Southern California is an e-biker's haven, boasting scenic routes suitable for riders of all levels - be they beginners or veteran adventurers.
From coastal trails to rugged mountain routes, the region's unique terrain ensures every ride feels like an exciting journey.
Are You Tired of Commuting by Bike in Southern California? Now's the Time to Expand Your Horizons with New Biking Trails
No more searching for "bike trails near me", we've put together the complete guide right here!
Ebike Classes and Trail Etiquette
Before beginning trail recommendations, it's essential to gain an understanding of California's various e-bike classifications:
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Class 1: Pedal-assist only, max speed of 20 mph.
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Class 2: Throttle-assisted with a max speed of 20 mph.
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Class 3: Pedal-assist with a max speed of 28 mph.
Each trail has specific rules about which e-bike class is allowed, so always check ahead to avoid any surprises.
Always observe trail etiquette to protect the natural surroundings: show respect to other users, yield when appropriate and follow designated paths for safe travel.
Given that regulations regarding electric bikes in Southern California can change over time, it’s a good idea to check before you set out on your adventure.
Imperial County
While Imperial County boasts a small number of bike trails, the ones available offer fantastic desert views and diverse terrain for adventurous riders.
Picacho Trails
- Limit: Class 1
- Number of Trails: 7
- Distance: 2 to 19 miles
- Difficulty: Green to Blue
Located northwest of Winterhaven at the base of Stud Mountain, the Picacho Trails offer seven routes that wind through the desert landscape.
These dirt and gravel paths are bidirectional, and the longest one stretches 19 miles into Picacho State Recreation Area, making it a great option for those who want a longer adventure.
San Diego County
San Diego County features over 300 bike-friendly trails, making it one of the most diverse areas for bike riding.
Whether you're exploring the coast or heading into the national forests, San Diego has something for everyone.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
- Limit: Class 1
- Distance: 120 miles (various interconnected trails)
- Difficulty: Green to Double Black Diamond
- Website: Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
This preserve, north of Solana Beach, offers a range of trails that are perfect for both beginners and advanced riders.
The area is home to over 500 plant species and 175 bird species, making it a biodiverse haven for nature lovers. The trails range from flat, easygoing paths to thrilling singletrack routes, allowing riders to customize their experience.
Bayshore Bikeway
- Limit: Class 1
- Distance: 23 miles
- Difficulty: Green
- Website: Bayshore Bikeway
This scenic loop begins with 13 miles of car-free biking and passes through iconic spots around San Diego Bay. Riders can enjoy views of the bay, Coronado, and the surrounding urban and coastal areas. For those seeking a more relaxing ride, this flat route is ideal.
Corral Canyon OHV Area
- Limit: Class 1
- Number of Trails: 14
- Distance: ⅓ to 10 miles
- Difficulty: Blue to Double Black Diamond
For those seeking rugged, off-road adventures, Corral Canyon offers trails with steep climbs, rocky descents, and beautiful views. Located in a National Forest, this area provides exciting trails that test your skills.
Orange County
Orange County is known for its stunning coastal views and accessible paved bikeways, perfect for riders looking to enjoy a leisurely ride or something a little more challenging.
Santa Ana River Trail
- Limit: Class 2
- Distance: 30 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Website: Santa Ana River Trail
This well-known trail runs from Huntington Beach to Anaheim, providing scenic river views along the way. Whether you're looking for a short, relaxing ride or a full-day adventure, the Santa Ana River Trail offers something for everyone.
Shady Canyon Loop (Irvine)
- Limit: Class 1
- Distance: 12 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
For those who prefer a bit more of a challenge, this loop in Irvine provides moderate climbs and stunning vistas. It's an excellent trail for riders looking for a workout with beautiful surroundings.
Riverside County
Riverside County offers quiet and scenic bike trails for those looking to escape into nature.
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
- Limit: Class 2
- Distance: 10 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Website: Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
This rugged park offers rolling hills and desert landscapes, perfect for riders looking for a challenge. The trails wind through beautiful wilderness areas, providing both scenic views and a bit of adventure.
Box Spring Mountain
- Limit: Class 1
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Difficulty: Green to Blue
- Website: Box Spring Mountain
This series of trails is perfect for riders looking to enjoy scenic bike paths. With a mix of bidirectional and singletrack routes, Box Spring Mountain offers a range of experiences, from leisurely rides to more challenging climbs.
