SGRT to Seal Beach and Back - Another route to consider for the 4th of July holiday weekend

July 1, 10:37 AMLA Cycling ExaminerMary Raffety

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On Monday, I described the Rio Hondo Out N Back route, suitable for riders of just about every level. In addition to that 50-miler, cyclists may opt to ride the San Gabriel River Trail (SGRT) all the way to Seal Beach and back. The mileage for this ride is approximately 72 miles round trip with less than 1,500 feet of elevation. Other than the climb up Santa Fe Dam on the return trip and a few rollers, this route is as flat as you’ll get in Southern California. Combined with the added benefit of riding on a path without cars to contend with, this is pretty much a perfect weekend ride. If you are not quite ready for 72 miles, you can always ride out as far as you’d like and turn around to shorten the route.

Along SGRT, there are several parks where restrooms and water fountains are available. However, on a hot day, I’d recommend wearing camelback and carrying extra water with you. Packing various energy bars or gels is a smart idea, although at the end of SGRT in Seal Beach, you can purchase lunch at the River's End Café (call ahead to ensure they are open). The café has good eats but at times isn’t super friendly to cyclists just seeking water or a coke, so be sure to have extra with you!

There are tunnels along the path that you will need to watch for, especially nearer to Seal Beach. Please enter these tunnels carefully and give warning to oncoming cyclists that you are entering and exiting (“Rider coming in!”, “Rider coming out!”). There can be debris or standing water in the tunnels as well, so reduce your speed when entering and proceed with caution.

There is no shade on SGRT, so I’d suggest wearing and carrying sunscreen with you. Also, for safety, please wear a helmet and carry a cell phone. Since SGRT can be remote in areas, always ride with a partner or group and look out for each other. It is rare, but crime has been reported in areas along the bike path (occurrences have happened at dusk or in the evening).

Since this is a bike path route, I’ve provided more detailed directions below as well as a map. Enjoy!

- Turn right out of the Encanto Park parking lot (bathrooms are available here and are usually unlocked on weekends. On holidays, they are locked.)
- Turn immediately left onto the bridge pathway.
- At the end, turn right on SGRT (look both ways for oncoming cyclists!).
- Head south on the path (there is a bathroom about a mile down on the left that can be used if the Encanto Park bathrooms are locked).
- The path will eventually come to a brush area where you will turn left to head toward the Santa Fe Dam Nature Center and Santa Fe Dam recreation area.
NOTE HERE: if the Santa Fe Dam Nature Center is open, you can refill water bottles from a water fountain, and there are clean restrooms inside.
- Stay straight to follow the path up to the dam (you will cross a toll road connected to the recreation area diagonally to stay on the path. Look both ways for cars!).
- Continue over the dam and descend a short but steep hill (watch it, sharp curve to the left at the bottom!).
- Cross Arroyo Highway (watch for cars both ways!) and continue along SGRT.
- You will see rodeos on your right and the river to your left. Look out for tunnels and underpasses as these can have both water and debris in them. You will want to take them at a reduced speed.
- SGRT curves into an area of thick brush known as “four corners” where you will come to an intersection in the path. Bear a slight left to continue on SGRT.
- Around mile 15, you will come up on a section where you must turn left and cross over a bridge to re-enter the bike path. Stay on the sidewalk here and as you turn left at the end of the bridge, note that there is a very steep incline to both go down and come back up (on the return trip). It is best to walk this very short section.
- Around mile 40, you will come upon a bridge. Turn here and cross to the other side to follow the bike path
- You will come up to Marina Drive and need to cross the road (look both ways for cars!). Follow the path to the very end, River’s End Café.
 

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