The best road cycling routes around Glendale
4.7
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6,633
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If you've ever tried to plan road cycling around Glendale, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many routes crisscrossing the area, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want the highlights, not the guesswork.
That's where komoot comes in. Our community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes, giving us a unique insight into what makes a great ride here. This guide is your curated shortlist, designed to save you the endless searching and point you directly to the road cycling experiences that truly deliver. Expect a mix of urban parklands, scenic river paths, and routes offering stunning views of the Verdugo and San Gabriel Mountains. The terrain varies from flatter sections along the Los Angeles River to challenging climbs into the hills, ensuring options for every fitness level.
For a fantastic introduction to the area with a good workout, we'd start with the Brookside Park – Brookside Park loop from La Cañada Flintridge. This moderate 21.8 miles (35.0 km) route offers a great blend of scenery and elevation. If you're looking for something a bit easier and more relaxed, the Red Car Bridge – Baum Bicycle Bridge loop from DreamWorks Studios is an easy 11.2 miles (18.0 km) ride, perfect for a casual spin. With more than 6,000 road cyclists having explored Glendale with komoot, you can trust our community's insights to help you find your next favorite ride.
Last updated: June 8, 2026
4.9
(13)
230
riders
36.1km
01:55
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(2)
98
riders
49.5km
02:26
650m
650m
The Baum Bicycle Bridge – Los Angeles River Bike Path loop from Glendale offers a dynamic road cycling experience, transitioning from the revitalized urban greenway to the challenging hills of Griffith Park. Along the Los Angeles River, you'll encounter diverse ecosystems and public art, particularly in the Glendale Narrows section. Once in Griffith Park, the route rewards your efforts with panoramic city views and glimpses of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. This moderate 30.8-mile (49.5 km) loop, with its 2139 feet (652 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete.
Planning your ride means being ready for varied terrain; the initial river path is flat and paved, but Griffith Park introduces significant climbs on paved roads that can have rough patches. Cycling on dirt trails within Griffith Park is generally not allowed. The route has multiple access points, including near Rio de Los Angeles State Park, making it convenient to start from various locations. Consider the best time to cycle Los Angeles River Bike Path to avoid peak heat, especially during summer afternoons.
This route is notable for seamlessly integrating two distinct Los Angeles environments, connected by the functional and architectural landmark of the Baum Bicycle Bridge. The Los Angeles River Bike Path is part of a broader vision to create continuous greenways, showcasing ongoing efforts to restore portions of the river to a more natural state. It's a great way to experience the Glendale cycling terrain difficulty and the unique blend of urban and natural landscapes.
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5.0
(2)
70
riders
46.0km
02:38
630m
630m
The Elysian Park – Elysian Park loop from Glendale offers a refreshing urban road cycling experience, winding through wooded hillsides and providing panoramic views of Dodger Stadium and the Downtown Los Angeles skyline. You'll find a dynamic ride with varied terrain, including segments with gradients up to 8.3%, making it a great option for a moderate workout. The route is a 28.6 miles (46.0 km) loop with 2071 feet (631 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 38 minutes to complete.
To access the park from Glendale, you'll likely utilize the Elysian Valley Bicycle & Pedestrian Path along the Los Angeles River. This 7.4-mile path provides a protected and breezier ride, often below grade, reducing traffic noise and offering views of the San Gabriel Mountains. It's a mostly well-paved and easy-to-ride surface, connecting you smoothly to the main Elysian Park cycling routes.
This route stands out as one of the most popular trails for road cycling in Los Angeles, combining significant elevation gain with iconic city vistas. The park itself is one of LA's oldest and largest, featuring diverse landscapes like the Chavez Ravine Arboretum and the sweeping, car-free Avenue of Palms. It's an excellent choice for urban cyclists seeking a scenic and moderately challenging ride close to the city center.
4.9
(35)
127
riders
19.5km
00:54
60m
60m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
22
riders
36.5km
01:53
580m
580m
The Baum Bicycle Bridge loop from Glendale offers a unique road cycling experience, seamlessly blending urban landscapes with the natural beauty of Griffith Park. You'll start on the Los Angeles River Greenway, enjoying flat, paved paths that showcase urban greening and public art, before ascending into Griffith Park for panoramic city views, including the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. The route provides a varied journey, transitioning from smooth river paths to more challenging, elevated park roads, making it a dynamic ride for those who appreciate diverse scenery.
This moderate 22.7-mile (36.5 km) road cycling route involves a significant 1913 feet (583 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 53 minutes. While the Los Angeles River Greenway section is generally easy, the climbs within Griffith Park require good fitness. Parking is available in the Glendale area, but consider an early start, especially on weekends, to ensure a spot and enjoy cooler temperatures for your ride.
This cycling route is notable for its integration of two distinct Los Angeles environments, highlighting the revitalization efforts along the Los Angeles River and the expansive natural beauty of Griffith Park. The Baum Bicycle Bridge itself serves as a specific architectural point of interest within the park, adding to the route's charm. It's a fantastic way to experience both the evolving ecosystems of the river and the iconic vistas from one of the city's largest urban parks.
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Other adventures around Glendale
Tips from the Community
The Sunnynook Pedestrian Bridge, also known as the Atwater Village Love Lock Bridge, is one of the older pedestrian bridges in the city. It's known locally as a spot to leave a lock proclaiming your everlasting love.
