Tour De Los Padres is a rugged and challenging long distance mountain biking route that traverses through some of the most scenic areas of the Los Padres National Forest. This expedition is a true test of physical endurance, but most importantly mental toughness. You will ride forested singletrack, high desert scrub, ocean bluffs, scenic canyons, high meadows, and travel through some of the most remote backcountry California has to offer. There are two routes offered- the Proper Route (longer) and the Tour Route (shorter).
The Tour de los Padres, originally designed in 2013 by Erin Carroll (Santa Barbara, CA), is one of the longest-held bikepacking events in California.
The route is currently stewarded and coordinated by the Tour de los Padres Collective, a group of dedicated bike packers and trail advocates who scout the route annually and also participate in organized trail work to maintain and improve the many trails the route incorporates.
To learn more about annual rollout, the history of these routes, and other bikepacking opportunities in the area checkout the TOUR DE LOS PADRES website.
Region: California
Season: March – May and October – December.
Miles: 425 | Elevation: 39000’
Days Out: 4-9 | Tire Size: 2.2 – 2.4″
Difficulty: 6/10 Physical | 6/10 Technical
The Tour De Los Padres (Proper Route) is a rugged and challenging long-distance mountain biking route that traverses through some of the most scenic and ecologically diverse areas of the Los Padres National Forest.
Region: California
Season: Late March – May and October – early December.
Miles: 186 | Elevation: 18,500’
Days Out: 3-4 | Tire Size: 2.25″+
Difficulty: 6/10 Physical | 7/10 Technical
The Tour de los Padres (Tour Route) is a rugged and challenging bikepacking route that traverses through some of the most scenic areas of the Southern Los Padres National forest.
