Peak Pedal

Bike the Pacific Electric Trail in SoCal

07.15.2020
Bike the Pacific Electric Trail in SoCal

Mountain views by two wheels? You got it. Biking this 10-mile (one-way) section of the Pacific Electric Trail comes with expansive views of the San Gabriels, with iconic Cucamonga Peak visible the entire time. This ride goes through Rancho Cucamonga, all the way to downtown Upland and back.

Sure, the path goes through a busy city, yet still captures the calmness of nature. If you’re starting your ride at this section of the trail, you can find parking in a strip mall on Cherry Avenue in Fontana. The bike trail is clearly marked and is consistently trafficked with other cyclists, so finding it is easy. On your bike and after crossing Baseline Avenue, you’re quickly met with a wide open space and mountain views. Passing under the I-15 you’ll be crossing into Rancho Cucamonga. When you come to the intersection of Etiwanda Avenue you’ll see an old abandoned train station, one of the remnants of this bike path’s history as a railroad. The entire route is marked with dotted lane markers to follow.

Many street crossings require going to the nearest crosswalk, so keep an eye out for the Pacific Electric Trail signs; they’ll guide you. (Tip: Every street you come across has a plaque telling you where you are and what street you’re on, so you can keep track of your progress easily.) When you pass into Upland, you’ll find a beautiful old neighborhood and small areas with tables and benches that make nice spots for a break. You’re close to downtown Upland, a fantastic place to park the bikes and walk around.

Grab a bite at the Local Baker and Cafe, 120 E. 9th Street (currently open for take-out). Established in 1895, the cafe’s got a wide menu selection that hits the spot for something sweet or something savory. 

Bike the Pacific Electric Trail in SoCal

You can park in the Heritage Crossings shopping center on Cherry Ave. and Roanoke Rd. in Fontana. The best spots are outside the Miguels Jr. along Cherry Ave. From the 210 East get off on Cherry Ave. and turn right. The shopping center will be on the right side after Baseline Ave. This trail is 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