The best traffic-free bike rides around Glendale

Glendale offers a great selection of traffic-free gravel bike trails. Our guide features 10 challenging routes that allow you to explore the diverse landscapes without vehicle interference.

While Glendale offers a range of terrain, the no traffic gravel bike trails highlighted in this guide are generally considered difficult. They often involve significant elevation gains and cover varied surfaces, making them suitable for experienced gravel bikers. Routes like the Mount Thom Viewpoint – Verdugo Peak loop, for example, feature over 900 meters of climbing.

The routes in this specific guide are rated as difficult due to their elevation and length. However, Glendale's broader bikeway system includes over 100 miles of routes, paths, and trails, some of which are easier. For less elevation gain, you might explore canal paths or urban greenways in the wider Glendale area, though these may not be entirely traffic-free gravel. Always check route details for specific difficulty ratings.

You can expect a diverse range of terrain, primarily consisting of fire roads and some single-track trails. Many routes traverse chaparral and streamside woodlands, especially in the Verdugo Mountains. The proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest means you'll encounter challenging climbs and descents on unpaved surfaces, offering a true gravel biking experience.

Yes, all the no traffic gravel bike trails featured in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This makes planning your ride convenient. An example is the Mount Thom Viewpoint – Tongva Peak loop from Glendale.

Many of the trails offer stunning panoramic views. You can find viewpoints like the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook at Fryman Canyon or the View of Los Angeles from Runyon Canyon Summit. Some routes, such as the Mount Thom Viewpoint – Top of Switchbacks — Overlook loop, even have 'Viewpoint' in their name, indicating their scenic nature.

While not directly on the gravel bike trails themselves, the wider region around Glendale does feature natural attractions. For example, Eaton Canyon Waterfall is a notable waterfall in a nearby canyon that you could explore as a separate activity.

Yes, many of the trailheads for these no traffic gravel bike routes offer parking. For instance, the Mount Thom Viewpoint – Verdugo Peak loop starts from Glendale Community College, which typically has parking facilities. Another route, Top of Switchbacks — Overlook – Brand Library & Park loop, begins near Herbert Hoover High School, where parking is often available.

The best time for gravel biking in Glendale is generally during the cooler, drier months, from late fall through spring (October to May). Summers can be very hot, making long rides challenging. Winter offers pleasant temperatures, though occasional rain can make some unpaved sections muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

The specific no traffic gravel bike trails highlighted in this guide are rated as difficult and involve significant climbing, making them less suitable for young children or families seeking a leisurely ride. For family-friendly options, consider Glendale's urban greenways or canal paths, which offer flatter, multi-use trails, though these may not be entirely traffic-free or gravel-specific.

The komoot community highly rates the outdoor experiences around Glendale, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Riders often praise the challenging climbs, the rewarding panoramic views of Burbank and Los Angeles, and the feeling of being immersed in nature away from city traffic, especially in the Verdugo Mountains.