Juan Bautista de Anza Multi-Use Trail
8-mile multi-use bike & pedestrian trail running diagonally through Moreno Valley, part of the federally certified Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.
Amenities
- Walking Trails
- Equestrian
- Accessible
- Lit Fields
- Bike Path
- Historic Site
About
The Juan Bautista de Anza Multi-Use Trail is an approximately 8-mile paved, ADA-compliant path that runs diagonally across Moreno Valley from Towngate Boulevard in the north to the Lake Perris State Recreation Area in the south. Built in phases and fully completed in 2023 with funding from the California Transportation Commission's Active Transportation Program, the trail sits on an otherwise unusable 100-foot-wide California Department of Water Resources (DWR) water pipeline easement — land where no structures are permitted, but where the City worked cooperatively with DWR, California State Parks, and the Riverside County Flood Control District to install non-structural recreational improvements. The trail is part of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, a 1,200-mile route administered by the National Park Service that follows the 1775-76 land expedition of Spanish military leader Juan Bautista de Anza from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco. The Moreno Valley segment was officially certified and dedicated on July 24, 2024 at John F. Kennedy Veterans Memorial Park, receiving a commemorative plaque and certificate from the NPS. The paved, mostly flat route links multiple neighborhoods, nine parks, and at least four schools, with intersection safety improvements and ramps designed to encourage students to walk and bike to class. Designers used recycled materials in the asphalt and concrete, drought-tolerant landscaping, and energy-saving LED lighting. Features include ADA-compliant ramps, LED safety lighting, low-impact native landscaping, and interpretive/historical markers tied to the Anza expedition. The trail is open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians, with leashed dogs permitted; bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and equestrians.
Photos (6)
Frequently asked
How long is the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail in Moreno Valley?
The Moreno Valley segment is approximately 8 miles long, running diagonally north-to-south across the city from Towngate Boulevard to the Lake Perris State Recreation Area.
What is the trail surface and width?
The trail is fully paved (asphalt and Portland cement concrete, built with recycled materials), flat, and ADA-compliant with ramps at intersections. It sits on a 100-foot-wide California DWR water pipeline easement.
Where can I access the trail in Moreno Valley?
The trail runs from Towngate Boulevard in the north, through the Moreno Valley Mall area and Iris Avenue, past El Potrero Park, and south to the Lake Perris State Recreation Area. The July 2024 NPS dedication ceremony was held at John F. Kennedy Veterans Memorial Park, 15115 Indian Street, a key access point.
Are bikes, dogs, horses, and wheelchairs allowed?
Yes — pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians are all permitted. Dogs must be leashed at all times and waste picked up. The trail is ADA-compliant with ramps, making it wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and equestrians; motorized vehicles are not allowed.
What does the name "Juan Bautista de Anza" refer to?
The trail honors Juan Bautista de Anza, an 18th-century Spanish military commander who led the 1775-76 overland expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, establishing one of the first non-native settlements in California. The 1,200-mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, administered by the National Park Service, follows that route; Moreno Valley sits along it.
Does the trail connect to other parks or trails?
Yes. It is a certified segment of the 1,200-mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, which continues south into the Lake Perris State Recreation Area (CA State Parks) and links to the larger regional historic trail network. Within Moreno Valley it passes near nine parks and at least four schools.
Is the trail lit at night and are there mile markers?
Energy-saving LED safety lighting is included in the trail's design. The City has not published official mile-marker details; historical/interpretive signage tied to the Anza expedition was added as part of the 2024 NPS certification.