The Santa Ana River trail is a multi-use recreational trail that runs for 30 miles along the Santa Ana River, from Huntington Beach to the Orange/Riverside county line. It is a paved path, 12-feet wide, popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. It has become a popular bike commuting corridor. It’s a good path for running, but be aware on a hot day as there is little shade. For most of the way, there is a trail on both sides of the river — usually one side is paved and the other dirt. There are mile markers.
The trail starts in Huntington Beach at the intersection of the Huntington Beach Bike Trail, and goes through the cities of Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley and Santa Ana. There are several entry points to get onto the trail and several city and regional parks. The information link has detailed descriptions of the various sections of the trail. A nice section is the 3 miles on the south side of the river, along the Banning Channel Bikeway, east to Adams Ave., passing through Talbert Regional Park and Fairview Park (which itself has a few miles of trails).
In the Garden Grove/Orange area, look for the “A” in the distance, as you go through Anaheim you’ll see Angel Stadium and the Honda Center a little bit after this, the trail starts to head east, then it will take you into Yorba Linda and Anaheim Hills, before it will end at Green River Road in Corona, just after the beginning of Riverside County.
Note: There have been reports of significant homeless encampments along sections of the trail.
The Santa Ana River trail is a multi-use recreational trail that runs for 30 miles along the Santa Ana River, from Huntington Beach to the Orange/Riverside county line. It is a paved path, 12-feet wide, popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. It has become a popular bike commuting corridor. It’s a good path for running, but be aware on a hot day as there is little shade. For most of the way, there is a trail on both sides of the river — usually one side is paved and the other dirt. There are mile markers.
The trail starts in Huntington Beach at the intersection of the Huntington Beach Bike Trail, and goes through the cities of Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley and Santa Ana. There are several entry points to get onto the trail and several city and regional parks. The information link has detailed descriptions of the various sections of the trail. A nice section is the 3 miles on the south side of the river, along the Banning Channel Bikeway, east to Adams Ave., passing through Talbert Regional Park and Fairview Park (which itself has a few miles of trails).
In the Garden Grove/Orange area, look for the “A” in the distance, as you go through Anaheim you’ll see Angel Stadium and the Honda Center a little bit after this, the trail starts to head east, then it will take you into Yorba Linda and Anaheim Hills, before it will end at Green River Road in Corona, just after the beginning of Riverside County.
Note: There have been reports of significant homeless encampments along sections of the trail.
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Essentials
Up to 30 miles, one-way.
Multiple entry points. Western end is Huntington Beac at Rt.1; Eastern end at Orange/Riverside line
The largest city in Orange County and home to Disneyland and a major convention center. Best spots in the immediate area are Mile Square Park, the Colony Historic District, and Anaheim Hills, which has gorgeous parks and pretty residential streets.
Pleasant, 475-acre park with several miles of trails nestled among a grove of heritage oak and sycamore trees. Best bets are 4-mile Equestrian Loop, 3 mile Horseshoe Loop Trail 1.3 mile Road Runner loop. Paved & dirt paths.
Tons of great running in the area. Campus highlight is Aldrich Park, a hilly, grassy expanse with great views. Within 1 mile of campus are Mason Park (2 mile trail), San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary (11 miles of trails), and Newport Back Bay Loop.
Nature preserve connecting the Upper Newport Bay and Newport Harbor is a popular 10.5 mile loop. It's paved and relatively flat. Numerous access points and options to make it shorter. South part is prettiest.
A beach and a canyon all in one run! Fantastic state park has a 2.5+ mile paved coastal trail and 10+ miles of backcountry trails in Moro Canyon. The promenade has great water views. Canyon trails are moderate to challenging, with some serious hills.
Terrific trail along side San Clemente Beach, paralleling the train tracks. The path runs 2.6 miles one-way, combination paved, sand, boardwalk, and dirt.
One can put together 3-4 miles of trails in the Oso Viejo Community Park. The trails feature an Oak Grove, garden maze, butterfly garden, and a walkway made of recycled glass. For a longer run, the residential area east of the park is pleasant.
One of the most spectacular runs in southern California. A series of headlands and cliffs overlooking Dana Point and Strands Beach, with great views. One can put together a terrific run, with parks, trails, and paths along the harbor and marina.
A wonderful 2.5 mile dedicated pedestrian path, with great harbor views. Reachable by bridge, or quick ferry ride from the Balboa Peninsula. For a longer run, hop the ferry and do the 2.9 mile Newport Balboa bike trail.
Wonderful 3 mile paved trail on the Balboa Peninsula, with great beach & views. Fun jaunts out to Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier. Combined, with piers, it's 7 miles total. Good add-on opportunities.
This 670 acre park is one of the best spots to run near Anaheim/Disney. It's 1 mile along each side of the park. Or, enjoy some of the interior trails. There are lakes, golf courses, nature trails, recreational fields, and more.
Wide, paved bike path that goes 10.5 miles from Huntington Beach to Newport Beach. In parts, the trail is literally right next to the beach. Popular and festive on a nice day. We've included a map and table with segment distances.
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Essentials
Up to 30 miles, one-way.
Multiple entry points. Western end is Huntington Beac at Rt.1; Eastern end at Orange/Riverside line
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!