The best cycling routes around Bell Canyon

There are over 90 touring cycling routes around Bell Canyon, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find everything from easy paths to more challenging rides with significant elevation gain.

The terrain around Bell Canyon is quite varied, featuring scenic pathways, rolling hills, and meadows adorned with oak trees. You'll encounter both paved and unpaved segments, with some routes meandering alongside babbling creeks and through majestic oak groves. The Santa Monica Mountains provide diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas, including occasional views of the Pacific Ocean.

Yes, Bell Canyon offers a few easier touring cycling routes, with 3 routes specifically categorized as easy. These paths are generally less strenuous, providing a pleasant experience for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. For a moderate option, the Las Virgenes Creek – Victory Trailhead loop from Zev Yaroslavsky Las Virgenes Highlands Park is a good choice, offering a mix of rolling hills and scenic views over 14.5 km.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Bell Canyon has over 50 difficult routes. A notable option is the El Escorpión Park – El Escorpion Park loop from Chatsworth Nature Preserve, which is 32.9 km long and features significant elevation gain through varied terrain. Another demanding route is the El Escorpión Park – Victory Trailhead loop from El Escorpion Park, covering 28.7 km with considerable climbing through the Santa Monica Mountains.

The touring cycling routes around Bell Canyon are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 14 reviews. More than 720 touring cyclists have explored this area using komoot, often praising the diverse landscapes, rolling hills, and the serene environment provided by the oak groves and creeks.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Bell Canyon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the El Escorpion Park – El Escorpión Park loop from El Escorpion Park, a moderate 17.8 km ride, and the more challenging El Escorpión Park – El Escorpion Park loop from Chatsworth Nature Preserve.

As you cycle around Bell Canyon, you'll be immersed in the natural beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains. The routes often pass through majestic oak groves and alongside babbling creeks. Notable natural landmarks and viewpoints in the wider area include Castle Peak, Rocky Peak Trail, and the View of Simi Valley from Long Canyon Trail. You might also spot local wildlife like deer, hawks, and coyotes.

Yes, the area supports touring cyclists with amenities. In nearby Calabasas, you can find cyclist-friendly establishments such as Pedalers Fork Restaurant, Coffee Shop & Bike Shop, which provides food, coffee, and even bike tools, making it a convenient stop during or after your ride.

Parking is available at various trailheads and parks that serve as starting points for touring cycling routes. For instance, the Victory Trailhead is a known parking location that provides access to several routes, including loops around El Escorpión Park.

The region around Bell Canyon, being in Southern California, generally offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall typically provide the most comfortable temperatures, with lush landscapes in spring. Summers can be hot, especially in inland areas, so early morning rides are recommended. Winters are mild, making it possible to cycle year-round, though occasional rain may occur.

While Bell Canyon itself is inland, its proximity to the Santa Monica Mountains means that some higher elevation routes or those extending further west into the range can offer stunning vistas that include views of the Pacific Ocean. Exploring the broader network of paths and roads in the Santa Monica Mountains will increase your chances of finding these panoramic ocean views.