The best gravel rides around Beverly Hills

There are over 20 gravel bike trails around Beverly Hills, offering a diverse range of experiences. While many routes are rated as difficult, there are also moderate options available for those looking for a less intense ride.

You can expect a unique blend of terrain. Within the city, parks like Beverly Gardens Park offer well-maintained paths for leisurely rides. Just north, areas like Franklin Canyon Park provide dirt paths and trails through woodlands. The Santa Monica Mountains, a prominent feature, offer extensive fire roads and canyon trails with challenging climbs and scenic unpaved sections, transitioning from urban green spaces to rugged natural terrain.

While many of the dedicated gravel routes in the Santa Monica Mountains are rated difficult, the region does offer options for less technical riding. For a more relaxed experience, you can explore the well-maintained paths within Beverly Gardens Park. For those looking for slightly more adventurous but still manageable terrain, some fire roads in areas like Franklin Canyon Park offer dirt paths that are less challenging than the steeper mountain ascents.

Beverly Hills and the surrounding Southern California region enjoy a pleasant climate that allows for year-round outdoor enjoyment. However, the cooler, drier months from late fall through spring (October to May) are generally ideal, offering comfortable temperatures for longer rides. Summers can be hot, especially in the canyons and mountains, so early morning rides are recommended during those months.

Yes, many of the popular gravel bike trails around Beverly Hills are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Palisades Park – San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint loop from 26th Street/Bergamot is a challenging 35.8-mile route offering sweeping views. Another option is the The Hub (Topanga State Park) – Marvin Braude Bike Trail loop from 17th Street/SMC, which navigates through Topanga State Park and connects to coastal paths.

The gravel trails around Beverly Hills offer numerous opportunities for breathtaking views. The Palisades Park – San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint loop leads directly to the San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint, providing expansive vistas over the city and mountains. Additionally, trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, such as the West Mandeville Fire Road, climb to various points offering sweeping city and mountain views, and Franklin Canyon Park's Hastain Trail also provides great overlooks.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. Reviewers often praise the unique combination of urban accessibility and rugged natural terrain, the challenging climbs, and the scenic fire roads that offer diverse ecosystems and stunning views. The ability to quickly transition from city streets to unpaved canyon paths is a frequently highlighted aspect.

Yes, several interesting landmarks and natural features are accessible or visible from the gravel biking areas. You might encounter the Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir within Franklin Canyon Park. Further afield, but still within the broader region, you can find highlights like the Griffith Observatory, the Santa Monica Pier, or even catch glimpses of the Hollywood Sign from certain viewpoints.

Parking availability varies by trail access point. For trails within the Santa Monica Mountains, you'll often find parking lots at major trailheads or designated areas along roads like Mulholland Drive. For urban parks like Beverly Gardens Park, street parking or nearby public parking structures would be options. It's always advisable to check specific trailhead information for the most accurate parking details before your ride.

While popular routes can see more traffic, especially on weekends, exploring some of the less-known fire roads or visiting during off-peak hours (early mornings or weekdays) can offer a more solitary experience. Areas within Franklin Canyon Park or some of the more remote sections of the Santa Monica Mountains trails might provide a quieter ride compared to the most well-trafficked routes.

Given Beverly Hills' urban setting, you'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and amenities within easy reach of the city's parks and at the base of the canyons. For trails deeper in the Santa Monica Mountains, amenities become scarcer, so it's recommended to stock up on water and snacks before heading out. However, trailheads closer to communities like Topanga Canyon or Santa Monica will have options for refreshments.