Rolling on the River

Bicycling the San Gabriel River Trail

The San Gabriel River Trail is just as varied as the amazing metropolis it passes through in the course of 35 traffic-free miles between Seal Beach and Azusa, following the path of the San Gabriel River. Starting from the west, the first 27 miles are mostly paved and easy enough that you could tackle the trail on a beach cruiser. After that, the pavement ends and the rocky terrain calls for a mountain bike and off-road riding experience.

The trail has lots of entry and exit points, but our pick for most cyclists is to start at the Whittier Narrows Nature Center, located at the southern entrance to the alluvial plains of the San Gabriel Valley, and ride inland. The entry point is clearly marked and runs along a stretch of the river that’s been left mostly natural. You’ll see such water birds as great blue herons, snowy egrets, and least bitterns as you cruise along the gently climbing path lined with eucalyptus trees on one side and riparian vegetation on the other. As you continue your ride toward the mountains, the river turns into a concrete flood channel for 10 miles—it was built following the LA flood of 1938. Amazing views of the San Gabriel Mountains right ahead of you help distract from the nearby urban sprawl. There’s no shade for most of the ride, making this a great choice for cool winter days. Ride as far as you want and then turn around.

If you’ve got some juice left, scoot right past your car and head toward the ocean, then turn around again whenever you’re ready. Lots of options! Note: The trail is popular, so be sure to use caution and exercise proper cycling etiquette, especially when passing other riders!

The San Gabriel River Trail can be accessed via most east-west connector streets that cross the river between Seal Beach and Azusa. To begin at Whittier Narrows Nature Center, exit CA-60 at Peck Rd. and head south. Make a right on Durfee; the nature center will be on your left at 1000 Durfee Ave., South El Monte. If the gate is shut, find parking along the street.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View
  2. Paint Brushy

    This time of year you’ll have good reason to head for the hills—the electric-green rolling hills of Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in Livermore. This 4.5-mile loop hike is like stepping into a plein air painting.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    2025 POST Wildflower Walks

    Get flower empowered! POST’s complimentary 2025 Wildflower Walks guide blooms with the best places to see a variety of florals across the Peninsula and South Bay this spring.

    View
  4. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Weekend in Reno Tahoe

    Weekend plans? Reno Tahoe! Just a few hours by car or a short flight away, Reno Tahoe springs to the moment with great ways to combine adventure and relaxation in its beautiful mountains-meets-desert setting.

    View
  2. Hiker walking along the North Bluff Trail on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

    Purely Wild

    Channel Islands National Park lives up to its nickname as “North America’s Galapagos.” This less-traveled national park is an undeveloped and isolated series of five dramatic and distinct islands reached by boat. Hike the largest of the islands, Santa Cruz.

    View
  3. Woman hiking the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

    Truly Grand Day Hike

    One of the best spring day hikes in the Grand Canyon? See layer upon layer of the park’s grandeur—including the river—on this 3-mile (one-way) journey to Skeleton Point via the South Kaibab Trail.

    View
  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

    View