Biking the Best of Livermore Valley

Bike Ride and Brewpub in Livermore Valley

A perfect day is just a bike ride away in Livermore Valley. From wine pours and beer tastings to BMX courses to sandy beaches, it all goes down smooth on two wheels with this 13-mile hidden gem of a loop through Livermore and Pleasanton.

From the parking lot at The Shops At Livermore, head west on Stoneridge Drive, then turn left on Guzman Parkway to visit Amaral Park. This kid-friendly stop has a playground, gardens, and picnic areas. Continue south through the park to hop on the Martin Avenue bike trail, which passes by a series of sapphire-blue ponds, home to herons and egrets.

Turn right onto Mohr Avenue, a beautiful neighborhood teeming with flower gardens and native plants. At the intersection with the Iron Horse Trail, turn left to ride the paved bike trail to Valley Avenue, then turn left onto Stanley Avenue.

After 0.3 mile, turn right into Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area to visit the BMX park. Daredevils can test their skills on the dirt course before continuing down the Levee Trail until it reaches the main picnic area. Enjoy a lakeside lunch, take a dip in the cool water, or make use of the barbecue pits. (This is also a great spot to use the restrooms and fill up water bottles.)

Afterwards, follow South Arroyo Trail south to Park Access Road and turn left onto Vineyard Avenue. Soak up the sights of mighty Mount Diablo to the north, and feel free to stop at Rubino Estates Winery or Ruby Hill Winery for a sip of local vino.

At the intersection with Isabel Avenue, cross the street to turn north onto the paved bike path. After 3 miles, turn left onto West Jack London Boulevard, where the bike path continues past the airport. Keep an eye out for old-fashioned biplanes looping through the skies. Follow the trail until it leads back to The Shops At Livermore.

BEER BONUS: Thirsty after a long ride? Head to the northeast corner of the plaza to visit Dust Bowl Brewing Co. This beer garden features over 30 local brews, many with summery fruit infusions. (Heather recommends the Peach, Love, and Haze on a toasty day.) Enjoy a round of corn hole, grab a bite from the Hazy Barbecue food truck, or sip a pint around the fire pit.

The Shops At Livermore is located at 3020 W. Jack London Blvd. in Livermore. From I-580, exit onto El Charro Rd., then turn left onto W. Jack London Blvd. Turn right into the parking lot. This route includes bike lanes, paved bike paths, and dirt/gravel bike trails. A mountain, gravel, or hybrid bicycle is recommended.

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View