The trail, as a whole is very nice: Excellent for bikers, cyclists, runners, hikers and walkers. Some of the views are quite majestic, depending on the time of the day. You can see some of the most beautiful sunsets from here. However, as a woman walking by myself most of the time, I do not feel safe. Every so often you see questionable individuals who walk the trail or bike the trail. Even today, I saw a homeless man sleeping under the bridge. I really wish the police and public officials are aggressive in keeping the homeless out of this trail. There is a small homeless encampment by the Katella railway bridge. I don't walk that path anymore because I fear my safety. If you are a woman and you're walking alone, carry protective devices with you such as pepper sprays, stun guns, etc. Be alert and Vigilant. Please do not play on your phone. read more

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This trail has so many great parks and a little bathroom Along the route. Very safe and clear. Be careful of bikers but there are trails for runners. Go earlier if you're a runner. The bikers come after 7am. Highly recommend if you're in the area. Fun for all ages read more

Santa Ana River Trail - Santa Ana Trail - Hiking Near Me - Orange, California

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I have had this place bookmarked forever and finally experienced the Santa Ana River Trail. I live in the neighboring apartments by the Angel Stadium so I have no idea why it has taken me almost two years to finally experience this gem! Entrance: Multiple entrances but the one most convenient to my apartment is right by Angel stadium parking lot across from golden road which is DuPont and Orangewood. If you don't live in the nearby apartments then I recommend parking by golden road brewery and walking over. You will see bike pathways with entrances (attached photo). Otherwise, the bike trail has quite a few bikers so don't be that annoying pedestrian that is in the way. Walk along the side, lol. If you enter by Angel Stadium the trail to the left will take you down to Honda center, roughly 1.2 miles, maybe a little less. Otherwise, the trail circles back and takes you down to Orange, and then some. I stopped around 4 miles since it started to drizzle but would love to see how long this trail can go! Tip--they cleaned up this trail tremendously. I saw no homeless people or anybody loitering. I felt safe going by myself on a Sunday morning. read more

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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. read more

Santa Ana River Trail - Right before sunrise - Hiking Near Me - Orange, California

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. read more

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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. read more

Santa Ana River Trail - Tuesday walk - Hiking Near Me - Orange, California

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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! read more

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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. read more

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How funny this trail is on Yelp. I don't street bike. I mountain bike. When I don't go out for awhile, like a couple of years, I use this as a conditioning ride first. Chino Hills has a good conditioning trail, but this paved road avoids the dirt and mud. It is easy, too. I wasn't going to post, but I read a review I agree with and had to throw my two cents in. I have seen enough on this trail to know it is not safe. I agree with one of the posts. The trail is not safe. Stick to the mid day hours. If you like to start out early or in the evening during the summer, make sure you are with a few buddies (men). I, in fact, feel way safer on the Chino Hills trails before sun rise and in the middle of no where. read more

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 read more

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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 read more

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Fun trail to cycle on. Theres always people on the trail biking, running or walking. The bums don't bother you, they usually just sit underneath the bridge to the side. I don't really have any problem with the trail itself. I have more of a problem with inconsiderate fools that ride the trail. Move to the side if your going to stop. Don't just stand in the middle of the trail. And please! if your taking kids, teach them to keep their eyes on where they are going. Because they tend to turn their head and then they start drifting in to the other lane or into other bikers. Just trying to make it a safe place to ride. (saw 2 crashes this pass weekend) But all in all, its a good trail to go on and you'll feel accomplished once you get to the beach. read more

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. read more

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A nice place to get a bike ride along the riverbed. Overall ride was great. Always bring water during your ride. The trail is clean and there's wildlife along the river. read more

I like the trail here but if you're a girl, I would NOT recommend coming here alone. If you go up to memory lane it's ok but when you start running towards Anaheim, there's less foot traffic and a lot more homeless people sleeping under the bridges. Both ways of the trail have questionable people that aren't using the trail to run but instead just watch people. I would also recommend not running when the sun in almost setting because it gets extremely dark under the bridges. read more

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 ;) read more

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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. read more

Santa Ana River Trail - Some nice fog to begin this glorious Sabbath. - Hiking Near Me - Orange, California

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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 read more

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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. read more

Santa Ana River Trail - Beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon! - Hiking Near Me - Orange, California

