The best MTB trails around Santa Monica
4.5
(15)
354
riders
16
rides
Mountain biking around Santa Monica offers access to a diverse landscape that blends coastal environments with rugged mountain terrain. The region is characterized by the expansive Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, featuring numerous canyons, ridges, and varied elevations. This area provides an extensive network of trails through chaparral, oak woodlands, and lush canyons, leading to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Los Angeles area.
Best mountain bike trails around Santa Monica
- The most popular mountain bike trailβ¦
Last updated: August 23, 2026
33
riders
35.2km
02:57
740m
740m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
34
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(2)
18
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
50.3km
04:14
1,070m
1,070m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
riders
64.1km
05:35
1,430m
1,430m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Santa Monica
Tips from the Community
This park has an old fire road β perfect for non-technical riders β and a more challenging singletrack trail that more or less parallels the fire road. Both run north along the ridge, eventually connecting with the dirt/gravel section of Mulholland Drive.
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Tongva Park, a urban oasis in Santa Monica, features winding paths, gardens, and unique sculptures. Cycling is not allowed, but you can walk your bike and enjoy exploring the parkβs tranquil landscapes on foot.
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San Vicente Mountain Park, located 2.7 miles west of the 405 freeway on an unpaved section of Mulholland Drive, has awesome 360-degree views and access to extensive hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. The 10.2-acre park has public picnic areas, bathrooms, and is a gateway to Westridge Canyonback Park and the 20,000-acre βBig Wildβ wilderness area. A short walk along a wide dirt road leads visitors to this historic site, which once housed a Nike-Ajax missile radar station during the Cold War (1956β1968). The original radar tower now provides panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Encino Reservoir, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles Basin, making it one of the best spots in the region to watch a sunset.
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Tongva Park gets its name from the local Native Americans who've called the Los Angeles area home for thousands of years. The park is a good place for families as it has a playground, picnic areas, gardens, an amphitheater, and more.
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The beach bike trail passes by the Annenberg Community Beach House, preserving the swimming pool originally built for Newspaper magnate Randolph Hearst in the 1920s, with its beautifully restored Marion Davies Guest House, both built by famous architect Julia Morgan, the first woman to be admitted to the architecture program at l'Γcole nationale supΓ©rieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the first woman architect licensed in California. She is best known for her work on Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. She quickly became famous and built more than 700 buildings over her 50-year career. The tours here are free Fridays to Mondays 12-2pm. https://smconservancy.org/tours-programs/tours/annenberg-beach-house
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This is a handy connector trail, used mostly to go downhill from The Hub to the Bent Arrow Trail, or you can keep going all the way to Mulholland Drive with a climb at the very end.
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West Mandeville Fire Road is a 3.7-mile trail located on the eastern edge of Topanga State Park. This popular, steep trail climbs from Santa Monica to Mulholland Drive and San Vicente Mountain Park, offering sweeping views of the city, mountains, and adjcent canyons. The wide fire road is ideal for biking, but is not a technical trail. It is popular with horseback riders and and hikers, so be on the look out for them. There is little shade so it can get hot, but this means that you get great views! The trail can be accessed from Mandeville Canyon Park in Santa Monica at the staging area at the end of Westridge Road, with access on the west side of the lot.
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very beautiful park, there is so much to discover
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are there in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica offers a diverse range of mountain biking opportunities with over 10 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy coastal rides to challenging mountain ascents within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Are there easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Santa Monica?
Yes, Santa Monica has several easy mountain bike trails. For a relaxed ride with scenic coastal views, consider the Venice Beach β Venice Graffiti Walls loop from Downtown Santa Monica, which is about 22.3 km long and takes just over an hour. Another easy option is the Venice Beach Bike Path β Santa Monica Pier loop from Downtown Santa Monica, a 14.4 km ride along the coast.
What are some challenging mountain bike trails for experienced riders in Santa Monica?
Experienced riders looking for a challenge will find several difficult routes. The San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint β West Mandeville Fire Road loop from 26th Street/Bergamot is a demanding 44.3 km trail with significant elevation gain, typically taking over 4 hours. Another difficult option is the Tongva Park β The Hub (Topanga State Park) loop from 26th Street/Bergamot, a 48.6 km path offering challenging climbs and descents within Topanga State Park.
Are there any mountain bike trails with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean?
Absolutely. Many trails in the Santa Monica Mountains offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline. The San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint β West Mandeville Fire Road loop, for instance, passes by the San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint, known for its expansive vistas. The Backbone Trail, with sections like Topanga State Park to Will Rogers State Park, also provides stunning ocean and canyon views.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica generally offers good mountain biking conditions year-round due to its mild climate. However, early mornings or late afternoons are often recommended for cooler temperatures and excellent photographic opportunities, especially during warmer months. Winter can also be a great time, with pleasant temperatures and lush landscapes after any rainfall.
Are there any loop mountain bike trails in Santa Monica?
Yes, many mountain bike trails in Santa Monica are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint β West Mandeville Fire Road loop and the Tongva Park β The Hub (Topanga State Park) loop. These loops provide varied terrain and scenery without requiring a return trip on the same path.
What attractions can I see along the mountain bike trails in Santa Monica?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can encounter several attractions. Coastal rides might take you past the iconic Santa Monica Pier or along the Ocean Front Walk. In the mountains, you might pass viewpoints like Parker Mesa Overlook or natural features like Eagle Rock. Some trails even lead to Temescal Canyon Falls.
Are there any family-friendly mountain biking options in Santa Monica?
While many mountain trails can be challenging, the flatter coastal paths are excellent for families. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as "The Strand," offers a 22-mile paved route along the coast, connecting Santa Monica with other beach cities, providing a safe and scenic ride for all ages.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about mountain biking in Santa Monica?
The mountain biking experience in Santa Monica is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscape that blends coastal beauty with rugged mountain terrain, the extensive trail network, and the frequent panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The variety of trails, from easy coastal rides to challenging mountain ascents, is also a frequently highlighted positive aspect.
Where can I find information about mountain biking regulations in the Santa Monica Mountains?
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has specific regulations for trail use. For detailed information on where biking is permitted and any specific rules, it's advisable to consult the official National Park Service website. You can find general information about bicycling in the area at nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/bicycle.htm.
Are there any trails that pass through Topanga State Park?
Yes, Topanga State Park is a significant area for mountain biking in Santa Monica. The Tongva Park β The Hub (Topanga State Park) loop from 26th Street/Bergamot is a challenging route that takes you through the varied terrain of Topanga State Park. Another long and difficult route, The Hub (Topanga State Park) β Eagle's Rock View loop from Downtown Santa Monica, also explores this park.
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