1.
Four Corners – Telegraph Canyon Trail loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park
29.2km
02:43
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best traffic-free bike rides around Brea
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 27, 2026
If you’ve ever tried planning gravel biking around Brea, California, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many trails and parks, it’s tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That’s where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, so this guide is your curated shortlist of the ones that truly deliver, saving you the guesswork.
Gravel biking around Brea offers a fantastic mix of terrain, from dedicated paved paths to extensive unpaved sections through canyons and rolling hills. You’ll find everything from tranquil redwood groves in Carbon Canyon Regional Park to expansive hilltops with scenic viewpoints in Chino Hills State Park. While there are options for all skill levels, many of the best routes here feature significant elevation changes and can be quite demanding. If you’re hoping to catch the wildflowers and lush canyon views, early spring is when places like Water Canyon Trail in Chino Hills State Park truly shine.
If you only have time for one ride, we’d point you straight to the View of Yorba Linda – Four Corners loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park. At 29.6 miles (47.6 km) with over 3,300 feet (1,000 m) of climbing, it’s a challenging route that rewards you with diverse terrain and expansive views. For a slightly shorter, but still demanding, ride with playful descents, the Four Corners – Telegraph Canyon Trail loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a local favorite at 18.2 miles (29.2 km). Ready to explore? Our community has rated these routes an average of 4.8 stars, so you know you’re in for a treat.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four Corners – Telegraph Canyon Trail loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park | 29.2 km | 500 m | Hard |
| View of Yorba Linda – Four Corners loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park | 47.6 km | 1,020 m | Hard |
| Carbon Canyon Regional Park – Telegraph Canyon Road loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park | 12.8 km | 140 m | Easy |
2.
View of Yorba Linda – Four Corners loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park
47.6km
04:40
1,020m
1,020m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
Carbon Canyon Regional Park – Telegraph Canyon Road loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park
12.8km
01:00
140m
140m
The Carbon Canyon Regional Park – Telegraph Canyon Road loop offers a delightful escape into Southern California's natural beauty, perfect for a relaxed gravel bike ride. You'll pedal through diverse ecosystems, from the unique redwood grove in Carbon Canyon Regional Park to vibrant riparian areas teeming with oak, alder, and sycamore trees. The trail itself is a mix of hard-packed dirt and some loose gravel, providing an engaging yet manageable experience for riders. Keep an eye out for the iconic "Twisted Tree" as you explore the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with paid parking available directly at Carbon Canyon Regional Park. This multi-use trail is popular, so expect to share the path with other outdoor enthusiasts. It's an excellent choice for a quick outing, especially if you're looking for beginner gravel biking routes in Carbon Canyon, offering 7.9 miles (12.8 km) of easy riding with just 459 feet (140 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour.
What makes this route particularly notable is its role as a key access point into the extensive trail system of Chino Hills State Park, allowing for longer adventures if you choose to extend your ride. Beyond the connection, the trail showcases a rich variety of natural features, from the park's redwoods to the birdwatching opportunities in the shaded riparian zones. It's a fantastic way to experience the diverse ecosystems of Orange County on two wheels.
View route
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.
Sign up for free
See every route on the map
Tips from the Community
mtm05005
June 27, 2025, Four Corners
This is the intersection of five trails: Raptor Ridge Trail, North Ridge Trail, Bovinian Delight Trail or Telegraph Canyon Road. There are also some boards with information about the trails and a restroom.
0
0
Alex
February 5, 2024, Lower Aliso Canyon Trail
This area is designated as a wildlife sanctuary for rare and endangered wildlife. It has about 4,500 acres of wild space and open land.
0
0
Matthew
February 5, 2024, View of Yorba Linda
This is a cool, panoramic overlook with a placard off the side of the South Ridge Trail. The overlook is situated over the city and neighborhoods of Yorba Linda.
0
0
Matthew
February 5, 2024, Telegraph Canyon Trail
Telegraph Canyon Trail is one of the most popular paths in the entire park. It leaves the visitor's center as a wide, smooth road and eventually narrows a bit, but it's pretty smooth the entire way. As you approach Four Corners, the trail starts to become more hilly, but it's always considered a "green" trail in terms of difficulty.
0
0
Will
February 5, 2024, Twisted Tree in Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a great local park with a small lake and some nature trails featuring redwoods and the Carbon Canyon Creek. It connects to Chino Hills State Park.
