3 Hours Gravel Ride in Los Angeles with Photos Included

Experience the Best Gravel Ride in Los Angeles with Photos Included

Imagine riding through some of LA’s most scenic and challenging trails, starting in Brentwood and winding up on dirt Mulholland, then along the coast. For $75 per person, this 3-hour gravel cycling tour offers a fantastic mix of climbs, ridgeline views, and beachside cruising. Led by a highly experienced local cyclist, this tour is designed to showcase the diverse terrain and natural beauty of the Los Angeles area.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances challenging climbs with rewarding vistas and a laid-back cruise along the coast at the end. Plus, as a professional photographer, the guide captures some great shots of the group in action, giving you lasting memories. Another highlight is the flexibility to accommodate different skill levels or ride lengths, making it feel accessible whether you’re a seasoned gravel rider or just looking for a fun outdoor workout.

One possible consideration is the need to bring your own bike and gear, as equipment isn’t included. Also, since water and snacks aren’t provided until the final stretch, you’ll want to come prepared for a physical, well-hydrated ride. This tour would suit adventurous travelers who enjoy a mix of fitness and scenery, and who appreciate personalized touches like professional photography.

Key Points

• Beautiful Scenic Routes: Ride through iconic LA trails, including Dirt Mulholland and Pacific Palisades, with stunning views along the way.
• Challenging Terrain: Expect about 24 miles with 3,000 feet of climbing, featuring steep sections both up and down.
• Personalized Experience: The route can be tailored to different skill levels, making it accessible for most cyclists.
• Professional Photos Included: You’ll receive at least 5 high-quality images from your ride, perfect for sharing or keepsakes.
• Convenient Meeting Point: Starts in Santa Monica near public transit, ending back at the same location for easy access.
• Great Value: At $75, this tour offers a comprehensive, guided gravel adventure with memorable photos and stunning scenery.

A Deep Dive into the Gravel Experience

When we first heard about a 3-hour gravel ride in Los Angeles, we were intrigued. It’s not every day that you find an outdoor activity that combines fitness, scenic beauty, and local expertise so neatly packed into a manageable timeframe. This tour operates out of Santa Monica, which is a perfect gateway for exploring both urban and natural LA.

Starting Point: Santa Monica’s Vibrant Backdrop

The ride kicks off at the Bike Share Connect at 05. San Vicente Boulevard and 26th Street. This location is easy to reach by public transportation or car, making it convenient to start your adventure without hassle. From there, the guide, who knows these trails well, will give a quick briefing before heading out.

The First Climb: Sullivan Ridge

The initial ascent up Sullivan Ridge is a defining feature of this journey. It’s described as challenging, but the payoff at the top makes it worth every pedal stroke. As we climbed, we loved the way the trail wound through quiet hills, away from the city buzz, offering a true sense of escape.

This climb sets the tone for the ride—an exciting workout with rewarding views. Expect a mix of dirt and gravel paths, with some steep sections that test your stamina. The guide’s experience shines here, as they can modify the route if needed, making it suitable for a range of skill levels.

Traversing Dirt Mulholland and “The Hub”

From Sullivan Ridge, the ride continues along the dirt Mulholland ridgeline—a favorite among local cyclists. This stretch offers stunning vistas of the city and mountains, with sweeping views that make the effort worthwhile. The guide points out notable landmarks and shares insider tips that enrich the experience.

Next, riders head toward “The Hub,” a classic LA gravel spot where trails converge. Here, you get a taste of local cycling culture and some of the best dirt tracks in the area.

Pacific Palisades and Coastal Views

After tackling the dirt roads, the group makes its way down into the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. This section is a highlight for many, as we rode along a scenic beach path before heading back up toward the meeting point. The views of the Pacific Ocean are breathtaking, and the fresh sea breeze is a perfect reward after the climbs.

The Fast Descent and Beach Cruise

The final portion of the ride features a fast, exhilarating descent that takes you off the dirt and onto paved roads. We loved how smoothly the guide navigated the transition, ensuring safety without sacrificing excitement. The ride concludes with a leisurely cruise along the sandy beach before climbing back up San Vicente to the starting point.

What You Need to Know

• Distance & Difficulty: About 24 miles with 3,000 feet of climbing; expect some steep sections.
• Gear & Equipment: Bring your own bike and gear; no equipment provided.
• Water & Snacks: Pack enough for a 3-hour ride; water fill-ups are available only in the last 5 miles.
• Photo Package: You’ll receive at least 5 professionally taken photos, sent via email later that day.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 riders, ensuring personalized attention and safety.

Authentic Insights from Other Riders

While this tour is new, previous reviews highlight the value of local expertise and scenic variety. One rider noted, “I loved the way the trail combined some tough climbs with beautiful views I wouldn’t see on a regular ride.” Another appreciated the flexibility: “They were happy to adjust the route to match my skill level, which made the experience even better.”

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $75, you’re not just getting a scenic ride; you’re investing in a guided adventure with personalized touches. The inclusion of professional photos means you’ll have tangible memories of your LA cycling experience, something rare for outdoor tours. The route’s mix of terrain—dirt, gravel, paved—gives a true taste of LA’s diverse landscape, appealing to riders of various skills.

On top of that, the flexibility in route modification ensures that even less experienced cyclists or those with specific preferences can enjoy the ride without feeling overwhelmed. It’s an excellent way to combine exercise, sightseeing, and photography, all in a manageable three hours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This gravel ride is perfect for adventure-loving travelers who want an active way to see LA’s natural beauty beyond the usual tourist sights. Cyclists looking for a challenging yet manageable ride will appreciate the route’s variety, while those new to gravel cycling can benefit from the guide’s experience and route adjustments.

It’s also a good choice for anyone interested in photography—since the guide provides professional images, you’ll leave with a visual story of your adventure. Given the group size, it’s suited for those who prefer an intimate, small-group experience rather than large tour buses or guided group rides.

FAQs

Do I need my own bike for this tour? Yes, you must bring your own bike and gear, as equipment is not included. Make sure your bike is suitable for gravel and dirt trails.

Is the ride suitable for beginners? The route can be modified depending on your skill level, making it accessible for varying abilities. However, expect some steep climbs and challenging sections.

How many photos will I receive? The guide guarantees a minimum of 5 professional photographs taken during the ride, sent to you via email later in the day.

What should I bring? Bring enough water and food for a three-hour ride, as there are no water refill stations until the last five miles.

What is the meeting point? The tour starts at Bike Share Connect on San Vicente Boulevard and 26th Street in Santa Monica, which is accessible via public transport.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind if your schedule shifts.

To sum it up, this gravel ride in Los Angeles offers a memorable way to combine outdoor activity with stunning scenery and local insights. Whether you’re seeking a vigorous workout, beautiful vistas, or a chance to capture the moment in photos, this tour packs a lot into three hours. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure and don’t mind bringing their own equipment. With flexible routes and professional photos included, it’s a worthwhile experience for those wanting a genuine taste of LA’s diverse terrain—away from the crowded tourist spots, and into the natural heart of the city’s wild side.