The best traffic-free bike rides in Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park
4.7
(16)
414
riders
15
rides
Gravel biking in Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park offers routes through expansive open space in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains. The park features a network of fire roads with dirt and gravel surfaces, suitable for gravel bikes. Terrain includes canyons, hills, and a chaparral environment, with ridgeline trails providing views of the San Fernando Valley, downtown Los Angeles, and the Pacific Ocean. These trails are generally wide, offering both non-technical options and more challenging sections.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails in…
Last updated: July 10, 2026
25
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
24
riders
28.9km
02:39
640m
640m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6.91km
00:33
140m
140m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
24
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park
Tips from the Community
This park has an old fire road — perfect for non-technical riders — and a more challenging singletrack trail that more or less parallels the fire road. Both run north along the ridge, eventually connecting with the dirt/gravel section of Mulholland Drive.
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This is an interesting historic landmark as well as a working polo field. There is parking on the north side of the field and if you ride through on a Saturday or Sunday, you might even catch a game here.
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The Will Rogers Historic Stable was at the center of this historic ranch’s equestrian life. Up to 30 horses lived, trained, and rested there. Riders would gather in the large rotunda to saddle up, and polo horses were cared for and turned out after matches. Will Rogers even built a hidden staircase to access it unnoticed and wrote about how his horses lived better than he did.
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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available in Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park?
Komoot features 17 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails in Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy loops to more challenging rides with significant elevation gain.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the gravel bike trails in Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park?
The park's gravel bike trails primarily consist of well-maintained fire roads, such as the Westridge and Mandeville Fire Roads. These are characterized by dirt and gravel surfaces, making them ideal for gravel bikes. While some sections can be moderately challenging, they are generally wide and offer diverse terrain including canyons, hills, and chaparral environments.
Are there any easy, family-friendly gravel bike routes in the park?
Yes, for those looking for an easier ride, the Inspiration Loop Trail is a great option. It's an easy 6.9 km loop with a manageable 142 meters of elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed outing.
What are the best trails for experienced gravel bikers looking for a challenge?
Experienced riders seeking a challenge will find several difficult routes. Consider the San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint – West Mandeville Fire Road loop from Santa Monica Mountains, which covers over 26 km with 675 meters of climbing, or the even longer San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint – Dirt Mulholland Dr loop from Encino Neighborhood Council District, spanning over 32 km with 761 meters of elevation gain.
What kind of views and natural features can I expect along the trails?
The park is renowned for its spectacular and often 360-degree views from its ridgeline trails. You can enjoy expansive vistas of the San Fernando Valley, downtown Los Angeles, Century City, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. Wildflowers can also be observed in bloom, adding to the scenic beauty.
Are there any historical landmarks or points of interest to see while gravel biking?
Yes, a notable historical attraction within the park is the historic Nike missile site. You can visit the San Vicente Mountain Nike Missile Radar Tower or the Old Nike Missile Tower, which are accessible via various routes.
Are dogs allowed on the gravel bike trails in Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park?
Yes, the park is generally dog-friendly, and you may encounter hikers with dogs on the trails. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and be mindful of other trail users.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park?
The park is accessible year-round, but spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures. During summer, portions of the fire roads are exposed with limited shade, so early mornings or late afternoons are recommended to avoid the heat. Wildflowers are typically in bloom during spring.
Where can I find parking for the gravel bike trails?
The park is accessible from multiple entry points. You can find access from the San Fernando Valley via San Vicente Mountain Park or from West Los Angeles at the end of Westridge Road. These points typically offer parking options for trail access.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park?
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views, the well-maintained fire roads, and the feeling of being immersed in nature so close to the city.
Are there any moderate gravel bike routes for intermediate riders?
Absolutely. For intermediate riders, routes like the West Mandeville Fire Road – San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint loop from Mandeville Canyon Park offer a good balance. This route is about 11.6 km long with 321 meters of elevation gain. Another great option is the San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint – The Hub (Topanga State Park) loop from Santa Monica Mountains, which is 17.9 km with 424 meters of climbing.
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