Golden Oldie

LA River Bike Path and Golden Road Brewery

Nominated for Best Picture in 1940, The Wizard of Oz became a classic. "Follow the yellow brick road" just beckoned an adventure. You too can follow a road and get to a happy ending by hopping on a two-wheeler for a mellow journey that concludes with a cold glass of Hefeweizen, fried avocado tacos, and a gorgeous sunset. The LA River Bike Path paves the way to this Oz! Park your car near the Bette Davis Picnic Area on the outskirts of Griffith Park, and after crossing the river on Riverside Drive, take the bike path east along the LA River. Take some time to admire the glistening water (while it lasts!). During winter a surprising variety of bird species congregate in the area, including great blue herons and snowy egrets. As the river takes a turn towards the south, the high-rises of downtown come into view. Pedal the full 7 miles and turn around where it dead-ends, returning the way you came. Then it's time for a golden reward! Golden Road Brewery is just minutes away. Grab a seat on the patio and get your fill of pub food or sweet treats like croissant bread pudding. Wash it all down with that glass of Hefeweizen or a seasonally brewed IPA. Play a few rounds of cornhole on the patio and watch the sun set over the river. Road to ahhhs.

Park near the Bette Davis Picnic Area on the outskirts of Griffith Park and cross the river on Riverside Drive, then take a left onto the LA River Bike Path. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

    View
  2. Walk on the Wise Side

    A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (S

    View
  3. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

    View
  4. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

    View
  2. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

    View
  3. Holcomb We Haven't Camped Here?

    Holcomb Valley Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest has 19 pine-shaded sites, all of them first-come, first-served.

    View
  4. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

    View