Trail Report: Balboa to Huntington Beach Bike Path
The Balboa to Huntington Beach Bike Path is a great way to pick up long miles along the beach. I was introduced to the trail a few years back, and it has quickly become one of my favorites. Unfortunately, every time we run the trail there's some type of weather issue: like in 2009's Tsunami Warning with all beaches closed or 2010's Storm Watch. In both situations, The Ladies and I battled through... earning the In N' Out Double Cheeseburgers at the end!
The bike path can start pretty much anywhere, but our group likes to do the Newport Pier to Huntington Pier out-and-back for a total of 10 miles. Get to the pier early, and plan on quarters (checking to make sure your in a spot that allows for more than only 2hours of parking). Another option is to start at Balboa Pier to tack on another few miles both ways. Regardless, the trail offers the ability to cover off ample mileage as long as you are ok with out-and-back scenery (oh, and folks who unassumingly walk in front of you on the bike path to hit the beach).
Perks of the Balboa to Huntington Beach trail:
Running down in Newport and Huntington Beach is always a plus. There are so many places to add on more mileage, plus the scenery can't be beat. For those looking for a more fun run, try running the trail counter clockwise from Balboa Pier and jump on the ferry (fee: $1.00ish). You can run a loop on Balboa Island, and pick up a coffee for the ferry ride "home".
The bike path can start pretty much anywhere, but our group likes to do the Newport Pier to Huntington Pier out-and-back for a total of 10 miles. Get to the pier early, and plan on quarters (checking to make sure your in a spot that allows for more than only 2hours of parking). Another option is to start at Balboa Pier to tack on another few miles both ways. Regardless, the trail offers the ability to cover off ample mileage as long as you are ok with out-and-back scenery (oh, and folks who unassumingly walk in front of you on the bike path to hit the beach).
Perks of the Balboa to Huntington Beach trail:
- No cars
- Plenty of scenery - bikers, runners, beach goers, dog walkers... and on a good day some surf competitions or other activity through Huntington Beach.
- Ample bathrooms
- Enough trail to get to 26 + miles
- For most part a scenic route that's on the beach front
- Trail is partially marked with mileage
- Flat, quick course
- On hot days, this is one of my "go to" trails because the beach breeze helps
- Paying for parking is never ideal (so have your quarters ready)
- Some days there's a nasty headwind
- Some portions of the bike path are in the alley, not particularly entertaining to look at...
Running down in Newport and Huntington Beach is always a plus. There are so many places to add on more mileage, plus the scenery can't be beat. For those looking for a more fun run, try running the trail counter clockwise from Balboa Pier and jump on the ferry (fee: $1.00ish). You can run a loop on Balboa Island, and pick up a coffee for the ferry ride "home".
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