“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” ~John F. Kennedy
Great Bike Trails in Ventura County
You’ve dusted off the bikes, pumped up the tires and are ready for an adventure. Not sure where to go in our beautiful Ventura County? Here are a few of my favorites for beginner mountain biking rides. If you family likes to bike, you are sure to enjoy one of these bike trails in Ventura County.
Beginner – Ojai Valley Trail
This great beginner trail is mostly paved, well-maintained out and back. It travels along the Ventura River to Ojai Valley. We have fond memories of doing this trail with our kids riding in the tow-behind Burley trailer. This adventure makes for a nice day of biking and can accommodate most types of bikes. If you start early and plan to ride the whole trail, there’s a breakfast place as you roll into town called Home Kitchen of Ojai.
Where to Park: Foster Park, $2.00 per vehicle weekday; $5.00 per vehicle weekend/holiday.
Distance: 9.3 out and back, or turn around anywhere along the trail to shorten
Bathrooms: At the start of trail
Highlight: Breakfast half way through the ride, river views
Kid friendly: Yes, but with a few road crossings. Obey all traffic laws.
Beginner/Intermediate – Big Sycamore Canyon Fire Road
Bring on the dirt! This is a great introduction to mountain biking in Ventura County. This is a gravel road that cuts through Point Mugu State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains. Most bikes will do well on this trail, but I would recommend something with off-road tires. You begin and end by cutting through Sycamore Canyon Campground and There are a couple of stopping points, including a bench and portable bathroom approximately 2 miles up the road. It’s all downhill on the way back to the beach!
Where to Park: Sycamore Canyon Campground Day Use area, $12 full day, $9 for 3 hrs, $3 for 1 hr
Distance: Choose your own adventure, turn around when you are ready, but if you are up for an adventure, it’s about a 15-mile round trip ride. Many beginners turn around at the bridge where the road climbs steeply out of the canyon to Newbury Park.
Bathrooms: At the start of the trail, one portable bathroom on the trail
Highlight: Mountains and beach all in one adventure, plus wildlife sightings
Kid friendly: Yes, but be prepared with lots of snacks and water
Warnings: Morning and evening rides reduce your chance of meeting a rattlesnake.
Intermediate – Hill Canyon Trail plus Hawk Canyon
Hill Canyon trail with the Hawk Canyon add-on is my personal favorite for folks ready to try out some fun, flowy singletrack. The beginning of the trail is fairly flat. As you make your way into Hawk Canyon, you’ll see a picnic table to your right which is a great place for a picture and a snack break with kids. One section of trail is a bit washed out and may require walking for newer riders. Watch downhill speed and watch for hikers on the trail.
Where to Park: Santa Rosa County Park FREE, dirt lot or overflow paved lot
Distance: About 4 miles round trip, with singletrack trails
Bathrooms: Near paved lot at the start of the ride
Highlight: Take a quick detour to the creek and see the ducks
Kid friendly: Yes, but must have experience riding on dirt trails
Warnings: Morning and evening rides reduce your chance of meeting a rattlesnake
A Little Help From Technology
I highly recommend downloading a trail guide app like Trailforks or AllTrails. These apps have great trail reviews and directions to trailheads. A fun social media fitness app called Strava is a fun way to learn new trails and challenge yourself with your fitness.
Trail Courtesy
When it comes to sharing our beautiful trails, remember that cyclists yield to hikers and equestrians. It’s common courtesy when riding on singletrack trails to pull over and allow hikers to pass. Also, when encountering other cyclists, the riders that are going uphill have the right of way. Most equestrians that I have encountered are very kind and will sometimes wave me through. These basic trail courtesies allow for everyone to enjoy the trails safely!
Take a Bike Lesson
Mountain biking has really grown as a recreational and professional sport in recent years. Ventura County (plus LA and SB Counties) offer hundreds of trails for all levels. Our local bike shops can barely keep up with the demand of people wanting to get out on the trails. If you are new to the sport, you may consider taking a lesson to familiarize yourself with the basics of mountain biking.
Enjoy the Ride
I hope one of these bike trails in Ventura County encourages you and your family to get outside and enjoy the ride!
*RELATED TOPIC – “Playing Outside – It’s Good for Your Health”