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Throughout the 2013 year, our place of employment decided to join a global walking program known as the GCC (Global Corporate Challenge). 37,436 teams (consisting of 7 people each) from around the world took part in this program to better your overall health. The goal of the program was to get people up and out of their desks and to get them walking an exercising for a total of at least 10000 steps per day. The program ran for 16 weeks where my team finished 71st in the world. The Santa Ana River Trail played a big part in this success as this was our go to location where as a group we would walk as a united front. The Santa Ana River trail is a multi-use trail that runs parallel with the Santa Ana River. The trail currently stretches 30 miles in total length from the Orange County/Riverside county line all the way to Huntington Beach. A new expansion in the works will expand this trail all the way up into Big Bear thus making it the longest multi-use trail in Southern California at 100 miles in length when completed. On at least two occasions we gathered as a team to walk the trail. The first time we gathered as a group we caught the trail in Orange and walked the trail for several hours. Two of us made it all the way to the end at the Riverside county line and turned and made the long trek back (about 24 miles in total). Overall everyone walked anywhere from 6-10 hours and really pushed themselves like never before. The trail in this direction features numerous rest spots with benches, drinking fountains and even a place for your horse (assuming you rode one). The trail is kept up fairly well and dips under numerous freeway overpasses. As you are heading toward Riverside County the heat is really the biggest burden in walking this section. There is little to no shade but the frequent rest areas come in handy in this regard. On our second trip as a group we split off and all had various starting points. This time our goal was to start again from Orange but to make it all the way to Huntington Beach. This section of the trail is far cooler as you move along and get closer to the ocean breeze. The negative here is the frequent rest stops, bathrooms (port-a-potties) and drinking fountains are nowhere to be found. There is a local park (Edna Park) that can be used as a rest stop but not much else. The trail is flat and mostly paved which makes it easy for anybody. One of the biggest areas of concern is the ever-growing homeless population; who live and congregate under the various overpasses lining the trail. It is sad to see so many people with no place to go. Most of them keep to themselves and avoid any pedestrians or bikers throughout the trail but I would still recommend not walking the trail alone (in either direction). The trail is wide open and spacious and good for biking, walking, rollerblading etc... If our company chooses to join this program again next year, I am sure we will join up again for several more walks here. In 16 weeks I walked 6,465,488 steps which equates out to 2,571 total miles. This trail, along with Laguna Lake, Juanita Cooke Greenbelt & Hiltscher Park Trails; were a huge component of that accomplishment. read more

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! read more

Santa Ana River Trail - Hiking Near Me - Orange, California

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Nice flat trail, great for beginner cyclist or someone looking for a quick exercise! We started from Centennial Park (3000 W. Edinger, Santa Ana), where there were plenty of free parking available, to Huntington Beach Pier for a little over 20 miles roundtrip. In deed there were lots of cyclist and runners on this trail, but everyone was attentive and cautious of the traffic, so one can easily complete the trail with minimal stops. Okay scenery along the "riverbed." Became more interesting views once we hit Huntington Beach where we could explore the pier. read more

I had a great time riding the Santa Ana River Trail. During my most recent bicycling excursion, I entered at Batavia and Lincoln and took the trail all the way to Brookhurst & PCH in Huntington Beach. What a great workout and since the weather was nice, I got a great tan too. This was not my first time riding the trail and will certainly not be my last. The only thing I would guard against is that occasionally, you can run into some unsavory folks but, if you bring a buddy and ride during the day, you should have no trouble. read more

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i love this trail! i've lived in Santa Ana for the past 5 years and only a few months ago have i started to ride my bike on it. I have to say its perfect for the cyclist! its paved, wide enough to pass up the runners, and the scenery is great that you'll end up miles down the rode and wont even know it! its a public place so obviously there are a few bums who stay under the bridge away from the path. They aren't there to hurt you, they are just living there life as best as possible and thats the most secluded area for them. You never know who you'll run into so i don't recommend RUNNING alone, but biking? just pedal harder! its a good place to get away from the busy streets of orange county and get your mind off things! If you ever want to go on a relaxed ride to the beach and back to wherever, message me! i'm always in! read more

Santa Ana River Trail - what you'll see for most of the time! - Hiking Near Me - Orange, California

