Santa Ana River Trail Bike Ride Guide

Overview

The Santa Ana River Trail, usually just called SART, is the closest thing Orange County has to a bicycle freeway. It is a paved, mostly grade-separated path along the river channel from the beach at Huntington State Beach inland past Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Orange and Anaheim to Yorba Linda and the Riverside County line. It is a National Recreation Trail, and for riders in central Orange County, including our neighbors in Santa Ana, it is the easiest way to pile up miles without a traffic light.

The route in plain words

Start at the ocean end where the trail meets the Huntington Beach coastal path at PCH, and head upriver. The path runs through Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley and Santa Ana, with underpasses and bridges at most major streets, then continues through Orange and Anaheim past the Angel Stadium area. Upstream of Anaheim the channel gets greener as you approach Yorba Regional Park and the Santa Ana Canyon below Prado Dam. For many riders, Yorba Regional Park is the turnaround; strong riders continue toward Green River Road and the county line. On the way back you get the slight downhill and, often, a sea-breeze headwind.

Distance and elevation

Wikipedia and the National Recreation Trail listing put the Orange County section at about 29 to 30 miles from the beach to the county line; TrailLink describes the whole system, including separate Riverside and San Bernardino sections, at about 61.5 miles of trail. There is no meaningful climbing, only a gentle rise as you head inland. An out-and-back from the beach to Yorba Regional Park is a solid half-day ride for most people.

Best time to ride

SART works year-round. Summer mornings are best because the inland half heats up fast after 10 a.m. In the afternoon, the onshore wind blows up the channel, so heading inland in the morning and returning with a tailwind is not guaranteed; often you get a headwind home. Winter storms can close underpasses and low crossings; check signage after rain.

Water and coffee stops

Parks along the river are the best stops: Talbert Regional Park near Costa Mesa and Yorba Regional Park in Anaheim, which TrailLink notes has hundreds of picnic tables and lakes, are the most useful. Ramps at road crossings let you exit to shops and cafés in each city. Do not rely on every drinking fountain working; carry two bottles.

Safety notes

The trail is shared with runners, walkers and families; yield to pedestrians, call out passes and slow down near parks and underpasses. Some sections have had safety concerns over the years, so ride with a friend if you prefer and keep valuables out of sight. Watch for glass and debris in underpasses, and do not ride flooded crossings. Use a light: underpasses are dark even at noon.

Which bike and setup

Any bike works. Road riders love it for steady tempo work; a fast-rolling 28 to 32 mm tire is ideal because of glass and patched asphalt. Gravel bikes such as a Cervélo Áspero are at home here and can explore the dirt equestrian path alongside. Tubeless tires with sealant cut flat stops dramatically on SART.

Before you go

Veloaded is in Santa Ana, a short ride from the river. If flats keep ruining your SART rides, we can set your wheels up tubeless and check tire wear. Call (714) 760-4908 or book online.

Quick facts

County: Orange County
Start: Huntington State Beach at PCH (south end) or Yorba Regional Park, Anaheim (inland)
Distance: About 30 miles (48 km) one way from Huntington State Beach to the Orange–Riverside county line
Climbing: Gentle; a steady false flat rising inland from sea level (no single published total; we do not quote one)
Surface: Paved Class I path (adjacent dirt equestrian trail)
Difficulty: Easy; distance is the only challenge

Pair it with

From the beach end, the Huntington Beach coastal path heads toward Newport and the PCH ride to Laguna. Inland riders can roll from Yorba Regional Park toward Carbon Canyon for a climb, and the Riverside section of the trail passes the base of Mount Rubidoux.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Santa Ana River Trail?

The Orange County section runs about 30 miles from Huntington State Beach to the Orange-Riverside county line. TrailLink counts about 61.5 miles of paved trail across Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, with a gap in between.

Is the Santa Ana River Trail paved?

Yes. The bike path is asphalt, up to 12 feet wide in places, with a separate dirt hiking and riding trail alongside.

Sources

Distances and climbing are from the published sources listed above and are approximate; roads, closures and conditions change. Check current conditions before you ride.

More Orange County ride guides

All guides: Southern California ride guides. Veloaded Cyclery has one location, at 3420 W MacArthur Blvd Suite B, Santa Ana, CA 92704: service menu, bike fitting.