San Bernardino County to extend Redlands river trail

San Bernardino County will receive funding to start work on an extension of the Santa Ana River Trail in Redlands, county supervisors and the Regional Parks department announced Thursday.

Phase IV-A of the trail-lengthening effort will add 3.9 miles of paved roadway between California Street and Orange Street.

Officials hope this section of the trail will give a safer commute for pedestrians and cyclists from Redlands through Riverside County and on to the trail’s end in Huntington Beach.

When Phase IV’s sections A, B and C are finished, the trail will total 110 miles.

The county Board of Supervisors secured funding for Phase IV-A when they approved a $6.8 million grant agreement April 23 with the California State Coastal Conservancy to cover the cost of the project’s planning, design and construction.

“This is great news for the people of Redlands and everyone looking forward to a mountains-to-the-sea walking and cycling trail,” Board of Supervisors Chairman and 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe said in a statement. “Signing this grant agreement supports the development of a balanced and sustainable county for our communities, and signals progress in providing a safe means of travel and recreation that promotes health and well-being.”

Regional Parks Director Beahta Davis said, “This aligns with the commitment the Board of Supervisors made when they adopted the Countywide Vision, promoting a healthy and active community.”

Two sections of the Santa Ana River Trail have been completed and are currently open to the public.

Phase I opened in April 2007. It extended the trail from La Cadena Avenue in Colton to the Riverside-San Bernardino County line, where it connects with Riverside County’s existing trail section, according to the county. Phase II was completed in April 2005, extending the trail from La Cadena Avenue in Colton to Waterman Avenue in San Bernardino.

Phase III is in Redlands between Waterman Avenue in San Bernardino and California Street. Construction started in September 2023 and officials estimate completion by the end of this year.

More information about the Santa Ana River Trial is available on the county’s website.