Santa Ana River Bikeway -- Jurupa/VanBuren Ave ramp

The Santa Ana River Trail offers a unique touring bicycle experience, transitioning from quiet, rural landscapes with desert-like vegetation to bustling urban environments. You'll follow the Santa Ana River channel, sometimes natural, sometimes concrete, passing by points of interest like Lake Evans and even glimpses of city landmarks. The terrain is varied, with mostly paved sections and some decomposed granite paths, providing a journey that feels both remote and connected.

Planning your ride on the Santa Ana River Trail is straightforward, as many sections are easily accessible. While the full 110-mile vision is still in progress, numerous completed segments offer excellent riding. It's a moderate 20.2-mile (32.5 km) route with 694 feet (211 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 59 minutes. Parking is available at various access points, and it's generally best to start early to enjoy cooler temperatures, especially during warmer seasons.

This trail is notable for its ambition to be the longest multi-use trail in Southern California, connecting 17 cities across three counties. It provides a diverse "crest to coast" experience, eventually linking the San Bernardino Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Many sections function as a "bicycle freeway" with underpasses, making for uninterrupted travel, and it's popular for both recreational rides and commuting, offering a vital link between inland communities and the coast.

This easy 14.0-mile touring cycling loop along the Santa Ana River in Riverside offers paved paths, gentle hills, and mountain views.

The Santa Ana River Trail offers a smooth, easy ride for touring cyclists, primarily on paved multi-use paths. As you pedal, you'll encounter diverse scenery, from glimpses of the natural river with its shade trees and birdlife near areas like Yorba Regional Park, to more urban stretches. Keep an eye out for the Riverside Airport View, a unique highlight along the way, and enjoy the distant backdrop of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains on clear days.

This 5.5-mile (8.8 km) route is rated easy, with a gentle 183 feet (56 metres) of elevation gain, making it a quick 32-minute spin. The trail is well-suited for all skill levels, featuring grade-separated intersections that minimize stops and provide a continuous flow. Access is straightforward, with multiple entry points along its course, and no special permits are needed, making it an excellent choice for a spontaneous outing.

Part of a larger vision to connect the San Bernardino County National Forest to the Pacific Ocean, this segment of the Santa Ana River Trail exemplifies the trail's commitment to uninterrupted cycling. It's a key part of what's designed to be Southern California's longest multi-use trail, linking communities and offering a vital recreational corridor. The trail's design prioritizes accessibility and a consistent riding surface, distinguishing it from more rugged sections found elsewhere.