Santa Fe Trail (Tulare)

Tulare's Santa Fe Trail is located in the heart of the Central San Joaquin Valley, one of the most productive agriculture areas in the world. The trail extends east to west across the central portion of the town of Tulare, connecting residential areas at each end with the downtown commercial area. The trail occupies a wide corridor, with planted trees and landscaping, separate biking and equestrian components, trail lighting in the central business area, distance markings each mile and multiple rest stops, featuring benches and drinking fountains.

The trail runs along a former spur line for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad and Tulare Valley railroad, which once played a key role in transporting locally grown crops to markets across the country. The rail line ceased operations in 1994, and the trail was completed in 2004. The trail can be accessed easily along its entire length. Virtually all of Tulare's schools are within half a mile of the trail, providing a ready corridor for safe student travel.

Near mile 1, you'll come to Live Oak Park, the city's large, multi-use park, which lies adjacent to the trail on the northern side. The central portion of the trail passes directly through the downtown and redevelopment area. Enclosed on both sides with white picket fencing, the equestrian trail is particularly attractive, although it does not extend through the downtown area.

Plans are underway to extend the trail along the same former rail corridor to meet Visalia's Santa Fe Trail in the larger city to Tulare's north.

Parking and Trail Access

To access the northeast trailhead, take State Route 99 to E. Prosperity Avenue. Follow the road east for 1.6 miles. The trailhead is on the right. There is no parking here, but a shopping center 0.5 mile west on E. Prosperity has plenty of parking.

To access the southwest trailhead, take SR 99 to E. Tulare Avenue (SR 137). Go west for 0.8 mile, turn left and follow M Street for two blocks. Turn right and follow W. Inyo Avenue for 2 miles. The trailhead is at the intersection of W. Inyo and W. Soults Dr. There is no parking at the trailhead, but you can look for parking in the neighborhood south of W. Soults Dr.

Santa Fe Trail West bound

August 2011 oc3ddie

Bike ride going West bound . Started on East end.
Parking at gas station on Mooney blvd and Prosperity is very good. Beware there is private parking posted to the South of gas station. Stock up on goodies at the gas station if needed.

Travel a 1/8 Mile East on Prospertity to Trail entrance. I was delighted to much shade and nice settings. The trees are mature and provide plenty of coverage. Plenty of watering fountains and benches to enjoy the views.

The Mooney blvd crossing off the trail does not provide any crosswalk assistance. Use proper crosswalks when available. The trail crosses a few residental streets but do provide crosswalk markings. On a bike take extra caution, some of the cross walk areas have blind spots. I did spot a few Tulare police around the trail areas so do follow all signals and signs that are posted. Also beware of pedastrians and horses on the trail.

The trail is in excellent condition and provides plenty of space for different activities. Numerous Parks are located with in minutes off the trail. There is also some bussinesses and fastfood minutes off the trail. Fun trail for all ages.. Great Job Tulare and the old Santa Fe.

Entire 4.8 mile Trail

June 2009 noel.keler

This Excellent surfaced 4.8 mile trail, it is well equipped with drinking fountains. Near the east end of the trail, cross Hwy 63 on crosswalk 370 feet north of trail. No crosswalk/bike markings at West St, I used crosswalk, north, on Tulare Ave. There is a gap in the trail to cross RR Tracks, follow directions on sign at K St., go one block north to Cross Ave then west across RR tracks to the next St which is I St., unmarked, then south to trail. Fast food available on Cross Ave. Parking & restrooms at Transit Center ( N36.21147 W119.34673 ). This is the same Trail called “Corcoran to Tulare” Noel Keller 1 Jun 09

Tulare Santa Fe Trail

May 2009 noel.keler

Very little shade on this 4.8 mile trail, it is well equipped with drinking fountains. Surface in fine condition. No crosswalk/bike markings at West St, so no right away, use crosswalk, north, on Tulare Ave. There is a gap in the trail to cross RR Tracks, follow directions on sign at K St., go one block north to Cross Ave then west across RR tracks to the next Street which is I St., unmarked, then south to trail. Fast food available on Cross Ave. Parking & restrooms at Transit Center ( N36.21147 W119.34673 ). Near the east end of the trail, cross Hwy 63 on crosswalk 370 feet north of trail. Noel Keller 2 May 09

10/20/08 Ride on Easterly section East of "J" Street

October 2008 dham

The trail is great, relatively level and well maintained. Nice touch with the fenced, parallel equestrian riding trail. I found good parking at Lone Oak Park (off of Lespina north of the trail). I would have ridden farther west but the trail is not well marked between "J" and "I" Streets. There is a sign that mentions going over to "I" Street but there is no good signage.

California

4 Reviews