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| E-bike friendly trails |
One of the best things about owning an e-bike is that it enables an average rider like myself to cover huge distances with less effort . California, Arizona, Utah and western Colorado have some amazing trails that run along rivers, through mountains, across deserts and right along the Pacific Ocean. Some are more than 30 miles long, and several connect to larger trail networks where you can ride all day without ever having to cross road or wait in an intersection.
The trails on my list are all e-bike friendly as of October 2026. You can easily cover 20 to 40 miles in an afternoon without getting completely exhausted. I especially like trails that are separated from traffic, have interesting scenery and offer places to stop for food and beer along the way. One thing to remember is that e-bike regulations vary by city and county. Class 1 pedal-assist bikes are currently permitted on all of the trails on this list, while Class 2 throttle bikes and faster Class 3 bikes sometimes have restrictions. You can check the chart for the current information. Here are 10 of my favorite paved bike trails to consider in the American Southwest.
1. American River / Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail: Sacramento to Folsom, California
The American River Bike Trail is one of the best paved bike trails in California. It runs about 32 miles from Sacramento to Folsom, following the American River through parks, wooded areas and some really beautiful river scenery. The trail is mostly flat, well maintained and separated from vehicle traffic, making it ideal for a long ride. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, and you can visit historic Folsom for restaurants and drinks. The Lake Natoma area is especially scenic, with opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding nearby. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on designated paved sections, making this an excellent choice for a 40–60 mile round-trip ride.
2. Marvin Braude Bike Trail /The Strand: Los Angeles County, California
The Strand is probably one of the most famous beach bike trails in the country. It runs about 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach near Santa Monica all the way down to Torrance Beach. Along the way, you'll ride through Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. Most of the route is right along the ocean, with beautiful beaches, restaurants, bars and plenty of places to stop. The trail is almost completely flat, so it's an easy ride in either direction. It's also one of the best trails on this list for combining biking with a full day of sightseeing.
Update on e-bikes along The Strand: Santa Monica previously prohibited e-bikes on its beach path, but changed the rule in 2021 to allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, with a 20 mph limit. Class 3 e-bikes remain prohibited on that section.
3. Mountains to the Sea Trail: Irvine and Newport Beach, California
This is one of my favorite trail networks in Southern California, and it's surprisingly unknown considering how good it is. The Mountains to the Sea route connects the Irvine area with Newport Beach using a network of paved trails that includes the San Diego Creek Trail, Peters Canyon Trail and connections to Jeffrey Open Space Trail. You can ride through beautiful neighborhoods, shaded creek corridors, parks and eventually reach the Newport Back Bay. There are bridges and underpasses throughout the network, so you rarely have to cross any roads. The Back Bay is arguably the best ride in Orange County, and you can continue toward Balboa Island and take the ferry over to the Newport Beach Peninsula. Depending on the route you choose, you can easily put together a 25–40 mile ride. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on the county-managed paved bikeways.
4. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail: Monterey, California
Monterey has one of the prettiest coastal bike trails in California. The paved recreation trail stretches roughly 18 miles through the Monterey Bay area, following parts of an old railroad corridor along the Pacific Ocean. You'll pass Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, beaches, parks and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The ocean views are incredible, and there's a good chance you'll see sea otters, seals and other marine wildlife along the way. The trail is mostly flat and very easy to ride, although it can get crowded around Cannery Row and the aquarium. There are tons of restaurants and places to stop, so you could easily spend an entire day exploring the coastline. E-bike rules can vary by jurisdiction, so check the local regulations before riding.
5. Sacramento River Trail: Redding, California
Redding is a great destination for outdoor activities, and the Sacramento River Trail is one of the highlights. The paved trail system offers about 17 miles of scenic riding along the Sacramento River, with connections that allow you to explore even farther. One of the biggest attractions is the famous Sundial Bridge, a beautiful pedestrian and bicycle bridge that crosses the river near downtown Redding. The scenery is really impressive, with mountain views, wooded areas and stretches of river that feel remote despite being close to town. You can also explore the nearby Sacramento River Rail Trail for a longer ride. Legal e-bikes are permitted.
6. Grand Junction Riverfront Trail: Grand Junction, Colorado
Grand Junction is one of the most underrated outdoor destinations in the Southwest. The Riverfront Trail system offers around 30 miles of connected trails and routes following the Colorado River through parks, wetlands, orchards and desert scenery. The red rock cliffs and mesas surrounding Grand Junction make this a completely different experience from the coastal trails in California. You can ride through the city, explore the riverfront and stop at local restaurants or breweries. Grand Junction is also close to Colorado National Monument, which is worth visiting while you're in the area. The paved portions are generally easy riding with beautiful scenery. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on designated city and riverfront trails, while Class 3 bikes are restricted.
7. Jordan River Parkway: Salt Lake Valley, Utah
The Jordan River Parkway is one of the longest paved trail corridors in the Southwest, stretching more than 60 miles through the Salt Lake Valley. It follows the Jordan River past parks, wetlands, neighborhoods and open spaces, with the Wasatch Mountains providing a beautiful backdrop. There are plenty of access points along the route, so you can ride as much or as little as you want. It's mostly flat, which makes it ideal for longer rides, and you can connect to other regional bike trails around Salt Lake City. The northern and southern sections offer some especially nice views of the surrounding mountains. The Jordan River Commission states that Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on the Parkway, while Class 2 and Class 3 are prohibited.
8. Murdock Canal Trail: Utah County, Utah
The Murdock Canal Trail is a beautiful 17 mile paved route that runs through several communities in Utah County, including Orem, Lindon, Pleasant Grove, American Fork and Highland. The trail follows a former canal corridor, offering impressive views of the Wasatch Mountains and Utah Valley. It's mostly separated from traffic and has a nice combination of parks, residential areas and open scenery. The mountains look especially impressive in the fall when the leaves begin changing colors. You can also connect to other paved trails in the area to extend your ride. It's a great option if you're visiting Salt Lake City or Provo and want an easy scenic bike ride without having to deal with mountain bike trails. E-bikes are generally allowed under Utah's paved-path rules.
9. Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt: Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale has an excellent paved trail network, and the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is one of its best features. The main greenbelt runs about 11 miles through Scottsdale, passing lakes, parks, golf courses and beautifully landscaped desert scenery. One of the things that makes this trail so awesome is the number of underpasses that allow you to ride beneath major roads instead of stopping at intersections. It's also extremely flat, making it perfect for casual riding or a longer e-bike trip. There are plenty of restaurants and shopping areas nearby, and you can connect to other paths around Scottsdale and Tempe to extend the ride. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on Scottsdale's paved multiuse paths, while Class 3 bikes are prohibited.
10. Rio Salado Path and Phoenix Trail Network: Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix has developed an impressive network of paved bike paths, including trails along the Salt River and Rio Salado corridor. The Rio Salado paths offer several miles of riding through restored desert habitat, with views of the Phoenix skyline, bridges, wetlands and surrounding mountains. You can connect with additional paved paths around Tempe Town Lake and parts of the Phoenix canal system to create a much longer ride. One of the best things about riding in Phoenix is the weather during the winter. While the rest of the country is dealing with snow and freezing temperatures, you can enjoy 60-70 degree temperatures throughout much of the season. The summer is another story, with scorching temps over 100 daily. E-bike access varies between the different connected paths, but are generally allowed on paved paths.
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