Rose Bowl Loop Bike Ride, Pasadena

Overview

The Rose Bowl Loop is Pasadena's outdoor training track. A paved loop circles the famous stadium and Brookside Golf Course in the Arroyo Seco, with views of the San Gabriel Mountains. It is busy with runners, walkers and cyclists every morning and evening, and it is perfect for interval work, a quick spin, or a warm-up before heading into the foothills.

For riders in Pasadena, Glendale, Altadena and the San Gabriel Valley, the loop is the closest thing to a velodrome: predictable, safe from cross traffic for most of its length, and good for structured work. It is also where many riders start a longer ride before heading up into the foothills.

The route in plain words

Park near the Rose Bowl (Visit Pasadena points to Lot I) and join the loop. Cyclists typically ride clockwise in the roadway, while pedestrians use the designated inner lane. The loop is a single, easy-to-follow circuit around the stadium and golf course. Riders often link it with a ride up Linda Vista or into the Arroyo Seco and toward the foothills.

Because the loop is a fixed circuit, it is ideal for measured efforts: for example, a lap at tempo followed by an easy lap, repeated. Riders building toward a mountain ride often combine laps with a climb on the nearby foothill roads before returning to the Arroyo Seco.

Distance and elevation

Visit Pasadena describes the loop as 3.3 miles, about a 5K. It is mostly flat with minor rise and fall. Ten laps make a solid 33-mile workout.

The loop is also a convenient gauge of fitness: tracking your average speed or power for a set number of laps over time tells you whether training is working.

Best time to ride

Visit Pasadena lists the loop as open from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Early mornings and early evenings are popular. Event days at the Rose Bowl, including games and concerts, close or restrict the loop, so check before going.

Water and coffee stops

Pasadena's Old Town and the Colorado Blvd area are a short ride away for coffee. The Rose Bowl area has parking. Bring water.

Safety notes

Respect the lane system: cyclists in the roadway, pedestrians in their lane. The loop gets busy; pass carefully and predictably. Watch for cars on parts of the loop. Do not ride on the unpaved trails in the Arroyo Seco, where bikes are not permitted per the city's trail guide.

The loop is popular with runners and walkers, families with strollers and dog walkers, especially around sunrise and sunset. Ride predictably, hold your line, and use a bell or call out when passing. Vehicle traffic and parking activity near the stadium lots mean you should never assume a clear road. Follow posted signs, which can change during events.

Which bike and setup

Any road bike works, and an aero or TT bike is fine for steady laps. Lights are recommended near dawn and dusk. A trainer-like loop is also great for testing a new position after a bike fit.

If you ride at dawn or dusk, run a bright front light and rear light. For training sessions, a bike computer with lap function makes intervals simple. Tire pressure matters on the smooth pavement: do not overinflate; modern 28 mm tires roll best at moderate pressures.

Before you go

If you are training on the loop for a race, our fittings and triathlon bike service can help. Veloaded is in Santa Ana; call (714) 760-4908.

Quick facts

County: Los Angeles County
Start: Rose Bowl, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena (parking in Lot I)
Distance: 3.3 miles (loop), about a 5K
Climbing: Gentle; minor rise and fall around the loop
Surface: Paved loop road
Difficulty: Easy

Pair it with

Warm up on the loop, then head into the San Gabriels on Angeles Crest Highway from La Cañada Flintridge, a short ride west. For more climbing nearby, GMR is about half an hour east by car.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Rose Bowl Loop?

3.3 miles, about a 5K, according to Visit Pasadena.

What are the Rose Bowl Loop hours?

Visit Pasadena lists 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Event days can close or restrict the loop.

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.