Awesome trail for biking. The trail is fairly wide... wide enough for 2 bikes to ride alongside each other without veering into the other lane and blocking traffic going in the opposite direction. The trail goes under all the streets so there's never a halt to your bike ride for vehicle traffic. The inclines add a great boost to your exercise. I've always rode the trail in the mornings and afternoons coming back from the beach... mornings seems much more busier than late afternoons. There are a few runners on the trail, so you have to keep your eyes open for them to avoid collision. There are several "homes" and camps set up sporadically on the trail and you will see bums here and there. I tend to bike swiftly through all their camps and stay focused on the road instead of look and stare. The beautiful part of this trail is the destination (if you're heading South, like me). It ends at Huntington Beach! Awesome way to end my 20 mile bike ride is an opportunity to lay out on the beach and have some fun in the sun before biking another 20 miles back home! read more

I used to park at Yorba Regional Park, great park, but it was a little far out of my way. I was stoked when I realized there was a little part of the trail at Hart Park. Personally, I'm not looking for anything extreme, just a nice little skate, so the three miles from the baseball field to Wanda rd, is perfect. Yorba Regional goes on and on without a public breakup, and I know this is crazy, but as a little lady it makes me uneasy. I feel like i could get lady napped (get it, because I'm not a kid), and with my headphones in, who knows. Basically, I prefer Hart Park for a quickie exercise. All in all, the trail as a whole is nice for the smoothed paved, car free road. That's it. In Orange, the only part I've explored, its pretty ugly. The "river" is more of a giant gutter swamp. I'm sure the closer you get to the ocean the prettier it is. I'll have to make it out there on my day off to see for myself. read more

Santa Ana River Trail - Hiking Near Me - Orange, California

The annual Anaheim Union High School District holds the annual Servathon event on Martin Luther king Jr. Day and for me, this is a cool place. The Santa Ana River is a long river from Huntington beach to Anaheim. It's really neat because my government teacher gave us extra credit if we participated and honesty this is fun. Highlights include... I park near the Starbucks to meet up with my friends on bike, skateboard or walking. Luckily I was on bike and it truly a GREAT experience. My teacher Mr. Walker is the best teacher ever and the best was taking his son! There are some memorable moments but clearly it is the best day of my life and no doubt AMAZING! read more

Santa Ana River Trail - My government teacher on Instagram - Hiking Near Me - Orange, California

This trail is great for cycling! If you start at Yorba Linda Regional Park and head south the bike path ends at Huntington State Beach. It's about 47 miles round trip. The ride to Huntington State Beach is a breeze, however coming back from the beach is a tougher ride because you're riding at a slight incline the whole way. The bike path itself is very safe, clean, and well-maintained. Lots of good picturesque views along the way... Beautiful, scenic ride. read more

Santa Ana River Trail - Near Yorba Linda Regional Park - Hiking Near Me - Orange, California

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C'mon people 5 stars for this "riverbed"? It's not a riverbed at all. It's a flood control channel, the largest in the county! It's where all your run off and garbage water from the street ends up. From all you retards that over water your already useless grass lawns. Plus all the nitrates, toxins, pesticides and herbicides getting all washed down into the main spill way out to the ocean. Folks, this is no river. Now a biking trail, it is excellent! Smooth paved roads meet dirt roads. Miles upon miles to trek. I usually start from Anaheim Hills and make my way down to Huntington/Newport area and then back again. 69 mile round trip! I also use it as my own private highway in high traffic times, but you gotta have a key and a CA EXEMPT plate or you'll get a fat ticket or possibly jail time. It's a convenient corridor to get to from the hills to the beach and avoiding high traffic. read more

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Back in February, breaking my collar bone and becoming a couch potato for a few months definitely took a toll on me. And while it's not as life changing as a near death experience compelling you to write an overly wishful "bucket list", you do still yearn for redemption for all the time you've wasted. With a sling on one arm and the TV remote control in my opposing hand, I started to miss a variety of physical activities regardless if I've actually done them as well as merely being outdoors. When the doctor cleared me to get back in the swing of things, I didn't write out a list. I just pretended like I was a kid again at recess. Looking back at the past couple months, it's not hard for me to see how much more I enjoyed and appreciated being active and outdoors: -A two mile swim at my gym pool...which I thought was the first leg distance of an ironman race...only to find out it's actually 2.4 miles. Doh! -Getting back into the gym and going at least 2-3 times per week. -Doing my first triathlon workout in 95 degree weather. -Whitewater rafting in Kern River and getting to unfortunately swim in some class 4 rapids. -Stopped smoking. So far, so good. -And now, I can add biking to Huntington Beach and back for an almost total of 60 miles. Sure, my ass still hurts and my legs are sunburned but it was all worth it. Sure, it's not a phenomenal feat impressive to seasoned athletes. But this is definitely another stepping stone in how I help define myself--by things I'm able to accomplish or still do, not by things I'm unable to do. If you're up to the task, riding from Anaheim Hills/Yorba Linda to the Huntington Beach pier is something worth trying at least once. There's something about making that trek towards the beach, feeling that onshore breeze for the first time and then finally touching one of the pillars which hold up HB pier. As for the way back, the journey is just as fulfilling but I won't laugh if you end up calling a buddy to pick you up. Mine was on standby. read more

