Back to the Future

Bike a section of SoCal's Pacific Electric Trail

07.15.2020
Bike the Pacific Electric Trail in SoCal

Blast from the past! This 10-mile (round-trip) ride along the Pacific Electric Trail, traversing Rialto to Fontana, features plentiful remnants from the path's former railroad days.

Old railroad stations and packing houses have been converted for a variety of new uses, including one station that was converted into the Fontana Art Depot. The trail starts at a small and fancy bridge. Pedal on, and when you start seeing rows of orange trees, you know you’re close to downtown Fontana. Take a wander through the Fontana Veterans Memorial Rose Garden.

From the gardens you can also walk over to what just might be California’s smallest wedding chapel. St. Anthony’s Pagliuso Family Chapel was relocated to Fontana in 2005 and is believed to be the smallest Catholic church.

Back on the bike path you’ll be flanked by roses on one side and orange trees on the other, passing a park (a good spot for a break) and riding out to unobstructed views of the San Gabriel mountain range and Mount Baldy.

Cherry Avenue can be your turnaround point for this out-and-back stretch. Cherry Avenue has some good food spots to check out if you want to grab a bite to eat. 

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From the I-10 East take the Cedar Ave. exit. Head north and quickly turn right on Bloomington Ave. After a mile turn left on Cactus Ave. The trailhead will be on the left side after a mile and a half. It’s marked by a small, fancy bridge. Parking is available at the trailhead. Dog-friendly!

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