Back to the Future

Bike a section of SoCal's Pacific Electric Trail

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. The Beauty of Bainbridge Island

    You know a place is special when locals head to it for their in-state vacations. Follow the lead of Seattleites and venture to beautiful Bainbridge Island in the heart of Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula. Hike the Grand Forest here, meet Pia the Peacekeeper, and enjoy tasty food and drinks.

    View
  2. Woman on a bicycle passing a park lake with a fountain spraying water

    East Bay Bike With Blossoms

    Spring wildflowers are in full bloom on this 15.5-mile bicycle loop through the East Bay that begins at charming Heather Farm Park and features plenty of scenic highlights.

    View
  3. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View
  4. old church on Monterey Path of History

    Path of History Walk (+ Food Bonuses)

    Monterey’s 2-mile yellow tiled, multilingual Path of History is a do-it-yourself stroll among some of the area’s most interesting, beautiful, and culturally significant sites, including through the Old Town, past Mexican-era adobes, and to the beautiful Royal Presidio Chapel.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Be Dune-spired!

    There’s only one urban park on the planet that helped inspire a major theme in Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi book, Dune. Herbert was born and raised in Tacoma, and Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park is named in honor of his famous novel—a tribute to one of the book’s main ideas ...

    View
  2. Little Norway

    There aren’t many small towns in America that look and feel like Europe, but Washington State sure seems to have a few! Lesser known among them is Poulsbo on the Kitsap Peninsula. Dubbed “Little Norway,” this hamlet on the waterfront of Liberty Bay is charmed with Scandinavian influence.  

    View
  3. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  4. Dume in Bloom

    During wildflower season, nature puts on a spectacular show, and one the best places to see it is at Point Dume Natural Preserve in Malibu. 

    View