Best Seat in the House

Winter Bike Riding in San Bernardino County

11.30.2015

Desert to mountain terrain and beautiful scenery that changes around every corner. One of the best ways to explore the vast landscape known as California's Outdoor Playground just east of LA is on two wheels, thanks to an exceptional network of bike trails offering something for everyone. Here are some bike rides to get you rolling.

Big Bear, Beginner Friendly, and Beautiful: What makes this 10.4-mile bike ride in Big Bear Lake special? It's home to the largest living pine trees in the San Bernardino National Forest. With 900 feet of elevation, the Champion Lodgepole trail is easy to moderate. (TIP: Rent your bikes and get even more trail beta at Bear Valley Bikes.)

Butler Peak Performance: The Butler Peak bike trail is for mountain bikers who love a good challenge, and a brilliant sunset! As one of the San Bernardino Mountains' most prominent peaks, and home to a fire lookout, Butler Peak is a moderately technical trail that finishes with a sunset over the San Gabriel Mountains.

Keller Peak National Children's Forest: This forest just for kids is the place to be for a family biking adventure. With easy to moderate smooth roads, scenery includes Snow Valley Ski Area and Lucerne Valley, as well as numerous peaks. Another family-friendly favorite: the 12.5-mile Silverwood Lake Bike Path, located in the crown jewel of America's scenic trails.

Santa Ana River Trail Rambler: As one of the longest and best singletrack trails in Southern California, the Santa Ana River Trail in Angelus Oaks has sections ranging from easy to difficult. Cross creeks, curve around lodgepole pines, or just pedal the flats—choose your own adventure.

Start your Visit List and find more biking itineraries and outdoor adventures. 

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. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View

  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Hike at Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

    Historically Serene

    Olompali State Historic Park is a small park that packs big California history. Go on a mostly easy 3-mile loop hike where oak trees, big-leaf maples, and madrones are stunning in autumn.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

  2. The Undead Ghost Town

    Every Halloween, the worlds of the living and the dead blur together. In the “living ghost town” of Randsburg that condition is permanent. This strange gold-rush town near the El P

    View

  3. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

    View

  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View