Pacific Electric Trail (Updated 07/25/10!)

Inland Empire, California

Welcome friends to the "Local Routes" section of Get-Into-Cycling.com. In this section we will take a look at a local segment of bike path that is part of a large, ever developing trail known as the "Pacific Electric Trail."

(As of 07/25/10, we have added new photos and some updates for this great trail so read on!)

This route starts at Monte Vista Ave. just north of Arrow Hwy. right on the borders of the City of Claremont and Montclair, California and ends at Rialto, California. The route was built on an old Pacific Electric Interurban Railroad right-of-way that was abandoned back in the early 1960's. The right-of-way sat empty until just a few years ago when it was converted into a very nice bike trail.

Since the trail is built on an old railroad roadbed, it is, for the most part, isolated from vehicular traffic, except for those areas where the railroad crosses a street. The trail goes thru many quaint and historical areas.

Initially the bike path ended at Grove Ave in Rancho Cucamonga, where the railroad right-of-way continues northeast through Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The bike path then started again around Archibald Ave. and continues west to Etiwanda Ave. But now this segment had been completed as seen by the photos below.

The only segment that is still under construction is the portion that crosses on the old steel plate girder bridge which spans across Foothill Blvd. in Rancho Cucamonga (Just northeast of Grove Ave.). But as of this writing, they have begun construction on this part of the trail.

Some new additions to the trail include a new (and much improved) connector to the Cucamonga Creek Trail, lighting with mile marker indicators, marked street crossings with signal light protection, a parallel horse trail and trail parking at certain segments of the trail.

The trail parking shown here is just off of Amethyst Ave. in Rancho Cucamonga. Other improvements include water fountains, dog "pooper scooper" stations and benches scattered along the route as well as historic markers explaining the historic significance of this trail.

But the one thing that I enjoyed about the this trail is the beautiful views of the Inland Empire looking towards Ontario and points south as well as the mountains to the north. This is definitely a great trail for all to enjoy.

For more information about this great trail, go to the City of Rancho Cucamonga's website by clicking here.

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