Whittier Narrows Dam
3 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.
Outdoors
Biking and mountain biking near El Monte
Trails and recreation areas near El Monte open to biking and mountain biking.
21places to ride
3 mito the closest
14within 30 miles
October–Junebest months
Good to know: Wilderness areas are closed to bikes; check each area’s trail rules and yield to hikers and horses.
Closest picks
Brea Dam
14 mi southeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.
Map of all 21 places
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Within 30 miles (14)
Whittier Narrows Dam
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.
- Biking
- Boating
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Angeles National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
Brea Dam
The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
Coulter Group Campground
Nestled within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Coulter Group Campground offers a secluded forest setting ideal for family reunions, youth groups, scout troops, and other organized gatherings.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
Meadow Group Campground
Meadow Group Campground is located off State Highway 2 between the Manzanita Loop of the Chilao Campground and the Chilao Ranger Station, 26 miles north of the 210 Freeway in La Canada, California.
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Hiking
- Ranger programs
- Wildlife viewing
Bandido Group Campground
Located along Santa Clara Divide Road in the Angeles National Forest, Bandido Group Campground sits among fragrant Jeffrey pines in the upper montane zone of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
Deer Group Camp
Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Water sports
Lightning Point Group Campground
Lightning Point Campground sits at an elevation of 6,100 feet, about 25 miles southeast of Palmdale and roughly 35 miles north of the San Fernando Valley.
- Birding
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
Sepulveda Dam
The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.
- Biking
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Appletree Campground
Nestled in a scenic canyon just off the Big Pines Highway, Apple Tree provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
Lake Campground
Lake Campground offers an excellent escape from the city, just a short drive northeast of the Los Angeles metro area.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
Mountain Oak
Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
Peavine Campground
Just northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, Peavine provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
Table Mountain (Angeles)
Table Mountain, just a short journey northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, provides a beautiful escape from urban life. Campers will find hiking, mountain biking, birding and countless other recreation opportunities.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Scenic Drive
- Wildlife viewing
30 to 75 miles (4)
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails.
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
San Bernardino National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
El Mirage OHV Area
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Off-highway vehicles
Juniper Flats
Juniper Flats covers 101,272 acres of mixed public and private lands. Located between the Mojave Desert and the forests of the San Bernardino Mountains, Juniper Flats hosts a unique mixture of plants from both environments.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Nature education
- Off-highway vehicles
- Photography
75 miles and farther (3)
Barstow
The Ord Mountain Route Network is south of Barstow and links the Stoddard Valley and Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Areas, also known as Open Areas. Travel within the network is limited to posted open routes.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Nature education
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
Lake Casitas
Lake Casitas is formed by Casitas Dam , which is a feature of the Ventura Project . Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers one of the nations best bass fishing areas.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Ranger programs
Johnson Valley OHV Area
Click here for the latest information concerning upcoming military training and closures of the Shared Use Area. Overview Johnson Valley is a varied landscape for the off-highway vehicle driver.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- Recreational Vehicles
- Wildlife viewing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown El Monte. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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More outdoors near El Monte
Questions
Where is the closest place for biking near El Monte?
Whittier Narrows Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 3 miles southwest of El Monte as the crow flies. Next are Angeles National Forest (5 mi) and Brea Dam (14 mi).
When is the best time for biking near El Monte?
Based on El Monte’s average highs, October–June. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.