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Ride guide · Los Angeles County

Palos Verdes Loop: Riding the Peninsula Donut

The Palos Verdes Donut: about 24-25 miles and about 1,800-2,000 ft of climbing around the peninsula. Route, PV Drive East, stops and safety.

Book a pre-ride tune-upCall (714) 760-4908

Check before you ride: the City of Rancho Palos Verdes has repeatedly extended a temporary ban on bicycles on an approximately two-mile stretch of Palos Verdes Drive South in the Portuguese Bend landslide area, most recently in September 2026. Check the City's current notice and plan around it. More on our Rancho Palos Verdes page.

Overview

The Palos Verdes Peninsula is the South Bay's playground: ocean cliffs, Portuguese Bend, Point Vicente lighthouse, and a road that rolls and climbs all the way around. The classic Donut loop circles the peninsula, and Palos Verdes Drive East, with its switchbacks and big views over the harbor, is the climb that gives the ride its reputation. It is a complete ride in a compact package.

The route in plain words

Most riders start near Malaga Cove in Palos Verdes Estates and ride counterclockwise: south along Palos Verdes Drive West past Lunada Bay and Point Vicente, then along Palos Verdes Drive South through Rancho Palos Verdes and the Portuguese Bend landslide zone, into San Pedro. From there, the route turns up Palos Verdes Drive East, climbing the switchbacks to the top of the peninsula before rolling back to Malaga Cove on Palos Verdes Drive North and local roads. Variations add Crest Road or the Hawthorne Blvd climb.

Direction matters: riding counterclockwise puts the ocean on your right along PV Drive West and South, and saves the big climb on PV Drive East for later in the ride.

Distance and elevation

Komoot and Weekend Sherpa put the classic Donut at about 24 to 25 miles with about 1,800 to 2,000 ft of climbing. PJAMM lists the Palos Verdes Drive climb at about 5.1 miles with about 1,165 ft of gain at a 4.4% average. A longer 27-mile version on Strava shows about 2,450 ft. Your exact numbers depend on the start and the variations you choose.

Best time to ride

Early weekend mornings are classic, with lots of riders on the road. Weekdays are quieter. Morning marine layer is common in late spring and early summer; the views are best on clear winter days after rain.

Fog can make the roads damp and reduce visibility along the cliffs, so use lights even in daylight on grey mornings.

Water and coffee stops

Malaga Cove Plaza at the start has shops and cafés. Point Vicente and the Terranea area are natural regrouping points. San Pedro has plenty of shops before the climb up PV Drive East. Carry water; there are long stretches without shops on the south side.

Safety notes

Portuguese Bend is an active landslide area where the road shifts and buckles; ride with care and expect patches, cracks and temporary closures. Palos Verdes Drive South has fast traffic in places. Descend PV Drive East carefully: tight switchbacks and cars. Ride single file and use lights.

Which bike and setup

Any road bike is perfect. A compact crankset and an 11-30 or 11-32 cassette make PV Drive East comfortable. Because of the rough Portuguese Bend pavement, 30 to 32 mm tires and an endurance bike like a Cervélo Caledonia make the loop more comfortable.

Before you go

Visiting the South Bay? You can ship your bike to Veloaded in Santa Ana, and we will build it and check it before you ride. Call (714) 760-4908.

Quick facts

  • County: Los Angeles County
  • Start: Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates (common start); or Torrance Beach
  • Distance: About 24-25 miles for the classic Donut loop
  • Climbing: About 1,800-2,000 ft; the Palos Verdes Dr East climb gains about 1,165 ft over about 5.1 miles at about 4.4%
  • Surface: Paved roads; rough pavement at Portuguese Bend
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Pair it with

Start or finish with a spin along The Strand, which ends at Torrance Beach at the foot of the peninsula. For a bigger climbing day in LA, see Latigo Canyon and Mulholland.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Palos Verdes Donut ride?

About 24 to 25 miles with roughly 1,800 to 2,000 ft of climbing, depending on the version.

What is the hardest climb on the PV loop?

Palos Verdes Drive East, about 5.1 miles with about 1,165 ft of gain at 4.4% per PJAMM.

Sources

Distances and climbing are from the published sources listed above and are approximate; roads, closures and conditions change. Check current conditions before you ride.

More Los Angeles County ride guides

All guides: Southern California ride guides. Veloaded Cyclery has one location, at 3420 W MacArthur Blvd Suite B, Santa Ana, CA 92704: service menu, bike fitting.