I grew up biking down this trail from Angel stadium all the way to Huntington Beach. Up to this day, I still ride up and down this trail either from the beach to the stadium or vice versa. On a weekend early morning, the paths are crowded with cyclists, joggers and walkers. As the day goes on, the crowd dies down. Living in southern california with the beautiful weather, you have to take advantage of these trails. It's 90% clean with nice smooth paths. The areas closest to the stadium is slightly creepy with some bums living under the bridges but the closer ytou get to the beach, the less creepy it gets. Along the path you will pass a golf course and small parks, one of which has restrooms (near the stadium) so if you need to veer off the trail, that would be your chance! The trail does go all the way into Huntington Beach so take your bike, get out there and get active! We live in one of the most outdoor friendly places in the U.S. with great weather year-round, why not take advantage of it? read more

Rode this trail all the way to the beach with my bf about two weeks ago. Boy oh boy, was that an adventure! Lots of homeless people starting from Katella Ave all the way passed Orangewood (Angels Stadium). Crazy how the luxury lofts and the trail are only separated with a gate. Although, there's lots of homeless people, we did not encounter any problems... some even gave us the right of way. I sincerely Hope they can all turn their lives around. Anyway, the trail itself is cool with the exception of the sewer smell about 5 miles from getting to Huntington Beach. Would recommend riding in groups or early in the day. The trail leaves you at about Brookhurst St & PCH great workout for sure! read more

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How convenient is the Santa Ana River Trail and Parkway? It's as convenient as you want it to be. I use it constantly, all hours of the day and night and have been doing so for many years. There are a few things people should know before using the SARTP in Orange County due to it falling under the jurisdiction of the County and the municipal code. First would be the 10MPH speed limit for bicycles. Ridiculous? Yes. Enforced? Not really. Motorized vehicles, skateboards, rollerblades and skates are prohibited from using the SARTP in Orange County. Posted hours of use November 1 through February 28 are 7AM to 6PM and March 1 through October 31 are 6AM to 9PM. Ridiculous? Yes. Enforced? Not Really. Also, it would appear that on leap years, February 29 sees the path legally open for 24 hours. The SARTP currently runs from the Huntington Beach/Newport Beach border at PCH to Green River Golf Course. The SARTP Policy Advisory Group currently estimates that it will be complete in running from the beach to the base of the San Bernardino Mountains by the end of 2013. The last two gaps in the system that require completion are from Green River Golf Course in Corona to just North of Norco and East of Waterman Ave in San Bernardino to the eastern terminus. For the most part, the SARTP is quite benign in Orange County. There are hazards such as unsavory humans, cougars, bobcats, deer, skunks, rabbits, coyotes, and foxes, but if one pays attention to their surroundings instead of being encased in their ipod, these hazards can be easily avoided. This is especially true for the animal kingdom hazards, as most of the ones listed are nocturnal. I've seen all of them on the path except for cougar, but have seen cougar tracks near Coal Canyon, which does happen to be a wildlife corridor from the Santa Ana Mountains to Chino Hills. If the unsavory humans are of a big concern, just keep your cell phone handy and know where you are in case assistance from the local constabulary is required. Last but certainly not least, be courteous to other users and use some common sense. That means if you're on a bicycle, slow down when overtaking slow riders or pedestrians. If you are a pedestrian, don't walk in the middle of the path or block it by walking three people wide. The same goes for cyclists because no matter how fast or good of a cyclist you think you may be, there is always someone out there faster than you. Most of the experienced pedestrian users I see regularly in my travels on the SARTP walk or run facing traffic, just as one would when walking or running on a roadway. This allows them to see approaching cyclist traffic more easily. If you are bringing young children with you, please be certain to keep them in control for their safety and the safety of other path users. Above all else, have a good time out there. read more

