Santa Monica Electric Mountain Bike Tour: Nike Missile Base

Electric bikes turn steep canyon climbs into a breeze.

A 2-hour electric mountain bike tour through Santa Monica Mountains that starts at Sullivan Canyon Park and ends at the Cold War-era Nike Missile Control site. You ride premium Specialized eBikes on fire roads and singletrack, stop to take in ocean and mountain views, and get a guide who customizes the pace to your level, plus helmet, eyewear, full protective gear, water and snacks. Riders of all levels are welcome. No experience is necessary.

Step-by-step itinerary

Electric mountain bike tour in Santa Monica

• Meet guide at Sullivan Canyon Park
• Receive electric mountain bike and gear
• Learn to operate the electric bike
• Ride through Santa Monica Mountains trails
• Stop to enjoy ocean and canyon views
• Visit Nike Missile Control site
• Return to trailhead to finish loop

The experience

The tour meets at Sullivan Canyon Park trailhead and puts you on a 2025 Specialized Kenevo Expert eBike (one of the premium models usually found on high-end rentals) with a full set of protective gear, helmet and eyewear included. Your guide will walk you through how to operate the bike and adjust the motor assist to whatever challenge level you want, then lead you into the Santa Monica Mountains on mostly fire roads. The electric motor handles the steep climbs. You control how much help you get on each hill, which means you can ride at your own pace without burning out on the ascents.

The route winds through sycamore forest and crosses running water (usually present in spring), with stops along the way to take in views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding canyon ridges before you descend back to the start. The destination is the Nike Missile Control site, a Cold War-era base you'll explore as part of the loop. A water bottle and snacks keep you fueled through the ride. The guide speaks English or Spanish and customizes the route to match your fitness level, so whether you've never ridden a mountain bike or you ride regularly, the experience stays within your comfort zone.

What’s included

• Premium Specialized electric mountain bike with adjustable motor assist.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• helmet, eyewear and full protective gear.
• bottled water and snacks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 to 75 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by LifeRush Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to cover mountain terrain and reach a hilltop destination without the leg fatigue that usually comes with climbing. The electric motor does the heavy work on steep sections, so you can focus on the views and the ride itself. Riders must be at least 12 years old, at least 5 feet tall, and comfortable on a bicycle.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What kind of electric bikes do you ride on this tour?

You ride 2025 Specialized Kenevo Expert eBikes, premium models with adjustable motor assist so you can control how much help the electric system gives you on climbs.

Do I need mountain biking experience to join?

No experience is necessary. Riders of all levels are welcome. Your guide customizes the tour to your fitness level and teaches you how to operate the bike before you start.

What happens at the Nike Missile Control site?

The Nike Missile Base is a Cold War-era installation that serves as the destination of the loop. You'll make a stop to explore this historic site as part of the ride.

What's included in the tour?

The tour includes the eBike rental, helmet, full protective gear and eyewear, a professional guide, bottled water and snacks.

How much climbing is involved?

The route follows mostly fire roads with a few steep climbs, but the electric motor assist makes the hills feel manageable regardless of your fitness level.