The team at Strambecco rates the Best Gravel Cycling Events California 2025 based on various factors, including reputation, route quality, location, rider feedback, and the event’s or race’s overall uniqueness. California offers a stunning array of event options spanning high alpine, old-growth forests, remote logging roads, coastal (the famed Highway 1), desert, and everything in between. Strambecco does not cover every event; we only cover those we deem the best. Our recommendations are bucket list events by themselves and almost always take place at a high-quality destination that offers a great opportunity for a longer getaway.
For those seeking the best of the Best Gravel Cycling Events California 2025, we start with the famed Belgian Waffle Ride California (San Diego), which is part of the Belgian Waffle Ride Series, a North American series offering some of the world’s most highly respected and well-organized gravel events/races in North America. The Belgian Waffle Ride California (San Diego) is well known among cycling enthusiasts and pros as one of the most difficult bicycle races in the US at 146 miles, 40 of which are off-road sectors. BWR CA is the culminating event in the Tripel Crown of Gravel Series, a special competition within the full Belgian Waffle Ride Series lineup that involves participation in BWR AZ (March 1-2), BWR UT (April 5-6), BWR CA (27-28). The series is produced by innovative production company Monuments of Cycling.
If you are scoping out Northern California options, check out our Best-in-Class Norcal list here. Two preeminent event producers in Northern California, Bike Monkey and Grasshopper Adventures Series, produce many of the Best-in-Class picks on Strambecco rankings. The Sea Otter Classic, in Monterey in the Spring, is also noteworthy for being one of the largest bike festivals in the world.
Strambecco does not list every event. We strive to identify and review events that are special and noteworthy. If you have suggestions on other events we should consider or review, please get in touch with us here or send us a note at editors@strambecco.com.
This 70-mile gravel cycling event in Boonville, California delivers exactly what it promises: a road bike race for riders who aren’t afraid of hardcore gravel. With 10,507 feet of elevation gain, Fish…
The Sea Otter Classic transforms Monterey County into cycling’s ultimate playground, hosting over 300 events across four days that span every discipline imaginable. From mountain bike enduro in Fort Ord’s rugged terrain…
The Whiskey Tango Fondo blends challenging gravel cycling with the dramatic backdrop of the Alabama Hills, where Hollywood Westerns have been filmed since the early 1900s. Set against the Sierra Nevada foothills…
The Belgian Waffle Ride California relocated to Del Mar in 2026, bringing coastal views and expanded festival grounds to this legendary gravel experience. Known as “The Hell of the North County,” the…
Nestled in the heart of Mendocino County, the Ukiah-Mendo Gravel Epic offers gravel cyclists access to private logging roads and scenic byways typically closed to the public. Part of the Grasshopper Adventure…
The Lost and Found Gravel Festival celebrates gravel cycling in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, taking place in the Lost Sierra’s expansive alpine valleys. This mixed-surface event blends pavement, dirt roads, gravel roads,…
The mixed-terrain adventure winds through the gravel and dirt roads of Tahoe National Forest, offering three distance options that cater to different skill levels. The longest routes feature challenging climbs through genuine…
This remote gravel event opens exclusive access to pristine redwood forest roads that are otherwise closed to the public year-round. Located between the Pacific Ocean and Eel River, 25 miles north of…
Heart of Gold Gravel explores remote roads north and east of Nevada City, California, combining the challenges of gravel cycling with a charitable mission supporting youth mental wellness. Starting from Nevada City’s…
This Paso Robles gravel event has earned rave reviews from participants, with many calling it one of the best gravel experiences they’ve ever done. Produced by Bike Monkey and Locomotiv Performance Coaching,…
