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    Santa Ana River Trail

    4.1 (117 reviews)

    Santa Ana River Trail Photos

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    Reviews With Photos - Santa Ana River Trail

    Right before sunrise
    Brenda L.

    The path is gorgeous! We did a full 5k run and could have gone longer, except there were no restrooms on site (at least none that we saw). The path is very clean, no homeless or littering at all. We went before the sun hit is peak as there is not many shades besides your occasional bridge and few trees. The water looks pretty and is a very peaceful site. I felt very safe. There were plenty of bikers and only a few other runners.

    Lori L.

    Beautiful place to ride e-bikes, run or walk. The bridge is so cool. We even saw a Bald Eagle. The picture didn't turn out the best because it was far away. My husband and I enjoyed our ride very much, and I am sure we will be going there more often.

    Tuesday walk
    Caitlin V.

    My husband and I visit this river bed almost every day. We live nearby, so it's a short walk. He runs, and I walk. It's perfect, especially for social distancing and getting your steps in. My goal is at least 10,000 steps, which takes about an hour and a half to two hours to complete. Most of the time, it's less because in the morning, I usually walk about 5,000 steps around my apartment complex. We often go in the late afternoon, and there aren't that many people. If you don't want to run or walk, there is a bike trail. I see many people come and go on their bicycles.

    Christina L.

    I saw tons of review ages ago concerning about the homeless being there. They don't have this problem no more. I've been riding this trail for the past half a year and i don't see a problem. The trail is smooth and clean with the option of dirt trail and road trail. Perfect for people running, walking, jogging and cycling. The trail goes from Newport Beach to Yorba Linda. They have the best sunset there, just look at my photos. Lots of vegetation and animals. People, please maintain this place clean. :) Thanks!

    Angel B.

    Down by the trail Where the bikers go Back on the trail I dare not go For if I do My mother would say Did you ever see A bike, losing its breaks Down by the trail Yea, Im the one on the 17.5 inch 29er on the river trail, ask me if I care. Cuz I dont. Yes, this is a road trail. But Ive put to much into my 29er, and Im going to ride it here, if Im riding street, which is usually unlikely. I like the dirt. This trail is what you make of it. There are lots of places to enter the trail. I used to enter it near Angel Stadium, park my car and take off down to the beach and back. But I dont think that particular lot allows parking. The trail is all road, and primarily flat with a few easy roller coaster type bumps. The roadies, are quick and usually shout out as they pass you. There is also Edison Park, which is a great place to park, have a BBQ then ride. 2 stars...1 star bonus for the beach.

    1 mile in
    Chris R.

    Another weekend, another trail to explore. This one is super easy and is really more for biking. The views are pretty blah and more city scape than nature. It's not a loop, but an up and back trail for 8 miles. It does connect to various other trails and will get you all the way to the beach if you keep going. I'd probably not go for a walk on it again, but would give a try on my bike

    Steep hills to run up and down for leg work
    Noah R.

    Nothing like a long stretch of concrete with steep hills to work you out and level up . Definitely go with a water backpack . I started on the lower side by fountain valley . It is maintained by the city while there I saw multiple city trucks . All graffiti is painted over . Mostly bicyclist but a couple marathon runners (pacers ) I'd recommend if you're the type that likes to workout alone and be In Your zone

    Patrick A.

    Everyone is gone and it's all cleaned up. They re-route you through a few service roads that are right next to the trail where it was most contaminated from Taft to Orangewood. Parts of the trail area are fenced off because they said they need to remove the contaminated dirt but it doesn't look like anything is happening yet. It's really hard to believe how clean it is. On a recent Sunday we saw dozens of riders, walkers and families enjoying the trail - people that were understandably not venturing through here a couple of months back. I've seen more homeless now on the trail to the east of here but they're not setting up permanent camps. Let the good time roll.

    Patricia C.

