I love that the main trail is paved, which makes it accessible for everyone--| saw…read moreplenty of families with strollers and people walking their dogs. It's definitely an incline, but it's not too strenuous since the path wraps gradually around the mountain. It feels more like a brisk, scenic walk than a rugged hike. The absolute highlight for me is the Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge. It looks like something straight out of a fairytale or a European village. It's such a cool, historic landmark to stumble upon halfway up, and it's a great place to stop for a photo or just to catch your breath.

What a wonderful hike for families. The nicely paved road up the mountain makes it easy for…read moreeveryone to go up. Strollers and wheelchairs had no problems. I saw so many families going up pushing strollers and so many kids hiking up with their parents. The views are beautiful from all around. On the top you will see the tower and the bridge. Also the big white cross. So beautiful. Expect about two hours to be here. It's considered easy to moderate hike since the road is paved. But you are going uphill. We parked at the Ryan Bonaminio Park which is free. There are restrooms here but not up on the mountain. So be prepared.

A true hidden gem in Southeast Riverside. Not far from UCR, I'm surprised this trail is as rarely…read morecrowded as it is. I've hiked this trail at least 10 times. It's challenging enough for a quick workout, and it has enough routes to allow for short, medium and very long hikes. I start at the nature center and hike up to the park, then head back. I find the scenery just incredible. You get pretty good immersion in the hiking experience, despite being located right off a roadway (the entrance is, anyway).

By foot or astride a mountain bike, this is the little-big getaway I needed that's not too far from…read morehome but feels like getting away from society at the same time. Sure, housing encroached on the east and west flanks but the steep hills, ravines and canyon itself ensures you are immersed in nature with the façade only occasionally broken by a plane lifting off from the nearby air force base. Top reason to go? No crowds or kids. Seriously, I've seen people turn back after ascending the first hill, which comes almost immediately. Unfortunately, this didn't prevent graffiti schmucks from tagging rocks inside of 100 yards, something that happened between my third and fourth visits. You'll need a lot of water and a good wide brimmed hat because there's virtually no shade. Plus, a decent set of hiking boots is important. It's also possible to get lost so I recommend using the AllTrails app for the satellite views and topographical maps to see where the trails are. While fitness apps such as Strava are useful, you won't see the map as easily so running both makes sense. Sun block too, definitely need to reapply after 45 minutes to an hour. "Do what thou wilt": there are so many trails and possible loops just do what you want and have fun. The rattlesnakes are awake now so keep off the rocks on the hilltops, you'll likely see their trails in the dirt. There are tons of lizards too, all sizes and colors, plus hummingbirds, hawks, and ravens. We saw a raven pluck a small ground squirrel from some rocks by its tail and could hear its squeaks. Sad, but that's nature. You won't go as far as you think for the same output of energy as, say, Mt. Rubidoux. This is more rugged and rustic, hence fewer people and dogs. It's taken me four visits to exceed three miles that felt like six or seven. Nevertheless, it's a challenge and so picturesque. Next time I'm hoping ascend Rattlesnake Peak at 1608 feet, tucked dab smack in the middle of the wilderness. I typically use the Central entrance but there are others available, just use the app to locate them. I don't recommend being out there after noon on days over 80 degrees, either go early or after 5pm. If you go later bring a headlamp just in case you take longer getting back than expected. Not for the faint of heart, which is why it's becoming my top training ground for more difficult and longer hikes in the mountains.

If you want a good elevation gain, this would be the trail. It's mostly incline as you hike up. You…read morecan hike up to the Doppler which is about 5 miles in or you can take the right split with continue on Blackstar. Canyon Rd. you can probably about 20 + round trip. The Trail does not have much shade and some part of the trail are very gravely. Make sure to wear sun protection and comfortable trail shoes. If you're not used to steep incline, bring trekking pole would help. The trial is pretty stright forward, you will run into a few splits, if you want to hit the doppler, then keep going to your left. I consider this a safe trail and there's mobile reception most of the way. Oh! also, be safe and watch out for the bikers. Some will not use the bell and will come right behind you! Parking is limited, street parking only on Foothill, right in front of the trail.

