Mission 001: Santa Ana River Trail TO THE BIG “A”
Last Updated: May 28, 2025 – Recon Confirmed
Mission
Complete the 12.6-mile push from Yorba Linda to Anaheim Stadium, capture a photo at the finish, and secure frozen yogurt at Pinkberry.
Mission route: 12.6 miles from Yorba Linda to The Big A — intel confirmed: paved, flat, and ready to ride. Access the staging area from the 91 Freeway via the Gypsum Canyon Road exit.
Mission Execution
Route Overview
Start: Rinks Yorba Linda at 23641 La Palma Ave, Yorba Linda, CA. (safe parking, moderate traffic due to nearby Arco gas station, visible, easy access) Staging area: Rinks Yorba Linda
End: Anaheim Stadium – The Big “A”
Difficulty: Easy Ride
Distance: 12.6 miles one way
Time to Ride: ~1.5 hours (casual pace)
Surface: Paved, mostly flat, a few underpasses
PARKING INTEL
Staging area: Rinks Yorba Linda (23641 La Palma Ave, Yorba Linda, CA) — intel confirmed: appears to be safe parking, visible access, and mission-ready entry point.
NAVIGATION NOTES
Trail Closure: Early on, detour to sidewalk/street for a few hundred yards before rejoining the trail.
Santa Ana River Bridge Crossing: Cross the bridge — the trail continues on the other side.
Santa Ana River Bridge — intel note: can be confusing at first whether to continue straight or turn. Cross the bridge, the trail continues on the other side. Bonus: prime photo op.
Katella Ave crossing — intel note: you’ll need to cross back over the bridge and loop along a strange path. Stay on course — you’re only minutes from the Big A.
SUGGESTED STOPS
Wooden river crossing — local trail intel notes this bridge likely dates to older trail alignments, part of the Santa Ana river crossing tradition. Cross here, snap a photo, and continue on the far bank.
Destination: The Big A — trail delivers you up close and personal with the iconic sign, stadium towering in the background. Mission nearly complete.
The Big A — this towering 230-ft landmark once served as the stadium scoreboard in 1966, was moved to the parking lot in 1979, and still lights its halo to signal an Angels win. Snapshot here with the stadium looming behind — mission accomplished.
ARTIC — Anaheim’s futuristic transit hub, opened in 2014 with its glowing, wave-like shell that lights up at night. Inside: food, coffee, and Pinkberry frozen yogurt to refuel before the return push.
Pinkberry at ARTIC — your sweet mission reward under one roof. Did you know Pinkberry launched in L.A. in 2005?
Mission complete — three spoils secured, toppings annihilated. Sweet victory never tasted so good.
Risk Assessment Report
Encampments at Underpasses: Notably near Lakeview. Most people keep to themselves, but stay alert.
River Edge Section: No barrier — maintain control and give space when passing.
Wildlife: Ducks and marmots may wander onto the trail, especially after the Imperial overpass.
Exposure: Long, open stretches — hydration and sun protection critical.
Disclaimer: Conditions change. Ride smart, obey local laws, and use common sense. [Read My 10 Commandments of E-Bike Safety]
Photo Intel
Loadout & Logistics
What to Pack
Helmet
Sunglasses + sunscreen (little shade)
Granola bar or quick snack
Cash/card/Apple Pay for Pinkberry
Gear & Gadgets
Kryptonite folding bike lock (for ARTIC stop)
Yeti water bottle to match your bike
FAMILY RIDE INTEL (IF APPLICABLE)
Younger riders may struggle with long, exposed stretches — extra water and sunscreen are key.
Ride between the river and your young rider near the River’s Edge section.
ARTIC stop (Pinkberry) makes an excellent motivational “mission reward.”
Final Brief
The Santa Ana River Trail is long, open, and full of life — from the ducks and marmots near Lakeview to the roar of Anaheim Stadium at the finish. For Angels fans, this mission comes with a bonus: the chance to get up close and personal with the Big A. The Pinkberry reward makes the ride worth every mile.
Your orders: Helmets on, wheels down, ride smart — and make this mission yours.
After Action Report
Your mission doesn’t end at the finish line. Share your ride, your photos, and your own intel — and tag @ridethemission so we can feature your adventure.