The trail stretches 30 miles (48 km) from the Pacific Ocean at Huntington Beach along the Santa Ana River to the Orange–Riverside county line.

Many intersections with local streets are grade separated with bridges or underpasses making it a Class I bicycle facility.

As of 2006, 70 miles (110 km) of the path were complete; when finished, in conjunction with the equestrian trail, the bikeway is expected to bridge three counties, touching on 17 cities and two national forests.

[8] An increased police presence in 2009 led to a reduction in crime, though pockets of homeless camps have reappeared under some bridges along the trail.

From early 2016 into autumn 2017,[9] the presence of tent camps along a 6.5-mile stretch centered near Angel Stadium resulted in many riders feeling uncomfortable.