This is the best time to go! Beautiful 80 degrees today. Lots of shades once u get to the trail…read more About 4 miles in and out. Lots of creek crossings. Your feet will get wet unless you can step on the rocks every time. Everything is green right now. Lots of poison oak so beware. I'll post a picture on how it looks like. It's on both sides of the trail. Very minimal incline. Super easy trail. Lots of bugs right now though. But it's a beautiful trail in nature.

When I attended UC Riverside, this was one of my favorite spots to go hang out with friends or do…read moresome work. This place has one of the best views of the city, yet very peaceful. A lot of people like to bring their dogs here or plan picnics/gatherings. There is a little playground with a basketball court that people usually play on. If you walk up the hill a little bit, there's a gazebo with tables and benches for people to sit on or hang around. My friends and I liked to do our school work here while watching the sunset. Some of my fondest memories were spent at Sycamore Park and I love going every time I'm back in Riverside. The park is part of a neighborhood, so there's some street parking, but be mindful of the area. It's never been extremely crowded when I've gone, but there has been a few times that parking was limited. Overall, a great place to spend the day with your friends or family and catch the sunrise/sunset.

Such a cute park to walk your dogs. Make sure to bring your own water bowl for them tho it gets…read morewarm with no access to water for them except hot water fountains. Someone even was setting up for a proposal.

Well, let me tell you... the snake was an added surprise . That side winder was a bit big for my…read moretaste! Beyond that, the park is vast..mostly meadows with some steep climbs and rocky facade. Trails were fun, fast and traveled all over around the park. Parking is strict, so follow the rules please. Views are stupendous , the atmosphere was inviting and the experience memorable. Pack light and run to the top! Overall, location facilities atmosphere and availability made this park a 4.25 experience!

The Mister was on vacation and has always wanted to hike the M mountain in Moval. Sunday morning…read moreit's off to the M. What a day, we were greeted by the donkeys and given a little show before we hit the trail. It was a beautiful morning (even though it heated up) and the fresh air up there was perfect. This was my 4th trek up the mountain and his first so we stopped along the trail and just admired the beautiful scenery. From the top of the mountains the surrounding Valley's are beautiful.... We made it to the top in about an hour and 50 minutes. We enjoyed a bite to eat at the M took pictures and headed back down the mountain. It took us about an hour to get back to the car where of course the donkeys were not lounging around in the shade. It was a great day and I'm glad that now when my hubby drives by the M everyday he can look up and say, "I've sat up there and enjoyed the view"......

Wow what a view! Specially right now. Everything is green. Lots of donkeys everywhere. Got to see…read morethem up close. Lots of wildlife. My son was able to see lots of lizards, different kind of bugs and insects. He enjoyed it the most. Pretty easy hike. Even my 5 year old did it.

Highly recommend this hike, as the scenery was spectacular. I'm not sure if the mountain is this…read moregreen all year but cam here in January and it was very green almost comparable to Switzerland green how can it be so green in riverside? It is pretty much an incline the whole way until the top, then we saw a Herd of donkeys. Spotted a few coyotes as well but they are harder to find. Not much shade so prepare water and hats. Then you go downhill on the way back. It is around a 2 hour hike, very nice views!

It looks appealing in the winter and early spring when the dominate hill that gives the park its…read morename is brightgreen, but it's not worth going to for hiking unless you live nearby. It's more of a neighborhood park than a destination, really. The rocks on the hill tops (twin peaks) are covered in heavy layers of paint to mask graffiti and the fresh graffiti defeating the periodic efforts to suppress it. Sad, but true. Who's this small park for? Great for dogs. First, there's a small parking lot on the opposite side of the hill when viewed from the south or driving on California Street. The ungroomed trails also beg for riding BMX or mountain bikes. Basic equipment, though, nothing terribly challenging except the steep climb on the SE corner. It was worth visiting to rule it out, but the .74 miles on my Strava app revealed its low value for time and distance.