First Good things: -Its well paved all the way down to the coast. Pretty smooth long ride for the bicyclists. -multiple restrooms throughout the trail -No auto Traffic -In the west, the trail end at the ocean so its amazing. - Some areas of the trails are nice and scenic Bad Things: -Doesn't feel safe around Anaheim,Santa Ana all the way to Costa Mesa. - Its kind of scary around the Honda Center, Angel Stadium and near by Santa Ana doe to the people who loiter around and live there. - There are LOTS of homeless people living under the bridge. (I have not seen them doing any harm to anyone but definitely doesn't feel safe to ride alone when passing under the bridges) -I am not trying to say that Homeless people are bad but generally homeless people do not hesitate to get into trouble.( I personally had a bad experience with people living on the streets so I get very skeptical about them) - at some areas I smell pot almost every time I ride through there. My Recommendation: - If you are serious bicyclist and ride with other companion ride buddies during day time then It is a very nice cycling trail for you. I definitely recommend this trail for you. No complains. BUT - If you are a woman, alone wanting to jog or ride there in the evening early mornings or even during the day, I would NOT recommend the trail for you. If you want to check out the trail, Get some friends to go with you. Overall its a nice trail but it has some bad vibes therefore I rated a 3 star which means OK. read more

Most stretches are clean. Nicely paved, manicured spots of grass/plants/greenery but be super cautious through Anaheim/orange area. From Santa Ana up to Anaheim there are many homeless camps popping up. Just be cautious as the camps tend to build up to the walking/biking paths. Overall lovely but overrun by homeless. I feel safer going on bike rides/jogging in groups. read more

Pros: It's paved and very well-maintained. Cons: because it's paved and well-maintained, it has a lot of mixed traffic. Especially on Saturday mornings, you'll find entire packs of pro cyclists followed by uninterested children with their parents and some joggers / pedestrians. Tips: Share the damn road. Your mother and kindergarten teacher was right. If you can't do that, please do not endanger everyone else by being a jack ass. If you're on a bike, please remember that just because your cruising speed is 18mph, that doesn't mean everyone is watching and waiting for your arrival. Warn pedestrians and don't be too aggressive on your passes. If you're on foot or with children, please do not block the paved paths. Walk on the trail next to the paved road and make sure your children do not turn someone's morning ride into a hospital stay and a lawsuit. Access: (This section is incomplete and is applicable only to those who live in the Placentia, Anaheim Hills, and Yorba LInda area). Placentia: Park on East Riverdale Ave between Tustin and Glassell (those are the major intersections). There are access points throughout that street. Street parking is not allowed between 10pm and 6am daily. Anaheim Hills: See Placentia above. Yorba Linda: The best spot to enter would have to be Yorba Regional Park. You'll have parking taken care of and there's a park there for the non-bikers who may want to accompany you. It's a win-win. read more

It isn't very common in the SoCal area that you find a river bed that isn't sketchy to ride down. The Santa Ana River Trail is seriously a gem for this city. Whoever designed this place really needs a pat on the back. More thought was put into this trail then the average river bed. Yes of course it is still a river bed so please don't think that you are shielded from people who might want to be shady. Just be safe whenever you are running or biking. Ride/ run with a buddy... or 3 buddies! All in all on a nice day I would very much enjoy riding my bike down this path. read more

I've been biking on this trail since 2000. I did that for 5 yrs until my lower back crapped out and couldn't bike anymore. Took a 7 yrs hiatus... and Aug 2012 got back onto cycling again. I used to ride my GT Timberline back then. And in aug 2012 i got myself a Trek Road bike. I used this trail to train for Ojai mini metric ride. I see a lot of riders on the weekend. It's crowded in the summer ... but it's not as crowded in the winter or spring time like now. There are some homeless people camping out in some of the underpass... but they havent hurt me thus far... they might hurt my nose cause they smell like urine and not showered.. but other than that... they have been ok. I ride from Edna park to HB or edna park north to 91 and back.. either way it's a good 20 some miles round trip. read more

So cousin and I decided to do the trail from Anaheim into HB over to Pacifi City where we grabbed a bite to eat before heading back home. Proudly we rode our mountain bikes for 33miles before I reached out to Uber for the rescue. I was a bit nervous about being on the trail, there's plenty more homeless occupying the underparts who had lots of bikes piled nearby their tents. Ladies please be aware when on this trail, for safety reasons of course. read more

I just marked down this path one star due to an accident I had on this trail. Could have been a bump or rock but because of this lovely trail I ate shit and now have a broken humerus. FML! Thanks Santa Ana River Trail for ruining my summer. read more