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Various Ways to Explore Santa Ana River Trail

Explore Santa Ana River Trail - Footbridge used to access the Santa Ana River Trail
Headshot of Matt Claiborne
Matt Claiborne
November 26, 2021

The Santa Ana River Trail is a multi-use trail that follows the Santa Ana River and spans 3 counties. This paved trail is 12 feet wide and is accessible for bikes, skates, horseback riding, walking, and wheelchair use. Most bikers and roller skaters use the paved trail, while walkers and horseback riders use the dirt trail that runs alongside.

Santa Ana River Trail

Santa Ana River - Aerial view

The trail currently features two disconnected segments and is 60% complete. Biking is the most common way users enjoy this extensive trail that connects the beach to neighborhoods, shopping, and businesses. Visitors can use beach cruisers, regular bikes, or mountain bikes to enjoy the bike trail.

The best part about the Santa Ana Trail is its lack of motorized traffic. You don't have to ride with traffic or crossroads, so you can focus on enjoying the trail and the views. The route is lined with flowers and is especially beautiful in spring.

Explore Santa Ana River Trail

Numerous parks, nature centers, and side trails are accessible from Santa Ana. This is an excellent stop for the whole family with Trail. One example, Moon Park, is a popular children's play area in Costa Mesa. With a moon replica, complete with craters and a lunar surface. In addition, the trail has many restrooms and water fountains along the way.

There are two completed portions of the Santa Ana River Trail. The first portion runs from oceanfront Huntington Beach to the hillsides around Corona. This trail is roughly 30 miles long, but visitors can join and exit at any point. The second portion runs from Hidden Valley to San Bernandino and is approximately 25 miles long.

Huntington Beach to Corona

Huntington Beach Trail

Visitors can join the trail at various locations. In Orange County, users can enter the Huntington Beach Bicycle Trail path. Trail users can explore Huntington Beach's two state beaches and the famous city beach and pier. The trail provides terrific vehicle-free access to Huntington Beach's attraction. Bike to the beach, stop for ice cream and visit the pier.

The section from Huntington Beach to Corona connects inland neighborhoods, businesses, and shopping districts to the beach. Visitors will go through varied landscapes, enjoying city views, landmark attractions, and hillside vistas.

After departing Huntington Beach, trail users will go through Talbert Regional Park and Fairview Park. The Santa Ana River Trail continues to the edge of Costa Mesa and Fountain Valley and then passes Santa Ana.

Angel Stadium Entrance

Next, trail users will pass the City of Orange. You won't be able to miss the enormous "A" sign indicating Angels Stadium, home of MLB's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The trail then passes the Honda Center, the NHL Anaheim Ducks' home arena.

As visitors continue into Anaheim, they'll enjoy views of Chino Hills. The river becomes more winding, and this stretch is particularly scenic. As you continue, the trail becomes hillier and more challenging. The trail goes through the popular Yorba Regional Park. This stretch of the trail ends at Green River Road in Corona.

Hidden Valley to San Bernandino

Visitors can pick the trail back up at the Hidden Valley Wildlife area. The trail goes through Riverside and offers scenic views of the Santa Ana River. Finally, trail users will approach the city of San Bernandino, where the trail ends.

Enjoy Anaheim

Anaheim is full of surprises, from its outstanding recreational opportunities to shopping, to world-class dining. If you're thinking, "Where's the best coffee near me?" check out our list and enjoy a coffee break while exploring all Anaheim has to offer.

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