3 Hours Gravel Ride in Los Angeles with Photos Included

Exploring Los Angeles on Two Wheels: A Review of the 3-Hour Gravel Ride with Photos Included

If you’re looking to see LA from a different perspective and enjoy a bit of adventure on your bike, this 3-hour gravel ride offered by SoCal Cycle Tours could be just what you need. It’s designed for cyclists of various skill levels and promises a scenic, challenging, yet rewarding route through some of LA’s most iconic dirt trails and coastal views.

What really caught our eye about this experience are the expert guidance from a seasoned cyclist who knows the trails like the back of their hand, and the professional photographs that capture the ride’s highlights—something that adds a memorable touch for those wanting to relive their adventure or share it with friends.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that this tour involves a fair amount of climbing—about 3,000 feet over roughly 24 miles—so it’s best suited for those who have a good level of physical fitness. The route includes some steep sections, both ascending and descending, which might be a consideration if you’re new to gravel riding or not comfortable with challenging terrain.

This experience is well-suited for adventurous cyclists who want a taste of LA’s dirt trails and scenic coastline in one go, especially if you enjoy having photos taken along the way. It’s also a great option for those who appreciate a relaxed, personalized tour with a small group (max 8 travelers) for a more intimate experience.

Key Points

• Scenic and challenging route combining dirt trails and coastal views
• Expert local guide with extensive trail knowledge
• Professional photos included, capturing memorable moments
• Flexible skill level accommodations depending on your needs
• Small group setting for personalized attention
• Cost-effective considering the scenic value and photo package

An Honest Look at the 3-Hour Gravel Ride

This LA gravel ride offers a solid mix of adventure, scenery, and expert guidance, all wrapped into a three-hour window. At $75 per person, it’s a reasonable price for the experience, especially considering the inclusion of professional photographs and the personalized feel of a small group. But let’s not forget that this isn’t a casual ride—there’s a good amount of climbing and some steep sections, so you should be comfortable on your bike and in decent physical shape.

The Route in Detail

Starting from the meeting point at Bike Share Connect at San Vicente Boulevard and 26th Street in Santa Monica, the ride kicks off with a classic climb up Sullivan Ridge. This initial ascent is described as challenging, but the payoff is well worth it. From the top, you get sweeping views and a sense of achievement that sets the tone for the rest of the ride.

The trail then connects onto the ridgeline of dirt Mulholland, a well-loved route among local cyclists. Traversing along Dirt Mulholland offers a combination of technical gravel sections and smooth dirt paths, giving riders a taste of what makes LA’s trail scene so compelling. The guide knows these trails intimately, so the route can be modified depending on your skill level—a thoughtful touch for those who might prefer a slightly easier or more challenging ride.

The next highlight is “The Hub,” an iconic LA gravel destination. Here, the group transitions seamlessly from dirt to paved surfaces, riding toward the Pacific Palisades for arguably the best views of the ride. The scenery here is simply stunning, with views of the coastline and mountains that make the effort worthwhile.

Then comes the fast descent, offering a fun rush back onto pavement, leading to a leisurely flat cruise along the beach. This part of the ride really captures the essence of LA—urban, coastal, and vibrant. The ride concludes at the starting point, but not before a final burst of energy along San Vicente Boulevard, making for a satisfying end to a varied and scenic route.

What You Can Expect

• Start in Brentwood before heading up Sullivan Ridge for a strenuous climb
• Traverse Dirt Mulholland, known for its technical terrain and scenic vistas
• Visit “The Hub,” a classic LA gravel location
• Ride along the Pacific Palisades, with breathtaking views of the ocean and city
• Enjoy a fast descent back onto pavement for a quick, exhilarating ride
• Conclude with a relaxed beachside cruise before returning to the meeting point

The total mileage of about 24 miles and 3,000 feet of climbing means a good level of endurance is needed. The route includes steep sections, but the guide’s flexibility helps tailor the experience to your comfort level.

Photos and Memories

One of the standout features of this tour is the inclusion of professional photographs. The guide, also a professional photographer, ensures you’ll receive a minimum of five high-quality images captured during the ride. Participants have mentioned that the photos are a great way to remember the adventure and share it with friends and family.

Value for Money

For $75, you’re not just getting a scenic ride—you’re investing in a guided experience with professional photos, a knowledgeable guide, and a small group that keeps things intimate. The route itself offers a diverse mix of terrain, with a balance of exertion and sightseeing that appeals to many cyclists. The fact that the route can be adjusted based on skill makes it accessible for a range of riders, from intermediate to advanced.

Considerations

One potential drawback is the need for your own bike and gear. The tour doesn’t include bike equipment, so you’ll want to come prepared with a suitable gravel or mountain bike, plus necessary safety gear. Also, you’ll need to carry enough water and snacks for the ride, as there are no fill-up points until the final stretch.

Participants have noted that the ride involves some steep inclines and fast descents, so it’s not ideal for complete beginners or those uncomfortable with technical riding. The tour is best suited for those with a good fitness level and some experience riding on gravel or dirt.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a cyclist who enjoys a mix of challenging terrain and scenic coastal views, this ride offers a balanced experience. It’s particularly good for those wanting to explore LA’s lesser-known dirt trails with the guidance of someone who truly knows the area. The inclusion of photos makes it a fantastic option for riders who want tangible memories of their adventure.

Travelers who appreciate a small group atmosphere will feel more engaged and supported throughout the ride. It’s a great way to combine exercise, sightseeing, and a bit of local knowledge—all in just a few hours.

FAQs

Do I need my own bike for this tour?
Yes, you must bring your own bike and gear. The tour does not provide equipment, so make sure your bike is suitable for gravel and dirt trails.

What’s the total distance and elevation gain?
The ride covers about 24 miles with approximately 3,000 feet of climbing. Expect some steep sections both up and down, which add to the challenge.

Is this ride suitable for beginners?
It depends. The route can be modified to suit different skill levels, but overall, it involves some technical terrain and significant climbs, so a good level of fitness and prior experience riding on gravel or dirt is recommended.

What kind of photos will I receive?
The guide, who is also a professional photographer, will send you a minimum of five high-quality images from the ride, typically within the same day.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Bike Share Connect, located at San Vicente Boulevard and 26th Street in Santa Monica, and ends back at the same point.

How flexible is the route?
The route can be adapted depending on your skill level and preferences, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Are there any water or snack stops?
There are no water fill-up points until the last 5 miles, so you should bring enough water and snacks to sustain you through the ride.

Final Thoughts

This 3-hour gravel ride in LA offers a well-rounded adventure that combines physical challenge with stunning scenery. It’s a great pick for cyclists looking to explore LA’s dirt trails beyond the usual urban landscape and appreciate some of the best coastal views in the process. The small-group setting and professional photos add a personalized and memorable touch, making it a worthwhile experience for those comfortable with moderate terrain.

If you’re after a fun, scenic, and moderately challenging ride that captures the essence of LA’s outdoor scene, this tour has a lot to offer. It’s especially suited for active travelers who want to combine exercise with sightseeing without the hassle of planning a route themselves. Just remember to come prepared with your bike, gear, and enough water—and you’re all set for a memorable day on the trails.

Happy cycling, and enjoy your LA adventure!