Downtown Buzz

Bike the Pacific Electric Trail in SoCal

Bike the Pacific Electric Trail in SoCal

Biking the Pacific Electric Trail from downtown Upland to the Claremont Packing House is buzz-worthy in several ways. For starters, it’s good on a hot day because most of this 10-mile out-and-back trip is shaded by trees galore: American elms in particular, and redbuds with their vibrant pink leaves. You'll also roll right up to a popular spot for some food and artisan coffee.

A good place to start the trail from downtown Upland is off of N. 1st Avenue next to the old building with Roman-style pillars. When you pass through Upland and head into Claremont, the path starts to feel less industrial-city and more country-rustic. The pavement changes from gray cement to dark asphalt with yellow and red shrubs lining the way, and of course, the trees! You’ll really feel the rustic vibes when you cross a wooden bridge, a good marker that you’re almost at the end of the bike path.

The Pacific Electric Trail ends about a mile before the Claremont Packing House but the bike lanes on the streets are clearly marked and give plenty of space. Continue onto E. 1st Street, and on your right you’ll pass by Pomona College’s beautiful campus (well worth a stop and see). Bike straight through downtown Claremont until you see the Claremont Packing House on your left. 

The Packing House has loads of food options, and you can’t leave without trying Augie's Coffee. This small chain of coffee shops originated in Redlands, CA, and has become a staple of Inland Empire coffee lovers. A hot cup of joe (or cold, or iced, or tea if that’s your thing) is just what you need after this good day of cycling!

From the I-10, exit onto Euclid and head north for a half mile. Turn right on E. C St. or E. D St. and find parking in the downtown lots or on the street. The Pacific Electric Trail runs between these two streets. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View
  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View
  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View
  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View
  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View