0
0
Grace Mulligan
January 29, 2024, Andersen Bump
Andersen Bump is a 482m high hilltop that rises above the city of Los Angeles in California. It provides some wonderful views of the surrounding peaks that make up the Water Canyon Natural Preserve, and on a clear day, across the city and toward the ocean, too.
0
0
Will
January 28, 2024, Carbon Canyon Creek Dam
This Dam was built at the Carbon Canyon Creek in 1961 mostly for flood control purposes and is a nice highlight as you explore the Carbon Canyon Creek area.
0
0
Alex
January 27, 2024, View of Yorba Linda
This area of trail has a nice view of the residential area of Yorba Linda.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available around Brea?
There are 8 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Brea, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for you to explore.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly no-traffic gravel bike trails in Brea?
Yes, for those seeking a more relaxed ride, the Carbon Canyon Regional Park – Telegraph Canyon Road loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park is an excellent choice. This route is rated as easy and offers mostly paved surfaces, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Carbon Canyon Regional Park itself is known for providing easier gravel rides.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Brea's no-traffic gravel bike trails?
The no-traffic gravel bike trails around Brea feature varied surfaces, including dirt and gravel paths, winding through scenic canyons and rolling hills. You can expect diverse ecosystems, from woodlands to sage scrub, with some routes involving prolonged, steep climbs and playful descents, particularly in areas like Chino Hills State Park. The landscape transforms beautifully with spring blooms, offering picturesque views.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or natural features along these car-free gravel routes?
Absolutely! Many routes offer stunning views and unique natural features. You might encounter highlights such as Turnbull Canyon, the scenic Brea Dam, and the notable Four Corners area. Carbon Canyon Regional Park is also home to Orange County's only grove of coastal redwoods, providing a tranquil setting amidst your ride.
Are there any loop gravel bike trails around Brea that are free of traffic?
Yes, several no-traffic gravel bike trails around Brea are designed as loops. For example, you can enjoy the challenging Four Corners – Telegraph Canyon Trail loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park or the longer View of Yorba Linda – Four Corners loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park. These loops allow you to start and end your ride at the same point, offering a convenient and immersive experience.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about gravel biking in Brea?
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Brea, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the extensive trail networks that keep you away from traffic, and the breathtaking views of canyons and rolling hills. The challenging climbs and rewarding descents, especially in areas like Chino Hills State Park, are frequently highlighted as favorites.
Are the no-traffic gravel bike trails in Brea suitable for families?
While many trails offer significant elevation changes and challenging sections, there are options suitable for families. The easier gravel rides within Carbon Canyon Regional Park, such as the Carbon Canyon Regional Park – Telegraph Canyon Road loop, feature mostly paved surfaces and are generally more accessible for riders of all ages and fitness levels. Always check the route details for specific difficulty ratings.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Brea?
Brea offers pleasant gravel biking conditions for much of the year. Spring is particularly beautiful, as the hills come alive with vibrant green grass and yellow mustard plant flowers, especially in Chino Hills State Park. Fall and winter also provide cooler temperatures ideal for longer rides. Summers can be hot, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended during those months.
Where can I park when accessing the no-traffic gravel bike trails around Brea?
Many of the popular trailheads, especially within regional parks like Carbon Canyon Regional Park, offer designated parking facilities. For instance, routes like the Four Corners – Telegraph Canyon Trail loop and the Carbon Canyon Regional Park – Telegraph Canyon Road loop start directly from Carbon Canyon Regional Park, which has ample parking. Always check specific route details for recommended starting points and parking information.
Are there any historical points of interest along the no-traffic gravel bike routes?
While the main Olinda Oil Museum and Trail is primarily for hiking, the surrounding area offers a unique blend of history. The Brea Dam area, for example, is part of a popular trail that features both paved and unpaved sections. The region has a rich oil history, and you may find interpretive signs or historical remnants along some paths, particularly near the Olinda area.
What is the longest no-traffic gravel bike trail available in Brea?
The longest no-traffic gravel bike trail listed is the View of Yorba Linda – Four Corners loop from Carbon Canyon Regional Park, spanning approximately 47.6 kilometers (29.6 miles). This challenging route features significant elevation gain and offers extensive exploration through the scenic landscape.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
