Wheeling the Queen's Avenue

Bicycling Riverside's Victoria Avenue Bike Path

It’s easy to picture bicyclists on the Victoria Avenue bike path in Riverside riding high-wheelers and sporting knickers or bustle skirts. After all, the path follows a scenic parkway built in 1892 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This easy ride passes through several old Riverside neighborhoods over the course of 6 miles (12 if you go round-trip) and oozes history. Victoria Avenue, named for Britain’s reigning monarch at the time, was envisioned by early Riverside resident Matthew Gage, a jeweler from Ireland, in an effort to entice people to buy land in the vast arid lands known as Arlington Heights. This route connected the newly developed farm lands with downtown Riverside.

The separate paved path stretches between La Sierra and Arlington Avenues, then continues as a bike lane to Arroyo Drive. You can start your ride at either end of the trail, but we suggest beginning at La Sierra, where a set of informational panels begins. Eucalyptus, California pepper, saucer magnolia, pink trumpet, and palm trees line the path, which also passes by orange groves, making for a scenic and well-shaded ride.

A cool historical bonus: In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt paid a campaign visit to Victoria Avenue and planted a Mexican fan palm tree to commemorate his stay. The tree is still there, a bit past the northeastern end of the bike path, at the intersection of Victoria and Myrtle. In fact, Victoria is said to be the first street in Southern California to be lined with palms. After touring Victoria Avenue, Roosevelt said, “Not only has it been most useful, but it is astonishing to see how ... you have made this city and its surroundings a veritable little paradise.” We agree, Teddy.

The Victoria Ave. bike path is in Riverside near the 91 Freeway. From the 91, exit La Sierra Ave. and head south till it intersects with Victoria Ave. Find parking wherever you can, in any of the neighborhoods near the intersection. The bike path begins at the northeast corner, and is clearly marked.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View