Challen Hill Park was lovely today, Saturday, January 22, 2022. Because of the recent rain, the…read moregrass is green! I felt that we had landed in a beautiful botanical garden; and, because of the Santa Anna winds, the Inland Empire was crystal clear--from the top of the hill we could see for miles in every direction! Also, with every breath I took the air felt impossibly fresh and crisp! My dream is that the entire Inland Empire strives to become the world's most beauiful botanical gardens and where her communities vye for top prizes from the American Public Gardens Association...ahhh, wouldn't that be lovely? Warm regards, Eliza Doolittle

Cool local trail…read more Everyone from Norco knows what pumpkin rock is. Pumpkin rock is this huge rock up on the hill that is painted like a pumpkin. Locals maintain the trail, keep it clean, clean up the graffiti, and repaint the rock. Parking is essentially in a neighborhood. The trail itself absolutely has no shade. So bring proper clothing for being in the Sun. Also bring water if you're going on a hot day. When you get to the top, you get a great view of the valley. It's pretty cool to see a rock that looks like a pumpkin. This is the perfect trail during the fall to get in the Halloween spirit and for any Halloween lover.

Checked in last Sunday and wow -- I didn't realize how Halloween-popular this trail gets! The…read morecrowd was wild (in a good way) -- hikers dressed up, groups everywhere, and a whole lot of pumpkin spirit. It honestly felt like a mini fall festival on a mountain. I went with one of my hiking baddies, from LA Hiking Baddies, and I'm so glad I brought my hiking sticks -- that incline is no joke! The trail loops nicely, and we clocked about 4 miles total in roughly two hours (with plenty of snack and photo breaks, of course). The best part? Waiting in line for the famous giant pumpkin photo -- because if you didn't snap it, did you even go? Totally worth it. Pro tip: go early, bring water, and wear something festive if you want to blend in with the Halloween vibes. Super fun hike with a view that's just as cute as the crowd.

California Citrus State Historic Park is located in Riverside off of Van Buren Blvd. I have driven…read moreby here many times and this time I got to visit here as there was an event going on. The park preserves citrus groves (lots of acres here) and has historic exhibits displayed that tell stories of how citrus shaped the region's economy and culture. I really liked reading all the posters and learning about the history here ar this historic park. Who knew there was so many info about various citrus and their stages. You also have the option to wander through the orchards which was nice and relaxing and I love the fresh citrus smells! There's ample on-site parking and a designated lot where you pay $5 per vehicle for parking. As this was an event, the entrace fee coverend the parking fee so that was a nice bonus. Admission fee to the park and its visitor center/museum is free. There are also free guided grove tours on weekends to learn even more about citrus history.

Very informative. Displys and video are interesting. Orangevtree varieties are many…read more Staff are very courteous and helpful.

The San Bernardino National Forest is huge!!!…read more This National Forest stretches from San Bernardino Couty to Los Angeles County. I've had the privilege to experience the San Bernadino County side of the San Bernardino National Forest when I lived in Big Bear. It was beautiful and fun for hiking adventures. This time, I was on the Los Angeles County side of The San Bernardino National Forest. I was on the side that feels really desert-like. It's dirt and very dry weather, and then suddenly when you hit the National Forest, it is green and gorgeous. Boy, it is really something when you go from the desert to green trees and pretty views!!! The temperature cooled down too. I love the forestry landscape and lush trees everywhere. I'm thankful that we have National Forests like this that are protected! We must protect them at all costs!

3/5 loved the location left out a few stars I'll explain the pros and cons:…read more Pros: Beautiful National forest. Camping reservation is available and brown bins to hide food from animals and bears available. One bathroom available and it's cleaned by rangers. Trash is also picked up if you need help cleaning. Beauty of a sky at night. They gave a fire pit area and three large benches to eat and sit. Cons: The drive as soon as you get to the off road areas you lose reception. We got lost so I recommend having a back up plan with maps that help off roading areas. Also we took our Tundra for the first time off road and regretted it immediately. BEWARE: The bushes and trees are not cut down to clear the roads and our truck was completely scratched from both sides. Only bring cars you don't care about and plan to use them through bushes and trees that scratch the paint. We learned the hard way. Also the drive up and down the mountain is very dangerous. If you come early the fog makes it hard to see. We got rain in the afternoon and it's very slippery cars also drive crazy and pressure you to go over the required speed. We had to wait 45 min coming down the mountain Sunday when we left due to a car accident. Again locals drive crazy and ride your car or pass you up. Be really cautious! All in all great camping trip but the truck issue was horrible. We now have to pay to try and wax the truck or have to fully re-paint.