There is a plethora of easily accessible biking near Rancho Valencia that varies from gentle beach cruising to rugged mountain climbs. San Diego County offers breathtaking rides along the coast, in the hills farther inland, and right around the corner in Rancho Santa Fe. Whether, you’re looking for a rigorous single-track ride or something more on the mellow side of things, you’ll delight in the fresh air and refreshing Pacific breezes as you take in the beautiful scenery near Rancho Valencia.

Complimentary mountain bike rentals are available for Owners at the Tennis Pro Shop. Should you prefer to bring your own bike with you on vacation, there’s plenty of room to store it in your private locker. The rides we’ve listed below will give you an idea of the wide variety of trails available near Rancho Santa Fe. For more tips on the best places to ride that are commensurate with your skill level, simply ask someone at the Pro Shop or inquire with the your concierge upon your arrival.

San Clemente Canyon
This trail, located just south of La Jolla, is a great place for beginners. A short 7.2 mile out-and-back ride snaking through Eucalyptus groves and lasting about an hour is the perfect ride to get a feel for the area. Be careful, because this is also a popular place for hikers and joggers.

Los Penasquitos Canyon
Located just north of the merge of the 5 and 805 Freeways this is another great ride for beginners close by Rancho Valencia. Los Penasquitos translates to "the little cliffs," referring to the rocky bluffs seen from the road. Adobe structures built by Mexican settlers can be found at both ends of the park. One of San Diego's oldest structures sits at the eastern end of the canyon. Overall this is an easy, out-and-back, 12-mile round-trip ride with gentle terrain over an unpaved dirt road that is in mostly good condition. Watch out for a few loose sandy spots, and some of the short hills contain loose rocks and ruts. Los Penasquitos Canyon is six miles in length and despite the fact that this ride lies right in the midst of San Diego suburbia, you’ll find yourself deep in the shade of sycamores, eucalyptus, live oak, pepper trees, and willows only a few minutes after you mount your bike.

San Clemente / Rose Canyons
This 17.1 mile out-and-back ride is prevented forom coming together in a loop by the strict no trespassing policies of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Scenery here runs the gamut from gorgeous willows, sycamores, and oaks, to meandering streams, railroad tracks and the 5 Freeway. Repeated terrain is not a bad thing on this particular ride because it features so many areas to explore. Once you get your bearings on the out portion you can get a little more adventurous and further explore the trail on the ride back. This is a great intermediate ride conveniently located right in town with miles upon miles of fun single-track exploration possibilities.

Black Mountain Open Space Park
Named for the park’s 1,554 foot tall focal point, Black Mountain is the second highest peak in the city of San Diego. The park has grown exponentially since 2002 and currently stands at 2,300 acres with more than 20 miles of trails to explore. The intermediate and advanced trails are concentrated around Black Mountain itself. Begin by ascending the non-technical fire access road to the top for a solid cardio workout. Once you reach the top you are treated to unobstructed 360 degree views of Escondido to the north, the Pacific to the west, downtown San Diego to the south, and the Laguna Mountains to the east. Advanced riders looking for significant technical challenges take the Nighthawk trail from the top of Sundevil Way back down to meet up with the fire access road.