Did you know that Southern California is steadily building a 110-mile mixed-use trail from Huntington Beach to the San Bernardino National Forest?
The Santa Ana River Trail is envisioned as a corridor for cyclists, walkers, runners, commuters, and equestrians to enjoy through Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.
After more than 40 years of development, about 68 miles of the trail have been completed or are under construction, according to the California State Coastal Conservancy.
Here’s a closer look.
A decades-long crest-to-coast vision
The planned Santa Ana River Trail spans 3 counties and connects 17 cities, connecting inland communities to the famous California Coastal Trail, which is also still under development.
Several long stretches already serve as popular hiking and cycling routes, including more than 20 miles through San Bernardino and Riverside, and another 30 miles through Orange County from Corona to the Pacific Ocean, according to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s TrailLink website.
Crucial connections through Riverside and San Bernardino are still in the planning phase. The latest milestone was in February 2026, when San Bernardino County opened a new 3.8-mile segment from Waterman Avenue in San Bernardino to California Street in Redlands, creating an 11-mile continuous route through San Bernardino and Colton.
Of the new section, San Bernardino County Public Works Director Noel Castillo said, “This is one of the most meaningful community projects that we have delivered… We build flood control systems, transportation corridors and bridges, but projects like this have a direct and lasting impact on residents’ quality of life.”
The next phase of construction will be completed in five stages beginning in mid-2027, from California Street in Redlands to Orange Street in Mentone.
🌐 Learn more: TrailLink.com
