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. 

undefined

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!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  2. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  3. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View

  4. Stairstruck in Hollywood

    Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.

    View