Mulholland Highway

Embark on a touring cycling journey through the Santa Monica Mountains that blends challenging ascents with rich history and diverse landscapes. This difficult 25.0-mile (40.3 km) route, with its 2318 feet (707 metres) of elevation gain, guides you past the historic Paramount Ranch Western Town, where old movie sets still stand, and through the expansive King Gillette Ranch, offering panoramic 360-degree views from Inspiration Point. Expect a ride that demands very good fitness, rewarding your effort with a unique mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks, all within an estimated duration of 2 hours and 48 minutes.

To make the most of this challenging ride, ensure you have very good fitness and are prepared for varied terrain, including some unpaved segments where you might need to dismount. Cyclists should always ride courteously, yielding to hikers and equestrians, and adhere to the 15 mph speed limit in designated areas. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area visitor center at King Gillette Ranch is a great resource for additional local information and facilities.

This route is particularly notable for its historical significance, connecting two iconic sites: Paramount Ranch, a former movie set, and King Gillette Ranch, home to a historic mansion designed by Wallace Neff. The landscape itself is a vibrant mosaic of oak savannahs, grasslands, and chaparral, serving as a vital wildlife corridor. Keep an eye out for the picturesque Malibou Lake, though direct access is restricted, and enjoy the dramatic rock formations of adjacent Malibu Creek State Park visible from various viewpoints.

The Topanga & Mulholland Scenic Highway loop from Calabasas is a demanding touring cycling route that rewards effort with stunning vistas. You'll navigate winding roads through rugged canyons, oak forests, and chaparral, with the highlight being the expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean from various overlooks along Mulholland Highway. This difficult 21.2-mile (34.1 km) ride involves a substantial 3033 feet (924 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 39 minutes, making it a serious test for your climbing legs.

Planning your visit to this challenging route means preparing for significant elevation changes and potentially technical turns. While the route is mostly paved, be mindful of possible gravel from rockfalls on some sections. Parking is available in Calabasas, but it's always wise to check for any temporary road closures on Mulholland Highway, which can sometimes offer a car-free cycling paradise. Bring ample water and nutrition for this sustained effort.

This loop is a quintessential Santa Monica Mountains experience, traversing a famous thoroughfare known for its remote feel and dramatic scenery. You'll pass through parts of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, with iconic roads like Old Topanga Canyon Road adding to the adventure. The route is best suited for advanced cyclists looking for a memorable ride with sweeping views that can extend all the way to the Catalina Islands on clear days.