Mission 003: Pacific Electric Trail to CLAREMONT
Last Updated: October 03, 2025 – Recon Confirmed
Mission
The Pacific Electric Trail connects Rialto, Fontana, and Rancho Cucamonga before ending in Claremont near Pomona College. For this recon, stage at Grand Central Park in Rancho Cucamonga and ride east. Refuel with coffee at Lucky’s Coffee Roasters in Old Town Upland, then roll into Claremont for a victory lunch at The Back Abbey.
Pro Tip: The trail spans multiple cities — choose an entry point and safe parking that works best for your squad.
Mission route: Pacific Electric Trail from Central Park, Rancho Cucamonga to Claremont — intel confirmed: paved, urban path with multiple entry options. Stage at Central Park, then access from the 210 Freeway (Campus Ave or Mountain Ave exits) or the 10 Freeway (Indian Hill Blvd or Towne Ave exits). A little history: The trail follows the path of the historical Pacific Electric Railway, a large network of trolley cars started by Henry Huntington in the early 1900s.
Mission Execution
Route Overview
Start (Recommended): Central Park, Rancho Cucamonga
End: Downtown Claremont (The Back Abbey, near Pomona College)
Distance: 10 miles (20 round trip)
Terrain: Paved urban trail, neighborhood scenery
Time: 1.5–2 hours casual pace
Difficulty: Easy Ride
PARKING INTEL
Stage at Central Park in Rancho Cucamonga
It’s safe, visible parking with steady activity and easy trail access. Free parking, restrooms, and water available at the park. Here is the address: 11200 Base Line Rd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701
The park entrance sits just off Base Line Road and Milliken Avenue, minutes from the 210 Freeway at 11200 Base Line Rd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701.
NAVIGATION NOTES
Street Crossings: The trail intersects several major streets with traffic lights. Easy to follow, but momentum gets broken — obey signals and ride heads-up.
Upland Industrial Stretch (~¼ mile): Scattered glass, trash, and paraphernalia. Stay alert and keep rolling.
Restrooms: Once you see the restrooms, you’re in the heart of Old Town Upland. Turn right to make your way to Lucky’s Coffee or turn left to head into the heart of Old Town Upland where there are plenty of food and shopping options.
Turn right on 2nd Avenue to make your way to Lucky’s Coffee Roasters or turn left to make your way into the heart of Old Town Upland.
Old Town Upland: The trail flows right into the heart of downtown. Don’t miss the turn that leads directly to Lucky’s Coffee Roasters.
Claremont Terminus: The trail ends near College Ave and 1st Street. From here, it’s a short roll into Downtown Claremont for your Back Abbey reward.
Once you reach this point you’ve reached the end of the trail.
Keep riding straight and you’ll roll right into downtown Claremont. As you go, check out Pomona College on your right — it’s a nice spot to take in along the way. See that bus up there? Follow that bus (in the bike lane of course).
Suggested Stops
Right after you cross the Foothill bridge, look to your right. This is Los Carnales. (8411 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga, Ca 91730) If your end goal is Back Abbey, play it smart and just pick up a taco for the road.
Play it smart and pick up a taco or a cold drink. There’s plenty of options still ahead on the trail.
This is Foothill Bridge crossing. Tucked away on the other side of it is Los Carnales
Drink rec: Double espresso. That’s my jam.
Mission reward: The Back Abbey — Claremont’s legendary gastropub with Belgian-style burgers, craft beer, and a shaded courtyard. A worthy victory stop at the end of the trail.
If you’re looking for a good rec on the food, I went with the Signature Back Abbey burger (Aged gouda, mustard aioli, caramelized onions, Niman Ranch Bacon & micro greens) and the fries, which are amazing (Fresh cut Kennebec potatoes double fried with duck fat. Served with Heinz ketchup and our signature sauces, Horseradish Chive & Remoulade Ranch.)
Risk Assessment Report
Street Crossings: Marked with lights, but always double-check before entering.
Upland Industrial Stretch: Expect glass and debris — keep eyes sharp.
This stretch runs about a quarter mile, lined with old buildings like the one above. No issues on this ride, but it looks like a spot where people gather or party at night. The trail was clean this time, though this area is usually where I find the most broken glass. (Photos taken on Oct. 3, 2025)
Trail Length: This Mission runs about 10 miles one way, though depending on where you jump on, it could be longer. The full trail stretches close to 21 miles, so it’s worth knowing your limits and planning your parking or entry point ahead of time. Do a little homework, figure out what works for you, and make it your own ride. I still had half a battery left on my S2.
Disclaimer: Conditions change. Ride smart, obey local laws, and use common sense. Dad Mode always applies. [Read My 10 Commandments of E-Bike Safety]
Photo Intel
Loadout & Logistics
What to Pack
Helmet
Water bottle
Card/cash for coffee + lunch
Sunglasses + sunscreen (long open stretches)
Gear & Gadgets
Mini Electric Pump
Utility Bag for Tools
5.11 Tactical Pouch, Lightweight MOLLE Utility Bag, perfect for stashing a spare tube, tools, and flat-repair gear. Mounts cleanly to the handlebars and doubles as storage for an extra long sleeve when temps drop in the evening.
Adjustable Wrench
Adjustable EDC wrench + 21mm ratcheting wrench — these two tools cover all three of our bikes: the Z1, S1, and my S2 (which needs the 21mm for rear wheel removal).
FAMILY RIDE INTEL (IF APPLICABLE)
Crossings are well-marked with lights, but distance may be a challenge for younger riders.
When you hit the industrial stretch, keep young riders close and move through it quickly. This is where you’ll want to switch on your Spidey senses.
Downtown Claremont is family-friendly with shaded rest stops, shops, and restaurants.
MISSION HACK
Flip the route and start in Claremont instead. Park safely at the Claremont Metrolink Station, then ride east toward Rancho Cucamonga for your mission reward — tacos at Los Carnales. It’s a smooth rollout, secure parking, and a perfect excuse to make the taco stop your turnaround point.
Start here: Claremont Metrolink Station (201 W 1st St., Claremont, CA 91711) — safe, visible parking with direct trail access. Flip the route and make Los Carnales your mid-mission taco reward.
Final Brief
The Pacific Electric Trail is urban riding with character — connecting neighborhoods, cultures, and coffee shops all the way to Claremont. Fuel up in Upland, ride steady through the stretches, and finish strong in a lively college-town setting.
Your orders: Roll smooth, caffeinate, celebrate with lunch — and make this mission yours.
AFTER ACTION REPORT
Mission complete? Share your ride photos and tag @ridethemission so we can feature your recon.