    I am not a hardcore cyclist by no manner of means! I do not own a road bike nor do I bike on a regular basis. I came to the Santa Ana River Trail after searching for paved biking trails in Orange County on Yelp. I thought it was really impressive that one could run/bike/walk from Anaheim to Huntington Beach via this trail... I just never thought of the existence of such a "highway" system for pedestrians/cyclists in the OC. Furthermore, the trail continues farther north of Anaheim for miles and miles, but I have yet to explore it. According to their website, it will be possible to reach Big Bear Lake when complete: "Welcome to the Santa Ana River region's longest recreational trail and parkway. When complete this 110-mile trail and bikeway corridor will reach from Big Bear Lake, high in the San Bernardino Mountains, to the mouth of the Santa Ana River, at the Pacific Ocean." I parked in the lot where there is a Starbucks near the Honda Center and easily found an access point to the trail. I traveled southbound from Anaheim to Santa Ana and turned back because the sun was setting. It was pretty scary (but kind of thrilling?) once it started getting dark because the trail is not brightly lit, and I was by myself.... I will definitely not do that again!! I never pedaled faster in my life!!! :P I look forward to checking this trail out again and biking to Huntington Beach ;)

    A section of the River Trail in Anaheim.
    Kiril K.

    From the Pacific Ocean, in Huntington Beach, to Montrose Beach & the base of the mountains, in San Bernardino, the Santa Ana River travels 70 miles or so. Most of the River is accessable by Bicycle, including all of it in Orange County. In 2007, for my Blog The Cycling Dude, I rode the whole length, and took plenty of photos. This ride is a joy to take, from top to bottom, in either direction, and you will learn a lot about the communities it passes through, and about the environment. The Santa Ana River Bike Trail begins on the north side of the river, at the border of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach and there are 2 entrances: 1 on the East side of Pacific Coast Highway, 1 on the beach side. At 4 1/2 mi. you get your first glimpse of how Mother Natures march to the Sea has been briefly interupted by the hand of man. How Nature, and the hand of Man, battle for control of who shapes the landscape is a recurring theme of your journey, with Man seemingly having the upper hand in the OC. At several spots along the route the Bike Trail switches from one side of the river to the other. The ride is mostly flat and depending on the time of day, and day of the week, you will share the trail with families out for the day, walkers, joggers, and other bicyclists, from fellow individuals, and Club Rides, large, and small. There are plenty of opportunities to leave the trail for food, and bathroom breaks. While there is the occasional graffiti, trouble from gang bangers is not an issue. There ARE few spots in Santa Ana, and Anaheim, where you might encounter small Homeless Encampments under a bridge, and you might encounter a lone Homeless man resting along the trail anywhere along your journey, from time to time, but they tend to keep to themselves. Flowing water, flowery weeds and bushes often appear in the river, and many spots are prime hangouts for birds of all persuasions. At 22 1/2 mi. the river is really flowing, the freeway is on your right and Yorba Regional Park is on your left and, if you choose to continue further inland, into Riverside County, this is your first inkling that Mother Nature only relented completely to the hand of man, in her march to the ocean, only after the river had traveled a few short miles into the OC. At 26 3/4 mi. you come to La Palma Ave. & Gypsum Canyon Rd. Cyclists interested in continuing into Riverside County take note of a little brown sign on the wall nearby. Turn right, here, because to go under the bridge and continue on the trail will lead somewhere else. Turn right, ride to the corner, and turn right again. Following the green signs, to the right, the trail enters Canyon RV Park, then heads into a narrow passage where the freeway is on my right, and the east end of Featherly Regional Park, on my left. The last leg heads past the Coal Canyon entrance to Chino Hills State Park, and Green River Golf Club. Take a good look around because this is the last sight of the flowing river that you will see for almost 15 miles. The trail official ends at 29 mi., at the entrance to Green River Golf Club on Green River Rd., and to reach the start of the Bike Trail in Riverside County means a 15 mile ride thru the streets of Corona, and Norco. To see read my Detailed Report, with Pictures, and to read the Riverside County/San Bernardino County Report with its pictures, as well... go here: http://www.cyclingdude.com/2007/12/rolling-rolling.html

    Some nice fog to begin this glorious Sabbath.
    Francisco G.

    This trail is much cleaner as many recall, once as seen on the highway near the Angel Stadium there were entire campsites of homeless often blocking the trail; it had been a problem for decades until 2018. I hope many of them found a proper shelter or at least some semblance of help. The trail has a familiar design and path and is simple to navigate yet daring when doing so in reverse as the winds will getcha.

    Beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon!
    Linda H.

    There are definitely negatives to this trail, including the freeway traffic noise, sewage smell at certain points of the trail, and as many reviewers stated, the prolific homeless population clustered near the 22 freeway (by Angel Stadium). However, there aren't many lengthy, paved bike trails in the San Bernardino/OC area, so I'm grateful this 30 mile stretch exists where I can bike without worrying about getting hit by a car. It's a bonus that it ends at the beach! If you're looking for a bike trail that is nice and leisurely, this one is more than satisfactory.

    Schel H.

    This place has taken up so much of my time I cant hardly believe it. Light or Dark, day or night, weekday or weekend, what a great place to have available. I have ridden hundreds of miles on my bike and skated a lot of miles on rollerblades as well. It is something that gets repaved every few years which it always eneds with new tree roots growing under the path. This is the kind of place that gets a lot of great use by the general public and ive never come across anything bad here. There are a lot of cyclists like myself, rollerbladers, horse riders, walkers, runners/joggers, nature lovers, bird watchers, kids playing around, dog walkers, etc. It is just one of the best places to get out of the house and enjoy the scenery. Check it out unless you are an anti exercising couch blob. Its a great thing though. If you want to go and have some fun times alone or with friends just go... what more could you ever want... It goes from the edge of the IE in Corona all the way down to the beach near Huntington/Newport passing places like the Big A and The Pond in Anaheim on the way. There are lots of portapotties, fountains, rest stops/picnic areas, bird watching locations, etc. What a fun fun place to go and get out. :) See you there soon!

    Batavia and Lincoln entrance.

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    Ask the Community - Santa Ana River Trail

    Is it okay to skate longboard on the trail or do they hate skaters of all types? Have you ever seen anyone get in trouble?

    I've seen a decent amount of skateboards, E-bikes, E-skateboards and rollerbladers. Never seen anyone getting hassled unless you try to set up a tent and spend the night.

    View All 4 Questions

    Review Highlights - Santa Ana River Trail

    The portion of the trail outlining Yorba Regional Park is perfect for a late afternoon or a midnight stroll.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

    Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

    4.5
    (197 reviews)
    14.3 mi

    My friends and I have been into hiking lately, and decided to hike here when it was nice and sunny…read morea few weeks ago. We did the serrano road and line shack loop, which was about 3.4 miles total. We arrived at around 8am, and spent about 1.5 hours on the hike, walking a moderate pace. I really liked that how this trail was easily marked and flat. There was also plenty of shade, on the trail, so even as the sun came up, it was still pretty cool. There's some elevation on the trail, but overall, I'd say it was pretty easy to causally walk and talk. When you get to the peak of the trail, you can oversee the Foothill Ranch area, and it looks gorgeous! We followed the parking instructions on AllTrails, which led us to a church parking lot, which connects right to the trail. I did see that this park has other more difficult hikes, so I'd definitely go back for another one!

    Overall score for this trail system would be 4.5 stars. Great multiple trails, skill level is easy…read moreto medium to difficult. Milage is from 2miles to up to 10 miles, and even more as the trails connect another major trail system. Parking is easy, at the base, there's a pay machine..3$ i think. Grear price, as the money is used for clean up and maintenance. No pets on trails. Luckily, a ranger caught two families and were cited! Yes! And two others cited for non pay of Parking. The high point trails are steep and difficult, for walkers joggers runners family or couples and for the renegade singles, plus be carefulwith bikers... they must slow down for you ! Not the other way! So be outspoken! Plus horses are occasional seen. . Get there early, as Parking gets full. The views are splendid and serene. Bring water, it can be frustrating as not water on the trails. But there is a water full station and bathrooms before entering. Clean trails, fun trail, and a trail that can be demanding if you wish it to be . It crosses over to other side of the foothills, and can be wildly exciting.

    Photos
    Saddleback Church Hiking Group
    Saddleback Church Hiking Group
    Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
    Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

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    Santa Ana River Trail - hiking - Updated July 2026

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