Down by the River

The Santa Ana River Trail (SART) is SoCal’s premier multi-use recreation path. When completed, this coast-to-crest trail will offer 110 miles of traffic-free riding from Big Bear Lake to Huntington Beach. For now, there’s 50 miles to explore from San Bernardino to the Pacific shoreline (with the exception of a 15-mile gap in the trail between Norco and Green River Rd.).

Bike the 30-mile Orange County stretch by starting at Green River Golf Club in Corona, where the path gives way to some up-and-down miles near Chino Hills and enters Yorba Regional Park, a leafy picnickers' paradise with artificial lakes and a paved 5k trail. Pass the giant “A” at Angel Stadium on the way through Anaheim. The trail’s barely-there downhill grade is a treat, though headwinds can steal some momentum on this stretch, especially in the afternoon. Moon Park is a fun rest stop before the final cruise past Talbert Marsh to Huntington Beach.

FOOD & BEER BONUS: Post-ride, chow down at Anaheim Packing House, a bustling food hall just three miles west of SART and offering a cornucopia of gourmet fare, from delicious fish tacos at Urbana to soul food barbecue at Georgia’s. Slip into The Blind Rabbit, a speakeasy hidden behind a fake wall of sake barrels on the ground floor. Known for craft cocktails, this dark and cozy bar requires a reservation to enter on weekdays and Saturday evenings. For a spur-of-the-moment pint or beer flight instead, hit the tasting room at Unsung Brewing Company across the street (opened just this August).

From CA-91 west of Corona, exit Green River Rd. and head west. After a mile, Green River Golf Club will be on the right, with SART parking just after its entrance drive.