Orange County packs a lot of riding into a small area: the coast, river trails that run from the hills to the beach, and canyon roads that climb into the Santa Ana Mountains. Here are seven rides we'd send any visiting rider on. Distances and grades come from the public sources linked under each ride. Always check conditions before you go.
1. Back Bay loop, Newport Beach
About 10.5 miles around Upper Newport Bay, mostly flat. Back Bay Drive, the 3 miles along the water from Shellmaker Rd to Eastbluff Dr, is one-way for cars and two-way for bikes and walkers, with a 15 mph limit, so it's a social ride, not a time trial. Great for easy days and for linking up with the Mountains to Sea Trail at Jamboree Rd.
Sources: Newport Bay Conservancy: things to do · Newport Beach Municipal Code ch. 12.55
2. Santa Ana River Trail
A paved, off-street path along the river from Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach to Yorba Linda, about 29 miles in Orange County. It's a designated National Recreation Trail and the backbone of car-free riding in central OC. Ride north from the beach past Fairview Park, Centennial Regional Park, Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. Our shop is just under a mile east of the trail at the MacArthur/Talbert crossing.
Sources: OC Parks: Santa Ana River Trail map (PDF) · OCTA blog: Bike the Santa Ana River Trail · Orange County 4th District: Santa Ana River bike path
3. Santiago Canyon Road
OC's classic canyon road, from the Jamboree Rd end in Orange past Irvine Lake and the Silverado and Modjeska canyon turnoffs to Cook's Corner. From Jamboree to the top of the Modjeska Grade is about 11.1 miles and roughly 1,080 ft of climbing. Cars and motorcycles move fast here, and services are limited. Full details in our Santiago Canyon and Modjeska guide.
Sources: bikeclimbs.com: Santiago, Jamboree to top of Modjeska
4. PCH from Newport Beach to Laguna
The coast road south from Corona del Mar past Crystal Cove State Park to Laguna Beach. Busy, but stunning early in the morning. Add the Newport Coast Drive climb (about 1.5 miles at roughly 5.8%) on the way back. See our PCH ride guide.
Sources: bikeclimbs.com: Newport Coast Drive to Pelican Hill Rd
5. Turtle Rock, Irvine
A short, popular climb in Irvine. The Turtle Rock + Starcrest segment is about 1.44 miles and 367 ft at a 4.8% average. Riders use it for repeats on weekday evenings.
Sources: bikeclimbs.com: Turtle Rock + Starcrest
6. Park Ave to Top of the World, Laguna Beach
For a real leg-breaker: about 2 miles and 950 ft from Glenneyre St to the top, averaging 9.2%, with very steep pitches. Check your brakes before the descent.
Sources: bikeclimbs.com: Park Ave, Glenneyre to top
7. Carbon Canyon Road, Brea
North county's classic climb on SR-142 toward Chino Hills: about 5.5 miles and 685 ft from the Science Center area to the top, with short pitches near 14%. It's a two-lane commuter road with narrow shoulders, so ride it off-peak. A large-truck restriction has been enforced since May 30, 2024.
Sources: bikeclimbs.com: Carbon Canyon Road climb · City of Brea: Carbon Canyon truck restriction
Before any of them
Run through our pre-ride checklist, carry a spare tube, a pump or CO2 and a multi-tool, and bring more water than you think for the canyons. If your bike needs attention before a big ride, book a tune-up.
Quick answers
What is the most popular road ride in Orange County?
The Back Bay loop in Newport Beach and the Santa Ana River Trail are the most popular flat rides, and Santiago Canyon Road is the classic climbing route.
Where can I ride in Orange County without cars?
The Santa Ana River Trail, the Mountains to Sea Trail, the Huntington Beach beach trail and the Aliso Creek Trail are all largely off-street.
Road and trail conditions change. Check closures before you ride, and ride within your limits.