The best traffic-free bike rides in South Hills Wilderness Area

There are 9 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes available in and around the South Hills Wilderness Area. These routes offer a mix of easy and moderate challenges for road cyclists.

The routes in this area feature rolling hills and canyons, characteristic of the Glendora region. While the wilderness area itself has unpaved trails, the road cycling routes utilize surrounding paved roads that offer varied elevation changes, making them attractive for training and scenic rides. You'll encounter ascents and descents that provide a good workout.

Yes, there are 4 easy routes available. A good option for a less strenuous ride is the Brackett Field Airport – Puddingstone Reservoir loop from San Dimas, which covers about 18.9 km with a moderate elevation gain. Another easy choice is the View of San Gabriel Mountains loop from Azusa.

For a more challenging ride, consider one of the 5 moderate routes. The Rubel Castle – Little Dalton Debris Basin loop from Glendora is a moderate route spanning over 30 km with significant elevation gain. Another option is the Syndicate Coffee – Old Town Monrovia loop from APU/Citrus College, which is longer at 44.2 km.

Many routes offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. From higher elevations, you can often see the majestic San Gabriel Mountains, including prominent peaks like Mt. Islip and Mt. Baden Powel, as well as expansive views of the San Gabriel Valley. The View of San Gabriel Mountains loop from Azusa specifically highlights these scenic vistas.

Yes, all the routes listed are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Rubel Castle – Little Dalton Debris Basin loop from Glendora and the Puddingstone Reservoir Dam – Brackett Field Airport loop from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.06 out of 5 stars from 23 ratings. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the challenging climbs, and the rewarding panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the valley below, especially on routes that minimize traffic.

While the wilderness area itself is known for its natural features like diverse ecosystems and volcanic rock formations, the road cycling routes often pass by or offer views of local points of interest. For example, the Rubel Castle – Little Dalton Debris Basin loop from Glendora includes Rubel Castle, a unique local landmark.

The South Hills Wilderness Area, being in Southern California, generally offers good cycling conditions year-round. However, spring brings an array of wildflowers, making for particularly scenic rides. Summers can be hot, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended during those months. Winters are mild, though occasional rain can occur.

The routes often start or pass through towns like Glendora, Monrovia, San Dimas, Azusa, and Pomona, where you can find various amenities. For instance, the Syndicate Coffee – Old Town Monrovia loop from APU/Citrus College suggests a route that incorporates a coffee stop, indicating that such facilities are accessible in the vicinity of these routes.