Biking in Laguna Beach

Three sets of rules

Where you ride decides which rules apply. The city sets them for streets, sidewalks and city parks. OC Parks sets them for the two wilderness parks. California State Parks runs Crystal Cove. Read the one for your route before you set out.

City streets, sidewalks and parks

City code section 10.02.020 makes it unlawful to operate a bicycle on any sidewalk, on the Main Beach Boardwalk or in any area within a city park. That rules out the paths in Heisler Park and the other parks on the parks page, as well as the beach boardwalk. The same section bars electric personal mobility devices, golf carts and low-speed vehicles from Pacific Coast Highway sidewalks, the central business district, the boardwalk and city parks, with an exception for people with disabilities.

The getting around page covers the free trolley. The city’s free on-demand Laguna Local service has suspended carrying bicycles for now.

E-bike law

The city adopted Chapter 10.16 on April 8, 2025. As of October 2026 it says:

• Speed: no electric bike or similar conveyance over 25 mph on any public highway, trail, path or park where they are permitted.
• Direction: ride the same way as vehicles, whether you are in the road or a bike lane.
• Yielding: give way to pedestrians and vehicles as the California Vehicle Code requires, and obey posted signs.
• Passengers: only on a seat attached to the bike.
• Helmets: every operator and passenger under 18.
• Penalties: an administrative fine up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within a year and $500 for each after that. If a minor is cited, the city may cite the minor, a parent or both. When a violation endangers others, the citing officer may impound the e-bike to the police department.

Mountain biking on the wilderness trails

OC Parks lists mountain biking at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and bike trails at Aliso and Wood Canyons. Both parks mark each trail on their maps as hiking only or multi-use, and multi-use trails are shared by hikers and bikes, with horses allowed on many. Stay on posted trails.

• Laguna Coast: Big Bend Trail (difficult, 1.5 miles), Emerald Canyon Road (moderate, 3 miles) and Bommer Ridge Trail (moderate, 3.75 miles) are multi-use on the November 2025 map. Barbara’s Lake Trail and The Lake Trail are hiking only. OC Parks prohibits e-bikes of every type, including types 1 to 3.
• Aliso and Wood Canyons: Wood Canyon Trail (easy, 3 miles) and Aliso Creek Bike Trail (easy, 3 miles) are multi-use on the 2023 map. Nature Trail and Wood Creek Trail are hiking only. OC Parks prohibits e-bikes on unpaved trails and sets a 10 mph speed limit.
• Closures: OC Parks says trails may close for three days or more after rain.
• Crystal Cove State Park: State Parks says mountain bikers use its inland trails. Call the park at (949) 494-3539 for trail rules before you ride.

The Laguna Canyon Foundation maintains 26 miles of singletrack in the two OC Parks wilderness parks.

Guided rides

As of October 27, 2026, Laguna Ethos lists a two-hour guided e-bike tour for $125 a person, with bikes and helmets included. La Vida Laguna lists daily e-bike tours and starts guests at its office at 1121 Glenneyre Street. The Laguna Canyon Foundation lists guided rides among its events, and OC Parks says volunteer naturalists and park staff lead tours by bicycle at Laguna Coast.

Related

Trail areas for walkers are in the hiking guide, and parking is covered separately.

Before you go

Check the day’s weather and the park’s trail status. OC Parks says trails may close for three days or more after rain. Plan a route that avoids sidewalks and parks, because the city bans bicycles there. If you drive to a trailhead with bikes on the car, the city enforces parking from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., so see the parking guide.