Temecula Wine Country Bike Ride Guide

Overview

Temecula Valley wine country is the Inland Empire's most relaxed road riding: rolling hills, vineyards, oak trees and long views to the mountains, an hour from most of Orange County. The roads are not flat, but the climbs are short, and there are dozens of wineries to aim for. Visit Temecula Valley says the valley has more than 90 miles of bicycle trails plus additional routes, and the local Bike Temecula Valley coalition publishes well-thought-out loops that steer riders away from the busiest traffic.

The route in plain words

The best starting point is Bike Temecula Valley's Wine Country Ride, a 16.3-mile counterclockwise loop that, in the coalition's words, takes "the road less traveled" with an easy portage across the dry creek at Crown Hill. It explores the rolling hills between Rancho California Road and De Portola Road, the two main wine country corridors. For a gentler first visit, the coalition's Wine Country Tour is a 15.4-mile out-and-back on mostly paved surfaces. Riders wanting a longer day can combine the Temecula Loop Trail (16.5 miles) through Old Town with a wine country extension. Avoid riding the busiest stretch of Rancho California Road on weekend afternoons.

Download the coalition's route before you go; the quieter roads are the whole point, and they are easy to miss without navigation.

Distance and elevation

Visit Temecula Valley lists the Wine Country Ride at 16.3 miles with 1,196 ft of climbing, the Wine Country Tour at 15.4 miles with 1,189 ft, and the Temecula Loop Trail at 16.5 miles with 650 ft. The terrain is rolling: short climbs and descents rather than one big hill.

Best time to ride

Spring is spectacular, with green hills and mild temperatures; fall is harvest season and also lovely. Summer afternoons are hot, often well above coastal temperatures, so ride at dawn. Weekend afternoons bring wine-tasting traffic, limos and tour buses. Weekday mornings are calmest.

Water and coffee stops

Wineries along Rancho California Road and De Portola Road are the obvious stops, but plan around opening hours and remember you still have to ride home. Old Town Temecula has plenty of cafés and restaurants. Carry two bottles on the vineyard roads; shade is limited.

Safety notes

Wine country traffic includes visitors unfamiliar with the roads, shuttle vans and, later in the day, drivers who have been tasting. Ride early, wear bright colors and use lights. Shoulders vary from generous to nonexistent. Visit Temecula Valley's safety tips are sensible: ride with traffic, stay out of the door zone, and take the lane on narrow roads when needed.

Which bike and setup

An endurance road bike is ideal; a gravel bike lets you follow the coalition's quieter routes that include dirt or portage sections. 30 to 35 mm tires make the rougher back roads comfortable. Compact gearing is plenty for the rollers.

Before you go

Temecula is an easy drive up the 15 from Veloaded's Santa Ana shop. Before a wine country weekend, book a tune-up, or call us at (714) 760-4908.

Quick facts

County: Riverside County (Inland Empire)
Start: Temecula, at the edge of wine country (Rancho California Rd area); routes published by Bike Temecula Valley
Distance: 16.3-mile counterclockwise loop (Wine Country Ride); 15.4-mile out-and-back Wine Country Tour
Climbing: About 1,196 ft on the Wine Country Ride loop; about 1,189 ft on the Wine Country Tour
Surface: Paved rural roads, short dry-creek portage
Difficulty: Easy to moderate rolling

Pair it with

Make a weekend of it: Temecula is a reasonable drive from Highway 243 to Idyllwild and, for Orange County riders, from Ortega Highway, which drops into Lake Elsinore.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Temecula Wine Country Ride?

Bike Temecula Valley's loop is 16.3 miles with 1,196 ft of climbing, counterclockwise.

When is the best time to ride Temecula wine country?

Spring and fall mornings. Summer afternoons are hot and weekend afternoons bring wine-tasting traffic.

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 Riverside County / Inland Empire 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.