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County is a playground for mountain biking enthusiasts, offering thrilling trails through mountainous terrain.
Big Bear Lake Area
- Limit: Class 1
- Distance: 5.8 to 27.7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Big Bear is known for its rugged, high-altitude trails, making it a great spot for bikers looking for a challenge. Whether you're cruising by the lake or heading up into the mountains, Big Bear has plenty to offer.
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles offers both urban and natural trails, allowing bike riders to experience the best of both worlds.
Marvin Braude Bike Path (The Strand)
- Limit: Class 1
- Distance: 22 miles
- Difficulty: Green
Running along the Pacific Ocean from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach, this iconic bike path is a must-ride. It's perfect for a leisurely cruise, with plenty of stops along the way for sightseeing and food.
Griffith Park
- Limit: Class 1
- Distance: 8–10 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Escape into the natural beauty of Griffith Park, where you'll find stunning views of downtown LA and trails that range from flat to more challenging terrain. This is a great spot for riders looking for a mix of city and nature.
Kern County
Kern County may have fewer trails, but the ones it offers are ideal for nature lovers seeking a peaceful ride.
Lehigh Trails
- Limit: Class 1
- Number of Trails: 34
- Distance: 200 feet to 32 miles
- Difficulty: Green to Double Black Diamond
Located in the Tehachapi Mountains, the Lehigh Trails offer diverse terrain for all skill levels. The scenic routes make it a great place for a relaxing day of riding.
San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo offers scenic coastal rides and beautiful canyon trails, making it a popular spot for bike riders.
Hazard's Peak Trail
- Limit: Class 1
- Distance: 4.2 miles
- Difficulty: Blue
This singletrack trail in Montaña de Oro State Park is great for both new and experienced riders. It offers ocean views and a slight elevation gain, making it a beautiful and peaceful ride.
Poly Canyon Road
- Limit: Class 1
- Distance: 3.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Located in Los Padres National Forest, this smooth access road winds through scenic countryside, perfect for a relaxed ride.
Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara's coastal beauty and mountain views make it a top destination for bike enthusiasts.
Beach Way Bike Path
- Limit: Class 1
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Difficulty: Green
This path runs along Santa Barbara's stunning coastline, providing a relaxing and scenic ride with views of the beach and ocean.
Los Flores Ranch Park
- Limit: Class 1
- Number of Trails: 6
- Distance: ⅕ to 2 miles
- Difficulty: Green to Blue
This park offers singletrack and bidirectional trails, making it a great place for new riders to explore the area's natural beauty.
Ventura County
Ventura County offers a mix of coastal and inland trails, perfect for riders looking to explore less-crowded areas.
Conejo Canyons Open Space
- Limit: Class 1
- Number of Trails: 12
- Distance: ¼ to 2 miles
- Difficulty: Green to Blue
Located between Thousand Oaks and Camarillo,Located between Thousand Oaks and Camarillo, the Conejo Canyons Open Space offers scenic trails with varied terrain, ideal for a peaceful ride through nature. You'll find trails ranging from easy, hard-packed dirt routes to slightly more challenging hills. This open space is perfect for those who want to escape the city and enjoy the golden hills of Ventura County.
Ojai Valley Trail
- Limit: Class 1
- Distance: 15 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This tranquil trail connects Ventura to Ojai, providing a beautiful route through the valley. It's ideal for riders looking for a long, leisurely ride with gorgeous views of the rolling hills and surrounding farmland. The Ojai Valley Trail is an excellent choice for a relaxing weekend escape.
Wrapping Up Your SoCal Ebike Adventure
From scenic coastal rides to rugged mountain paths, Southern California offers some of the best bike trails for riders of all skill levels.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful ride along the beach or a thrilling off-road adventure in the mountains, the diverse terrain of SoCal ensures that there's something for everyone.
So, charge up your bike and get ready to explore these must-ride trails across Imperial, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties!
FAQs
What are the best ebike trails in Southern California?
SoCal offers various trails like Marvin Braude Bike Path and Los Peñasquitos Canyon, suitable for all levels.
Can Class 3 ebikes be used on all trails?
No, many trails in SoCal limit ebikes to Class 1 or 2, so always check trail regulations before riding.
Which county has the most scenic ebike trails?
San Diego County offers a great mix of coastal and inland trails, making it one of the most scenic regions for ebiking.
