Connecting L.A. Along the Los Angeles River Bike Path
Los Angeles
Los Angeles River Bike Path
Distance: 51 miles
The Los Angeles River Bike Path covers about 51 miles when its connected segments are added together, but it is not continuous from end to end. Access points, breaks between sections, and turnaround options give you plenty of choices where you can ride and how far you can go.
Many riders start in the San Fernando Valley near Canoga Park, where parking is convenient and the river corridor is wide and open. This section has fewer crossings and longer uninterrupted stretches than most parts of the route. Pavement is generally in good condition, and other users are mostly locals out for exercise, especially in the morning. Food and drink options are limited here.
Cruising past the studios
Heading south toward Burbank and Glendale, the surroundings shift from residential streets to industrial property. Rail yards, warehouses and studio-related buildings line the channel. The path passes near operations associated with the entertainment industry, including areas close to Warner Bros. Studios, though the route stays outside studio grounds. Concrete walls along this stretch are often covered with murals and the ever-changing artwork of graffiti.
In Burbank, riders can exit near Riverside Drive to reach Priscilla’s Gourmet Coffee Tea & Gifts for coffee or a light meal, or Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, a popular stop for pastries and quick sit-down food. These are easy off-the-trail-and-back stops without adding many miles.
Near downtown Los Angeles, segments end and restart with little notice, crossings increase, and foot traffic becomes heavier. Navigation can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with the area. The advantage of this section is access to food. Near the river’s downtown segments, short on-street connections lead toward Chinatown Los Angeles, where spots such as Philippe The Original offer quick meals and cold drinks. Coffee stops are easy to find near Union Station, where multiple cafés operate throughout the day.
South means less shade, fewer amenities
South of downtown, through South Gate and Compton, the path covers longer distances with fewer interruptions. Shade is limited and services are far apart; carrying water matters more here than in the northern sections because riders looking for a cold drink or meal will need to leave the path and ride several blocks into surrounding neighborhoods.
As you approach Long Beach, you’ll find more access to food and drink. The river path links more easily with waterfront routes, placing you close to coastal dining areas. From here, it’s easy to reach casual restaurants, coffee shops, and bars along the shoreline, including spots near Shoreline Village and the harbor. Cold drinks and full meals are easy to find once you reach this end of the route.
Drawbacks to be aware of: Gaps between segments require riding on city streets, signage is inconsistent, and debris can collect after storms. Long concrete sections offer little protection from sun or wind, which can make a difference on longer rides.
The Los Angeles River Bike Path gives you extended, mostly car-free riding through the center of a large metropolitan area, with enough food and drink options along the way to support anything from a short outing to an all-day ride.
Cycling on the Los Angeles River Bike Path
Looking for the best bike rides in L.A.? Look no further - get this great guidebook!
Los Angeles River Bike Path
Distance: 51 miles
The Los Angeles River Bike Path covers about 51 miles when its connected segments are added together, but it is not continuous from end to end. Access points, breaks between sections, and turnaround options give you plenty of choices where you can ride and how far you can go.
Many riders start in the San Fernando Valley near Canoga Park, where parking is convenient and the river corridor is wide and open. This section has fewer crossings and longer uninterrupted stretches than most parts of the route. Pavement is generally in good condition, and other users are mostly locals out for exercise, especially in the morning. Food and drink options are limited here.
Cruising past the studios
Heading south toward Burbank and Glendale, the surroundings shift from residential streets to industrial property. Rail yards, warehouses and studio-related buildings line the channel. The path passes near operations associated with the entertainment industry, including areas close to Warner Bros. Studios, though the route stays outside studio grounds. Concrete walls along this stretch are often covered with murals and the ever-changing artwork of graffiti.
In Burbank, riders can exit near Riverside Drive to reach Priscilla’s Gourmet Coffee Tea & Gifts for coffee or a light meal, or Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, a popular stop for pastries and quick sit-down food. These are easy off-the-trail-and-back stops without adding many miles.
Near downtown Los Angeles, segments end and restart with little notice, crossings increase, and foot traffic becomes heavier. Navigation can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with the area. The advantage of this section is access to food. Near the river’s downtown segments, short on-street connections lead toward Chinatown Los Angeles, where spots such as Philippe The Original offer quick meals and cold drinks. Coffee stops are easy to find near Union Station, where multiple cafés operate throughout the day.
South means less shade, fewer amenities
South of downtown, through South Gate and Compton, the path covers longer distances with fewer interruptions. Shade is limited and services are far apart; carrying water matters more here than in the northern sections because riders looking for a cold drink or meal will need to leave the path and ride several blocks into surrounding neighborhoods.
As you approach Long Beach, you’ll find more access to food and drink. The river path links more easily with waterfront routes, placing you close to coastal dining areas. From here, it’s easy to reach casual restaurants, coffee shops, and bars along the shoreline, including spots near Shoreline Village and the harbor. Cold drinks and full meals are easy to find once you reach this end of the route.
Drawbacks to be aware of: Gaps between segments require riding on city streets, signage is inconsistent, and debris can collect after storms. Long concrete sections offer little protection from sun or wind, which can make a difference on longer rides.
The Los Angeles River Bike Path gives you extended, mostly car-free riding through the center of a large metropolitan area, with enough food and drink options along the way to support anything from a short outing to an all-day ride.
Cycling on the Los Angeles River Bike Path
Looking for the best bike rides in L.A.? Look no further - get this great guidebook!
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