Top Gravel Routes Near Los Angeles You Need to Ride
Los Angeles is secretly one of the best gravel riding cities in the country. While most people picture freeways and concrete, the reality is that thousands of miles of fire roads, dirt trails, and unpaved paths wind through the mountains that surround the city. You can leave from a coffee shop in Silver Lake and be on dirt within thirty minutes. That kind of access is rare, and LA gravel riders know it.
Whether you are on a dedicated gravel bike, a hardtail mountain bike, or a road bike with wider tires, these routes deliver everything from mellow cruises to lung-burning adventures with views that make the suffering worthwhile.
Sullivan Canyon — Westside Classic
Sullivan Canyon in Brentwood is the gateway gravel ride for Westside cyclists. The fire road climbs gradually through a shaded canyon lined with oaks and sycamores before connecting to the Backbone Trail and the wider Santa Monica Mountains trail network. The main out-and-back is roughly eight miles round trip with about 800 feet of climbing — perfect for a weekday afternoon ride or a morning spin before work.
The surface is mostly packed dirt with some loose rocky sections after rain. A gravel bike with 38mm or wider tires handles it comfortably. The canyon stays cool even on hot days thanks to tree cover, making it a solid summer option when paved roads in the Valley are baking.
Dirt Mulholland — The Iconic Fire Road
Dirt Mulholland is the unpaved section of Mulholland Drive that runs through the Santa Monica Mountains between Encino and the 405 freeway. It is roughly four miles of rolling fire road with panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley on one side and the ocean on the other. On a clear day, you can see from downtown to Catalina Island.
The road surface varies from smooth hardpack to loose gravel depending on recent weather and maintenance. It connects to multiple singletrack trails, so you can build it into a longer loop with some planning. Most gravel riders combine Dirt Mulholland with paved climbs like Reseda Boulevard or Topanga Canyon for a mixed-surface adventure that showcases the best of LA riding.
Mount Wilson via Red Box Road
For a bigger day in the saddle, Mount Wilson delivers. The paved climb from La Canada Flintridge to Red Box Junction is a classic LA road ride. From Red Box, you can take the fire road toward Mount Wilson Observatory, adding dirt miles with serious elevation. The total round trip from the base can run 40 to 60 miles depending on your route, with 4,000 to 6,000 feet of climbing.
The fire roads up here are rougher than the Santa Monica Mountains — expect loose rocks, some washboard sections, and occasional debris from storms. Bring more tire than you think you need. Forty-millimeter tires are a minimum, and many riders prefer 42 to 45mm for comfort on the descents.
The views from Mount Wilson are staggering. On clear mornings, you can see the entire LA basin stretching to the ocean, with the Channel Islands visible on the horizon. The observatory and its surrounding area feel like another world compared to the city below.
Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyons — Agoura Hills
Tucked into the hills near Agoura Hills, Cheeseboro and Palo Comado canyons offer some of the most scenic gravel riding in the greater LA area. The fire roads loop through rolling grasslands dotted with ancient oak trees, and in spring the wildflowers are spectacular. The terrain is moderate with a few punchy climbs, making it accessible to intermediate riders.
A popular loop connects Cheeseboro Canyon to Palo Comado Canyon via China Flat, covering roughly 15 miles with about 1,500 feet of climbing. The surface is generally good hardpack with some sandy stretches. Wildlife sightings are common — deer, hawks, coyotes, and the occasional bobcat make regular appearances.
Palos Verdes Dirt Trails
The Palos Verdes Peninsula is known for its stunning coastal views, and the network of dirt trails along the bluffs offers a unique gravel riding experience. The trails run along the edge of the peninsula with the Pacific Ocean below, and on whale migration days you might spot gray whales breaching while you pedal.
The trails here are narrower and more technical than typical fire roads, so wider tires and some off-road experience help. But the reward is riding along dramatic sea cliffs with some of the best views in Southern California. Combine the dirt sections with paved roads through the Palos Verdes neighborhoods for a full loop of 20 to 30 miles.
Gear Tips for LA Gravel Riding
Tire choice makes or breaks your gravel experience. For most LA fire roads, a 38 to 42mm tire with a semi-slick or file tread pattern works great. Go wider and knobbier if you plan to hit loose or rocky terrain like Angeles National Forest. Always carry extra water — there are no refill points on most fire roads, and LA heat can dehydrate you fast.
A frame bag or saddle bag with basic tools, a spare tube, and a patch kit is essential. Cell service can be spotty in the canyons, and you do not want to be stranded five miles from the nearest road with a flat and no repair kit.
Los Angeles gravel riding rewards the curious. Every fire road gate is an invitation, and behind it sits a version of this city that most people never see. Get out there and explore.
Shop gravel bikes and gear at mybike.la — your LA gravel riding headquarters.