4.8
(133)
6,268
riders
10
rides
Road cycling around Orange offers a diverse landscape, transitioning from the flat plains of the Rhône River valley to rolling agricultural lands and extensive vineyards. To the east, the terrain gradually rises towards the challenging hills of the Dentelles de Montmirail. This region provides a variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels, set against a backdrop of rich historical sites.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.5
(11)
418
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
95
riders
The Santa Ana River Trail loop from Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center offers a varied and generally accessible road cycling experience. You'll find yourself on a predominantly asphalt-paved and wide path, often allowing for side-by-side riding, with grade-separated intersections that minimize stops for a smoother ride. While some parts might feel urban, you'll also pass notable landmarks like Angel Stadium and the Honda Center, and encounter more natural sections with trees and birds, making for an engaging ride.
This easy 17.0-mile (27.3 km) route, with a minimal 170 feet (52 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 16 minutes, making it suitable for all fitness levels. ARTIC provides a convenient starting point with parking and public transport options. Consider riding during cooler parts of the day, especially in summer, and utilize the amenities available at parks along the trail for water and restrooms.
The Santa Ana River Trail is a premier multi-use path in Southern California, designated as a National Recreation Trail. Its continuous nature allows for long rides without frequent interruptions, making it a favorite for road cyclists. This loop offers a taste of the trail's diverse character, from its urban beginnings to more natural riverine sections, providing a great option for a quick workout or a leisurely spin.

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154
riders
The Santa Ana River Trail Bikeway – Santa Ana River Trail Bridge loop from Olive offers a pleasant road cycling experience through Orange County. You'll ride on a wide, paved path, enjoying a mix of natural river views, shade trees, and glimpses of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains in the distance. While some parts might feel more urban, the route provides a consistent, car-free environment, making it a reliable choice for a moderate ride.
This 17.6-mile (28.3 km) loop, with a gentle 219 feet (67 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 27 minutes. It's a great option for those seeking accessible road cycling routes without significant climbs. Parking is available at various access points along the Santa Ana River Trail, including the ARTIC Train Station, making it easy to start your journey.
The Santa Ana River Trail is a significant regional asset, designated a National Recreation Trail. Its extensive length and connectivity make it a vital link between inland communities and the California Coastal Trail, offering diverse environments from serene riverbanks to urban centers. This particular loop provides a good introduction to the trail's character and its well-maintained facilities.
7
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Popular around Orange
The climb from imperial to cannon is no joke but it’s a short walk to the top so bring flipflops😀.
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The trail is quite wide, making it easy for different users to share the path safely. You can start your journey at Centennial Park and travel for miles, enjoying views of the river and passing through various landscapes.
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Bring plenty of water. There only are water fountains midway in Anaheim.
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Nice wooden bridge along the Santa Ana River Trail. It takes you over the river and gives you a good view of the water.
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Angel Stadium of Anaheim is the home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Santa Ana River Trail passes right by the stadium, so you get a great view. As you can imagine, it can get pretty busy on the trail on a game day.
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Bike along the Santa Ana River Trail for a fantastic view of Angel Stadium’s iconic “Big A” sign, a 230-foot-tall landmark that originally served as the stadium's scoreboard. The halo atop the sign lights up after every Angels victory, glowing even brighter for home wins. Be sure to avoid the surrounding streets on game days, as the area can get crowded.
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There are 11 dedicated traffic-free road cycling routes around Orange featured in this guide. These routes are designed for a smooth and uninterrupted cycling experience, with 5 classified as easy and 6 as moderate, catering to various fitness levels.
The traffic-free routes in Orange primarily follow the flat plains of the Santa Ana River Trail, offering a generally easy and accessible ride. While the region of Orange itself has diverse terrain, these specific routes focus on flatter, paved paths ideal for road bikes without significant elevation changes.
Yes, many of the traffic-free routes are suitable for families due to their flat terrain and absence of vehicle traffic. The Santa Ana River Trail loop from Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center is an easy option, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for cyclists of all ages.
Along the traffic-free routes, particularly those following the Santa Ana River, you can enjoy natural and man-made attractions. Highlights include the Santa Ana River Trail itself, the Big A Sign at Angel Stadium, and the Angel Stadium area. Further afield, you might explore natural monuments like Black Star Falls or the Redwood Grove.
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Santa Ana River Trail Bikeway – Santa Ana River Trail Bridge loop from Olive, which offers a moderate challenge while keeping you off busy roads.
The komoot community highly rates the traffic-free road cycling routes in Orange, with an average score of 4.7 stars from 131 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful environment, the well-maintained paths of the Santa Ana River Trail, and the ability to enjoy a ride without concerns about vehicle traffic.
Parking is generally available near the starting points of many traffic-free routes, especially along the Santa Ana River Trail. For instance, the Santa Ana River Trail loop from Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center starts from a location with good access and parking options.
While the routes themselves are traffic-free, they often pass near urban areas where you can find cafes, restaurants, and other amenities. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for points of interest and services along your chosen path, especially around areas like Angel Stadium.
Orange generally enjoys a mild climate, making traffic-free road biking pleasant for much of the year. Spring and fall offer particularly comfortable temperatures. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended, while winter typically brings cooler, but still rideable, conditions.
While most traffic-free routes in this guide are easy to moderate, offering a relaxed experience, the region of Orange itself provides more challenging terrain for advanced cyclists, particularly towards the nearby mountains. For traffic-free options, routes like the Santa Ana River Hiking and Riding Trail – Angel Stadium loop from Olive offer a moderate distance and duration for those looking for a longer ride without traffic.
Many of the traffic-free routes, especially those along the Santa Ana River Trail, are accessible via public transport hubs. For example, the Santa Ana River Trail loop from Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center starts directly from a major transportation hub, making it convenient for those using public transit.


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