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Written By: Will Hsiao on June 10, 2026
Explore some of Ventura County’s stunning cycling routes, where ocean breezes meet mountain views and serene creeks. These top 7 rides offer something for everyone, whether you’re a casual rider seeking flat coastal paths or an experienced adventurer chasing challenging mountain loops. Get ready to discover diversity, beauty, and community on two wheels.
1. Ventura to Santa Barbara Coastal Ride
Imagine a route where the ocean rides alongside you and every stop could be a postcard. The 30-mile stretch from Ventura to Santa Barbara is that ride—offering smooth paths, seaside energy, and California sunshine.
Why Ride It: Soak up endless ocean views and California sunshine on one of the most scenic coastal rides in Southern California.
Highlights: Smooth pavement, gentle terrain, and ocean views lead you past Ventura Harbor and Carpinteria to Santa Barbara’s palm-lined promenade.
Tips: With multiple checkpoints (Surfer’s Point, Faria Camp, Rincon Point, Carpinteria), this route is easy for stopping and going to enjoy what the Ventura Coast has to offer! Start at Ventura Cycling with easy parking, and you’ll be right along the route.
Distance: 30 miles | Time: 2-3 hours | Elevation: 800 ft | Beginner Friendly | Google Map | Photo Album
2. Ventura to Ojai Through Ventura River Trail
Start from the coastal view at Ventura and head into the quaint Ojai! Experience a gradual uphill 18-mile ride from coast to valley, framed by the stunning Los Padres mountain backdrop. This former railway line turned paved trail is a local favorite for its gentle climb and peaceful nature views.
Why Ride It: Glide from sea level into the peaceful Ojai Valley along a quiet riverside corridor. Enjoy the quaint town of Ojai!
Highlights: This paved trail climbs gently through citrus groves and rolling hills, ending in Ojai’s charming, café-lined downtown.
Tips: It can easily be a full day affair to spend at Ojai. Check out all the eateries and activities that Ojai has to offer.
Distance: 18 miles | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Elevation: 785 ft | Beginner Friendly | Google Map | Photo Album
3. Sulphur Mountain Loop
A 30-mile mountain and gravel bike adventure through diverse terrain that rewards riders with some of Ventura County’s most spectacular panoramas of Ventura Canyon and the Ojai Valley.
Why Ride It: Challenge yourself with a high-elevation loop blending endurance, scenery, and solitude. Have the best view of Ventura County.
Highlights: Ride from the foothills at the Sulphur Mountain Trailhead into the Sulphur Mountains on gravel and singletrack, rewarded with sweeping views and hidden natural pools. Descend through a gorgeous paved road down to Ojai and loop back to the trailhead.
Tips: Parking can be hard to find at the trailhead, so be prepared. This can be a long route, so you can also turn around instead of going through Ojai.
Distance: 30 miles | Time: 3-4 hours | Elevation: 2610 ft | Beginner-Moderate | Google Map | Photo Album
4. Harmon Canyon
A 5-mile mellow singletrack loop through rolling cross-country terrain in Ventura County’s oak-studded hills, perfect for all skill levels.
Why Ride It: Enjoy flowy, non-technical riding with ocean views, Channel Islands vistas, and peaceful multi-use trails.
Highlights: Climb from the parking lot to eastern ridgeline panoramas over Oxnard plain, descend fun switchbacks, then summit the west side amid oaks for Pacific Ocean rewards.
Tips: This is on the Ventura Land Trust and currently doesn’t allow ebikes.
Distance: 5 miles | Time: 1-2 hours | Elevation: 1000 ft | Moderate | Trail Map | Photo Album
Calleguas Creek Bike Path Loop – Camarillo
A calm, shaded 5–6 mile loop paved trail following Calleguas Creek through Camarillo’s greenbelt. Newly upgraded bike lanes on Santa Rosa Road make this route even safer for commuters and casual riders alike.
Why Ride It: Pedal a refreshing, tree-lined route that feels worlds away from traffic and noise.
Highlights: This peaceful creekside path offers smooth pavement, wildlife views, and safe new bike lanes—perfect for a quick local escape.
Tips: Start at the Camarillo Public Library or the Pleasant Valley Fields for easy parking.
Distance: 6 miles | Time: 30 mins | Beginner Friendly | Google Map | Photo Album
6. ‘Olołkoy Beach Park Loop
A scenic coastal bike route starting at Pierpont heading south to ‘Olołkoy Beach Park in Oxnard, covering about 12-15 miles of flat, paved paths with ocean views round trip. Ideal for intermediate riders seeking a half-day adventure blending beach cruising, harbor exploration, and Ventura’s vibrant waterfront stops
Why Ride It:
Enjoy uninterrupted coastal paths, sea breezes, and easy access to eateries at Channel Islands Harbor before transitioning to Ventura’s lively pier area and state beaches for a mix of relaxation and scenery.
Highlights: Start at Ventura Cycling and ride down Harbor Blvd towards ‘Olołkoy Beach Park on the paved path—you can go up and down Harbor Blvd to visit various beaches or ride into Channel Islands Harbor.
Tips: Stop into Ventura Harbor Village for live entertainment, great bites, and family friendly fun.
Distance: 13 miles | Time: 2-3 hours | Elevation: 15 ft | Beginner Friendly | Google Map | Photo Album
7. Sycamore Canyon Campground Loop at Point Mugu
Starting from Sycamore Canyon Campground trailhead off Pacific Coast Highway, this counterclockwise route follows Sycamore Canyon Fire Road past streams and sycamores, then ascends steep Overlook Fire Road for ridge panoramas before looping back via singletrack.
Why Ride It: Epic Santa Monica Mountains adventure blending shaded riparian trails, wildflowers, and Pacific vistas, best for fit MTBers or hikers seeking rugged variety. Cool beach breeze with various route options depending on your skill level.
Highlights: Sycamore groves, potential rattlesnake sightings, expansive La Jolla Valley overlooks, and Sycamore Cove beach access;
Tips: $12 day-use parking, no dogs allowed on backcountry trails.
Distance: 10 miles | Time: 2-3 hours | Elevation: 1000 ft | Moderate | Google Map | Photo Album
Why These Routes Should Be on Your Cycling List
- Diverse Experiences: Coastal breezes, mountain climbs, creekside calm—Ventura County covers every cycling mood.
- All Skill Levels Welcome: From flat family-friendly paths to rugged mountain loops, every rider can find a perfect fit.
- Local Flavor & Scenic Highlights: Authentic stops, stunning vistas, and natural beauty enhance every mile ridden.
Grab your helmet, pick your favorite, and pedal through some of the best cycling terrain Southern California has to offer with a little local guidance and gear support from Ventura Cycling Center to make every ride even smoother.
Take your cycling skills to the next level by challenging your physical prowess and sheer will to endure. Ventura County Coast hosts several noteworthy cycling challenges. Looking to train for your next tour? The coast makes an excellent training destination for almost any type of cycling tour.
Noteworthy challenges to try
