Santa Ana River Trail

[Bergsteiger]

I am planning on doing the SART from the beach to Green River today roundtrip. What is the best entrance point or parking spot on the coastal end?
I am looking at Google Map but can't seem to make it out where the trail begins exactly. Also, being that I will need to refill my bottles, are there exit points along the way pretty frequently?
Thanks

[ericfoltz]

There are a number of parks with drinking fountains along the way.

One right after you cross the bridge just before Riverview Golf Course in Santa Ana, another at the restrooms at the Katella crossing, another up in Yorba Linda.

Best parking is right down the street in Newport. Turn at the Froghouse and there is usually free parking in the neighborhood. There is also free parking on the beach side.

Just a heads up, most people do this in the opposite direction because of the onshore wind. Starting around Santa Ana, the headwind to the beach can get pretty bad.

[ubermensch]

The entry point is where PCH meets the river. There are trails both east and west of the river down there, and it doesn't really matter which one you pick. There are entry/exit points all along the path at all the major streets.

I'm no help with parking but you might find the SART entry on wiki helpful:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_A...r_bicycle_path

have fun!

[Jman]

That head wind sucks. I did it a few months ago and man the last section just sucks....however the ride back to Green River was one of the fastest rides I've ever done and was WAY fun!

Have a great ride out there, its a blast.

[Bergsteiger]

Thanks for that fellows. I'll let you know how it went.
It'll be on Geoladders as well if I end up going.

[Wrecker]

Probably too late, but here's my .02:

I usually start on PCH, and the headwind hits until about Green River; around 11am, it changes and there is a nice headwind down to PCH. Sometimes I wish I lived in the 909

There are plenty of water stops along the way--at the beach off of PCH, just west of Talbert in the little park right along the river trail, across from the golf course in the little park alongside the trail, towards the end in the BIG park just before hitting Yorba Linda Blvd/other end of the trail--I think there is one in the park as you head towards Green River Valley, too.