Bike to Bellinis

Hidden within the Malibu Hills, tiny Rocky Oaks Park is ideally suited for those who like to keep their weekend cruising short and simple (because hey, brunch!). Despite its small size, this 200-acre retreat offers pure pedaling pleasure. Experience the park in one fell loop, then get to that brunch, and a Bellini! Start your ride on the namesake Rocky Oaks Loop at the northern end of the park. The singletrack trail skirts oak woodland before ascending a rugged ridge above a pond. At the top, leave your bike and take the stairs to an overlook with views of hillside vineyards and the peculiarly bulbous Mitten Mountain. Back in the saddle, descend to the pond and keep rolling to the upscale rustic Malibu Café at Calamigos Ranch, where brunch fare makes a tasty post-ride reward: lobster omelet, chicken & waffle, huevos rancheros … it goes on. Relax on the patio and take in the tranquility with a glass of Semler sauvignon blanc (the café carries only local labels) or wander to a tree-shaded sofa by the lake.

To reach Malibu Café at Calamigos Ranch and Rocky Oaks Park, exit U.S. 101 at Kanan Rd. in Agoura Hills. Turn south and follow Kanan Rd. for 5.5 miles. At Mulholland Hwy., turn right then quickly turn right again into the parking lot for the park. Begin the 1.1-mile looping trail at the Rocky Oaks Loop trailhead at the northern end of the parking lot. At trail's end, take a right out of the park onto Mulholland Hwy. After 50 yards, turn left on Calamigos Rd. at the sign for the ranch, then take a left at the first fork, following signs to Malibu Café. Rocky Oaks Park and the lawn at Malibu Café are dog-friendly!