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This trail currently runs about 38 miles in several disconnected segments; there are plans to eventually unify it in a continuous, 50-mile swath. There are stretches of dirt mixed in with the paved trail, so you're best off with a touring bike instead of a road bike.
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Built in 1912 this historic bridge plays an important part in the growth of the city. For a short time in the 1930's and 40s it was part of the iconic "Route 66" that stretched from Santa Monica to Chicago. Aside from a short closure and refurbishment after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the bridge has been in operation for well over a century.
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The Baum Bicycle Bridge is named in honor of Alex Baum, who was a tireless advocate for cycling infrastructure around Los Angeles. LA cyclists owe him a debt of gratitude for much of the gains that have been made in the city.
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Brookside Park is Pasadena's largest fully maintained park at 61.1 acres. It sits south of Rose Bowl Stadium with tons of parking off Arroyo Boulevard. The park features a lighted baseball diamond, two softball diamonds, and a large, lighted, multi-purpose field for soccer and flag football. There is also a speaker's platform with permanent seating, numerous picnic tables, barbecue pits, a play area, restrooms, and drinking fountains.
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North Atwater Bridge, also known as La Kretz Bridge or La Kretz Crossing, is a 325-foot-long cable-stayed pedestrian bridge stretching over the Los Angeles River. It connects Griffith Park to Atwater Village, just south of North Atwater Park. Originally designed to provide horseback riders from Atwater Village safe access to Griffith Park’s extensive riding trails, the bridge eliminates the need to cross Los Feliz Boulevard or the often slippery concrete-bottomed L.A. River.
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La Tuna Canyon Road is a fairly quiet road that winds through the green hills behind Burbank. There are some ups and downs, but you will be treated to some nice views as you get higher.
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The Los Angeles River Trail, also known as the Los Angeles River Bike Path, stretches 38.28 miles from Owensmouth Avenue in Canoga Park to 401 Golden Shore in Long Beach. The trail features a mix of asphalt, concrete, and dirt surfaces. Open in several disconnected segments along the Los Angeles River, it is open to biking, inline skating, and walking, offering a scenic trail through the urbanized landscape of Los Angeles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Glendale?
Glendale offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 25 tours available. These range from easy rides along river paths to more challenging ascents into the mountains.
What do other road cyclists enjoy about the routes in Glendale?
The road cycling routes around Glendale are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from urban parklands and river paths to routes offering scenic views of the Verdugo and San Gabriel Mountains.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Glendale?
Yes, Glendale has several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Red Car Bridge – Baum Bicycle Bridge loop from DreamWorks Studios is an easy 13.7-mile path featuring river views and notable bridges.
What kind of challenges can advanced road cyclists expect in Glendale?
Advanced road cyclists can find routes with significant elevation changes and longer distances. The region's proximity to the Verdugo and San Gabriel Mountains provides challenging climbs. Routes like the Mount Hollywood Drive – Griffith Observatory loop from Glendale offer substantial ascents and cover over 30 miles.
Are there any loop road cycling routes in Glendale?
Many road cycling routes in Glendale are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to explore the area. Examples include the popular Brookside Park loop from La Cañada Flintridge, a moderate 21.8-mile trail, and the Baum Bicycle Bridge – Los Angeles River Bike Path loop from Glendale, which is nearly 31 miles long.
What natural landmarks can I see while road cycling around Glendale?
While road cycling around Glendale, you can encounter several natural landmarks. Routes often provide views of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains and the Verdugo Mountains. Specific highlights include the Back of the Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee, the Wisdom Tree on Burbank Peak, and various overlooks like Clouds Rest Overlook - Runyon Canyon Park.
Are there any waterfalls accessible from road cycling routes in Glendale?
Yes, some road cycling routes in the Glendale area can bring you close to natural attractions like waterfalls. For example, the Eaton Canyon Waterfall is a notable natural feature in the canyons around Glendale that can be accessed or viewed from certain cycling routes or nearby trails.
Are there family-friendly road cycling routes in Glendale?
Glendale offers several linear parks and bike paths that are excellent for family-friendly road cycling. The Glendale Narrows/Elysian Valley Bike Path, for instance, provides a relatively flat and scenic experience alongside sections of the Los Angeles River, suitable for various ages and skill levels.
What are the best times of year for road cycling in Glendale?
Glendale, California, generally offers pleasant road cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall provide mild temperatures, ideal for longer rides. Even winter can be enjoyable with cooler, clear days. Summers can be hot, especially in the afternoon, so early morning rides are recommended during those months.
Is public transport available to access road cycling routes in Glendale?
Glendale has public transport options, including bus services, that can help cyclists access various parts of the city and connect to different cycling routes. Many routes are also accessible from urban centers, making it convenient to start your ride without a car.
Where can I find parking for road cycling routes in Glendale?
Parking for road cycling routes in Glendale is often available near parks, trailheads, and urban centers. For routes accessing areas like Griffith Park or along the Los Angeles River, designated parking lots or street parking can usually be found. It's advisable to check specific starting points for the best parking options.
Are there cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the routes?
Given Glendale's urban setting and proximity to areas like Pasadena and Burbank, many road cycling routes pass through or near neighborhoods with cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can stop for refreshments. Routes along the Los Angeles River Bike Path also have access points to nearby amenities.
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