A collection of news, stories, videos and adventures written by Gravel Bike California focusing on Southern California Gravel.
As an Angeleno (and more specifically a Gr818er), the initial appeal to gravel was to explore new areas after seemingly ridden all available pavement around me. The San Gabriel Mountains have provided that relief, but after years of dirt, I was starting to feel like I was exhausting all my options. That reasoning was led […]
Gold Creek Gravel Guide Read More »
Oat Mountain might be the shortest gravel guide I’ll ever add and doesn’t really include dirt, but it’s still worthy inclusion on this list. Part of the reason you think of fat tires when you think of this ride is how some of the worst mixed surface portions of the road are now beautifully paved,
Gravel provides the enjoyment to escape from it all and Mount Lukens is one of the best climbs in Los Angeles that does it close to an urban area while providing a surprising amount of epicness. If you’ve ever ridden up the Angeles Crest Highway, it’s not hard to notice the number of cars parked
Mount Lukens Gravel Guide Read More »
May Canyon may not be the most gravelly ride you’ll come across, but if you do dirt in the Angeles National Forest, you are bound to come across it. Situated in the northeast corner of the San Fernando Valley, this climb is just under five miles with a lot to offer. Firstly, the road is
May Canyon Gravel Guide Read More »
Make no mistake about it: there is no better place that’s more accessible in the Los Angeles area for dirt than the Santa Monica Mountains gravel. While there are many possibilities throughout the county, the area bounded by Topanga Canyon and the Sepulveda Pass don’t only possess the most number of routes, but it’s well
Santa Monica Mountains Gravel Guide: Topanga to the Sepulveda Pass Read More »
There are a lot of emblematic historical landmarks in California, but none match the intrigue of biking the Hollywood Sign. While there are opportunities galore, how many of these destinations are perched at the top of a mountain? When the sign was erected in 1924, I could imagine it being an eyesore as this advertising
Gravel Guide: Biking the Hollywood Sign Read More »
If there’s a trail that best defines the Santa Monica Mountains, it easily would have to be the Backbone Trail. This 67 mile connection begins out of Will Rogers Historic State Park in the Pacific Palisades and rides the ridgeline into Ventura County ending at Point Mugu State Park. Its origins began in the 1970s,
Gravel Guide: Backbone Trail (Encincal to Circle X Ranch) Read More »
Challenge me on this one, but there’s no greater road that serves as an accessible gateway than the Angeles Crest Highway. Hovering over Los Angeles, this 66 mile highway is a true escape from urban life just minutes away from millions. Historically part of Highway 2, the moment you enter the Angeles National Forest you
Angeles Crest Highway & Josephine Peak Read More »
Gibraltar Road clearly belongs in the list not only for the greatest climbs in the state, but the country as well. You can argue about its length or toughness, but the setting is a factor that helps tip the scales. Already starting at an elevation of almost 900 feet, you still get a prime view
Gravel Guide: Gibraltar Road Read More »
Exploring takes risk and we do it for the reward. I’ve been staring at Google Maps for years contemplating a Quatal Canyon gravel ride through the eastern side of Los Padres National Forest, but the holdback is for the same reasons we should always be skeptical. Convincing a group of friends to drive over an
Four Counties & Quatal Canyon Gravel Guide Read More »
