like the Pasadena Historic City Hall – View from Mount Lukens loop from Memorial Park provide substantial climbing to viewpoints like Mount Lukens, known for epic views of the surrounding San Gabriels. You can also find natural features like the San Andreas Fault within the monument.

Yes, the region features several natural attractions. The Eaton Canyon Waterfall is a notable 40-foot waterfall in the San Gabriel Mountains. Additionally, you can find lakes such as Debs Lake, Turtle Pond, and Legg Lake in the vicinity, offering scenic spots to explore.

The gravel biking routes in San Gabriel are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Riders often praise the challenging nature of the trails, the extensive network of fire roads, and the immersive experience in nature away from urban areas, especially the panoramic views from higher elevations.

For advanced riders seeking a significant challenge, routes like the Duarte Bike Trail – Monrovia Historic Downtown loop from Monrovia stand out. This route covers over 67 km with more than 1600 meters of elevation gain, offering a demanding experience. The Pasadena Historic City Hall – View from Mount Lukens loop from Memorial Park is another difficult option with substantial climbing.

Yes, areas like Josephine Peak are well-regarded, featuring an 8-mile gravel out-and-back climb with significant elevation and panoramic views from Josephine Saddle. Gold Creek also offers surprising gravel routes with challenging climbs and rewarding descents. The Angeles National Forest, encompassing much of the San Gabriels, provides thousands of miles of fire roads suitable for gravel cycling.

Beyond the trails themselves, the region offers several points of interest. You can visit the Historic Colorado Street Bridge, or explore natural areas like Bosque del Rio Hondo. Ernest E Debs Regional Park also provides access to the Arroyo Seco Trail, enhancing the outdoor experience.

The duration of gravel bike rides in San Gabriel varies significantly based on the route's length and elevation. For instance, the Verdugo Peak – Brookside Park loop from South Pasadena typically takes around 5 hours and 23 minutes, while the shorter Brookside Park – View of Eagle Rock loop from South Pasadena can be completed in about 3 hours and 10 minutes.