The park's name honors Juan Bautista de Anza, whose 1774 Spanish expedition crossed the Santa Ana River near this specific location.
The Santa Ana River Trail, accessible from the park, is one of the longest paved bike paths in Southern California.
The site functions as a natural riparian zone, helping to filter water and stabilize the riverbank.
Historical markers within the park detail the route of the Anza expedition as it traversed the Inland Empire.
Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park is a riverfront recreational space situated along the Santa Ana River in Riverside, California. The park serves as a critical trailhead for the Santa Ana River Trail, a multi-use path stretching across multiple counties. It commemorates Juan Bautista de Anza's 1774 expedition, which crossed the river in this vicinity. The landscape features mature groves of cottonwood and willow trees, providing significant canopy cover. Facilities include designated picnic areas with barbecue grills and paved parking. The site acts as a flood control basin, which occasionally impacts accessibility during heavy rainfall. Open fields and riparian habitat offer corridors for local bird species and small wildlife.
The elevated observation points near the riverbank offer clear views of the cottonwood groves and the river corridor.
Bring bug spray, as the proximity to the river often attracts mosquitoes during the warmer months.
Verify trail conditions on the city website before visiting if there has been recent heavy rain in the mountains.
Combine your visit with a bike ride, as the park serves as a primary hub for longer trail excursions.
Attempting to cross the riverbed during or immediately after storm events due to flash flood risks.
Keep pets on a leash at all times, pack out all trash to protect the riparian habitat, and stay on marked trails to prevent erosion.
