The best cycling routes around South Monrovia Island

There are over 35 touring cycling routes around South Monrovia Island, offering a diverse range of experiences from easy river greenways to more challenging mountain foothills.

Yes, South Monrovia Island offers several easy routes perfect for beginners or families. For a flat and scenic ride, consider the Bosque del Rio Hondo – Rio Hondo Greenway loop from North El Monte, which winds along the Rio Hondo Greenway. Another great option is the Santa Fe Flood Control Basin – San Gabriel River Greenway loop from Duarte, following a river greenway with pleasant views.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with significant elevation gain. The View of San Gabriel Mountains – Royal Oaks Park - Las Lomas loop from Duarte/City of Hope provides a demanding ride with rewarding views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Additionally, the San Gabriel Canyon (Azusa Canyon) road is known for its smooth pavement and picturesque scenery through the canyon.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in South Monrovia Island are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Duarte Bike Trail – Duarte Recreational Trail loop from Monrovia, which takes you through shaded oak trees, and the Rio Hondo River Trail – Bosque del Rio Hondo loop from North El Monte.

Cycling routes in South Monrovia Island often showcase diverse natural features. You can expect to see chaparral-covered hillsides, oak woodlands, and riparian areas. The region is nestled at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, offering dramatic backdrops and panoramic views of the San Gabriel Valley. Some routes follow river greenways like the San Gabriel River Greenway and Rio Hondo Greenway. Monrovia Canyon Park also features trails leading to seasonal waterfalls.

The touring cycling routes in South Monrovia Island are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from flat river paths to challenging mountain ascents, and the beautiful natural scenery.

Yes, the area features dedicated bike trails. The Duarte Bike Trail is a notable multi-purpose path that follows a historic railway route, offering both paved and dirt sections shaded by oak trees. River greenways also provide excellent cycling infrastructure.

Many trails and cycling routes in the region lead to vantage points that provide sweeping views. You can often enjoy panoramic vistas of the San Gabriel Valley, the Los Angeles basin, and on clear days, even Catalina Island, especially on routes that ascend into the mountain foothills.

The routes vary significantly in distance and duration to suit different preferences. Easy routes, such as the Bosque del Rio Hondo – Rio Hondo Greenway loop, are around 14.5 miles (23.3 km) and can be completed in under 1.5 hours. More challenging routes, like the View of San Gabriel Mountains – Royal Oaks Park - Las Lomas loop, can extend over 32 miles (51 km) and take several hours to complete.

While the region is actively working on improving cycling infrastructure, specific public transport connections directly to all trailheads may vary. It's advisable to check local transit options for routes serving areas like Duarte or North El Monte, which are common starting points for many tours.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can explore various points of interest. The Santa Fe Flood Control Basin is a notable feature, and the End of San Gabriel River Bike Path marks a significant point along one of the major greenways. Monrovia Canyon Park is also a popular spot for its trails and seasonal waterfalls.