The best gravel rides around Bell Canyon
4.8
(6)
89
riders
16
rides
Gravel biking around Bell Canyon offers routes through varied terrain, characterized by mountain viewpoints and fire roads. The region features significant elevation changes, with trails often traversing canyons and hills. These paths provide opportunities to explore the natural landscape surrounding Bell Canyon.
Best gravel bike trails around Bell Canyon
- The most popular gravel bike trail is San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint – The Hub (Topanga State Park) loop from Woodland Hills, a 21.2 miles (34.2 km) difficult trail that takes…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
5.0
(2)
23
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
17
riders
25.1km
02:29
540m
540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
6
riders
20.4km
01:45
410m
410m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Pedalers Fork is a unique combination of a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and boutique bike shop in the heart of Calabasas. It offers delicious farm-to-table dining and artisan coffee with a casual vibe and a great patio, making it a fantastic place to relax after a ride.
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San Vicente Mountain Park, located 2.7 miles west of the 405 freeway on an unpaved section of Mulholland Drive, has awesome 360-degree views and access to extensive hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. The 10.2-acre park has public picnic areas, bathrooms, and is a gateway to Westridge Canyonback Park and the 20,000-acre “Big Wild” wilderness area. A short walk along a wide dirt road leads visitors to this historic site, which once housed a Nike-Ajax missile radar station during the Cold War (1956–1968). The original radar tower now provides panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Encino Reservoir, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles Basin, making it one of the best spots in the region to watch a sunset.
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Will Rogers State Beach stretches 1.75 miles along the shoreline and offers activities like swimming and diving. Visitors can enjoy public volleyball courts, playgrounds, gymnastic equipment, and the bike path. Will Rogers is a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, this beach is operated by Los Angeles County. Note that the California State Parks Annual Day Use Pass is not accepted here.
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This is a handy connector trail, used mostly to go downhill from The Hub to the Bent Arrow Trail, or you can keep going all the way to Mulholland Drive with a climb at the very end.
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Your climb up to the ridgeline will be rewarded with an excellent view of the surrounding area.
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West Mandeville Fire Road is a 3.7-mile trail located on the eastern edge of Topanga State Park. This popular, steep trail climbs from Santa Monica to Mulholland Drive and San Vicente Mountain Park, offering sweeping views of the city, mountains, and adjcent canyons. The wide fire road is ideal for biking, but is not a technical trail. It is popular with horseback riders and and hikers, so be on the look out for them. There is little shade so it can get hot, but this means that you get great views! The trail can be accessed from Mandeville Canyon Park in Santa Monica at the staging area at the end of Westridge Road, with access on the west side of the lot.
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Food, coffee and tools
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Certain sections of the route were closed, so get information beforehand about what is currently open or closed on certain days
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Bell Canyon?
There are over 20 gravel bike trails mapped around Bell Canyon on komoot, offering a variety of experiences through mountain viewpoints, fire roads, and canyon trails.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly gravel bike trails in Bell Canyon?
While Bell Canyon's gravel routes are generally characterized by significant elevation changes, there are no routes specifically classified as 'easy' in our current selection. However, there are 8 routes rated as 'moderate' which might be suitable for beginners looking for a challenge, such as the Sheep Corral Trail – Cheeseboro Canyon Trail loop from Oak Park, which covers 21.8 km with moderate elevation.
What are some of the more challenging gravel bike routes in the area?
For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, Bell Canyon offers 13 difficult routes. A notable option is the Vanalden Cave – Sullivan Canyon Overlook loop from Chatsworth, a demanding 54.8 km path with substantial elevation gain, typically taking over 4.5 hours to complete.
What is the typical length and duration of gravel bike trails in Bell Canyon?
The gravel bike trails around Bell Canyon vary significantly in length and duration. Routes range from approximately 20 km to over 50 km, with completion times from around 2 hours for moderate trails to over 4.5 hours for more difficult and longer loops.
Are there any family-friendly gravel biking options near Bell Canyon?
Given the region's significant elevation changes and the classification of most routes as moderate to difficult, truly family-friendly gravel routes suitable for young children are limited. However, families with older, experienced riders might enjoy some of the shorter moderate trails, keeping in mind the climbs involved.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the gravel bike trails around Bell Canyon?
Gravel biking in Bell Canyon offers diverse scenery, primarily featuring mountain viewpoints, extensive fire roads, and scenic canyon trails. You'll experience the natural landscape surrounding the canyon, often with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Are there any interesting landmarks or natural attractions along the gravel routes?
Yes, the area around Bell Canyon features several natural attractions. You might encounter highlights such as Castle Peak, the historic Santa Susana Pass Road, or explore sections of the Rocky Peak Trail. These offer points of interest and scenic views during your ride.
Are there places to eat or get coffee along the gravel bike trails?
While specific cafes directly on the trails are uncommon, the broader area around Bell Canyon does offer amenities. For instance, Pedalers Fork Restaurant, Coffee Shop & Bike Shop is a notable highlight in the vicinity where you can refuel.
What is the best season for gravel biking in Bell Canyon?
The best season for gravel biking in Bell Canyon is typically spring and fall when temperatures are milder. Summers can be very hot, and while winters are generally mild, occasional rain can make fire roads muddy and less enjoyable. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Where can I find parking for gravel bike trails in Bell Canyon?
Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many routes start from areas like Woodland Hills, Oak Park, or Chatsworth, which often have designated parking areas. For example, Victory Trailhead is a known parking location in the wider area.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about riding in Bell Canyon?
The komoot community rates the gravel biking experience in Bell Canyon highly, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Riders often praise the challenging climbs, the rewarding mountain viewpoints, and the extensive network of fire roads that allow for varied and adventurous rides through the natural landscape.
Most popular attractions around Bell Canyon
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