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Mount Rubidoux Trail

4.6 (544 reviews)

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Reviews With Photos

Came across during our hike, so beautiful!
Angelica H.

My daughter and I wanted to do something adventurous so we decided to take a nice hike up the mountain trail! It was definitely a great decision, once getting to the top it is worth it!!

Danielle P.

Very cool hike! I'd done this hike years ago but met some friends here this weekend to tackle it once again. It's a little under a 3-mile loop, at least that's what I clocked. Paved the entire way. Incline isn't too bad. It was quite warm when we went, so the shade was nice when we were in it. At the top, the stairs to the cross are quite large, so you're almost hurdling up them. The cross is beautiful though. The views are pretty spectacular as well. The air show taking place at the local airport provided us with a good view of the planes as they circled around the mountain. There's a cool flag and bell tower as well. Lots of great photo ops. There's some food trucks and vendors that sell food, snacks and juices at the base of the mountain. Very cool hike!

Ana T.

This was such a fun trail to hike! I came here early to find free parking at the Ryan Bonaminio Park, and then walked across the street to get to the start of the trail. The trail is fully paved and clean. There were a lot people hiking, too, with their kids and dogs. The trail wraps around the mountain and took me about 1.5 hours to complete (based on my pace). There was a dog that had diarrhea all over the floor...I wonder if someone comes clear the paved road to keep it so clean.

Cross at the top
Melissa M.

Love this trail. Easy for beginners and is paved. Scenic views and little rest areas along the way. Get there early to get parking . Hardly any shade so you might want to bring a good hat or umbrella on those sunny days.

Trail
Matie S.

Love this place. Underrated perk to being local. Great for exercising and getting out of the house in a productive manner

Brian F.

Mount Rubidoux is a city park located near downtown Riverside and is designated as a landmark. It is named after Louis Rubidoux, a successful rancher and early settler to the area. There is no parking lot at the trail but there is street parking five minutes away and also at Ryan Borgamino Park. There is a trail on the mountain that leads up to the Peace Tower. The hike to the summit loop is two miles and the loop around the perimeter is three miles. The trail to the summit is well-maintained and paved which is nice for those walking on it. There's a decent incline which makes for good exercise and you can take your pick between going left or right. I definitely recommend bringing lots of water because even during the winter it can be really sunny with the sun beaming on you. Fortunately there's some shade but not all the way. Overall it took us about an hour to go up and down the trail. The landscape, colors, and rocks remind me of Arizona and gives a desert feel. There are no restrooms but they have doggie bags throughout for your furry friends.

Rhiannon H.

easy paved hike. There's multiple entrances & exits - the way I go it's about 650ft elevation gain & takes about an hour and a half. Great way to spend some time outdoors.

Sue A.

I have loved this little mountain since I was a child. It is my thinking place. When I need a physical workout, mental break, emotional reboot, quick family adventure, or a peaceful place to pray, I ascend Mt. Rubidoux. Well maintained road for walking and trails for hiking. Beautiful views. I recommend parking at Bonaminio Park where you may also use picnic tables and bathrooms.

Beautiful act
Hector C.

Glad we decided to do this trail with our hiking group "hiking with Jesus " easy trail nothing crazy or climbing. We parked in the park down the hill. Had no issues there's lots of people coming and going from the trail, so you'll find a spot quick.

The cross with the beautiful sunset
Manuel R.

The trail was nice had a fun time with family it was amazing the trail wasn't dirty very clean

Cydia N.

Great hike with a beautiful 360 view. Took me about 1.5 hour to hike up and down plus took some time to take pictures. There are 2 paths, one is shorter but more steep. The other side is longer but more flat. Both routes are paved. Easy enough for any strollers etc. No bathroom along the way. There are some shades and benches.

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2 months ago

Amazing hike, trails and paved trails! Be careful where you park...you might end up with a parking ticket!! Read signs carefully!

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It's a great hike, would recommend going really early or late in the afternoon . Dog friendly & great view .

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Mount Rubidoux Trail Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Mount Rubidoux Trail

Is there a bathroom?

Not on or at Mt. Rubidoux. If you are parking at Ryan Bonaminio Park, there is a bathroom there.

Is the trail open on Sundays?

I would imagine So. I'd say yes

Where can you park closest to trail?

There is a park across the street or there is some street parking.

Are bikes allowed on the trail?

The trail is mainly used by pedestrians- people walking, people walking with strollers, dogs on leashes, small children, groups, people plugged into their earbuds who can't hear anything etc. Wheeled vehicles likes skates, rollerblades and bicycles… Read more

Is this hike safe at night for night photography?

The neighborhood doesn't own the hike trail.

Is the park open on weekends?

Yes.

Is this trail open? And what time is it open?

opens 30min before sunrise and closes 30min after sunset

Can anyone advice or know if it will be open? I need a good hike and wanted to hike on Friday.. anyone knows?

It's closed.

Is there a parking area for this trail? Is it easy to find?

They have lots of parking. The park at the bottom of the hill is where you can park your car and walk up.

Is it stroller friendly?

It's paved all the way to the top. But you have to climb stairs to reach the cross as well as the flag. :)

Does the trail have a closing time?

I don't think so. I've seen people there at all hours of the night.

How long does it usually take to complete?

Including parking at Ryan Bonaminio Park, walking up the long easy way and walking down the steep short way without any breaks at a 18 minute/mile pace, it will take you a little over an hour. Total round trip distance is about 3.3 miles. Bring… Read more

Is it safe for evening hikes?

Yes, it's pretty safe, or at least it felt safe.

View All 15 Questions

Review Highlights - Mount Rubidoux Trail

Park at the big parking lot at Ryan Bonaminio Park then walk straight up the hill for the trail head.

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Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park - Too bad this Wilderness is surrounded by urban sprawl. (04/17/2024)

Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park

(50 reviews)

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.

Box Springs Mountain Reserve

Box Springs Mountain Reserve

(60 reviews)

Box Springs is a partially landlocked valley in the hinterland of the Inland Empire (IE). A small…read morerange of mountains frames several points of interest and landscape features, including Pigeon Pass Road, Reche Canyon, Blue Mountain, Box Springs Mountain, and the San Timeteo Canyon that goes through the Badlands region. In this case, Box Springs Mountain is notable for the big Moreno Valley 'M' and topped by a series of radio and signal towers to ruin the view. I found, rather, learned from other hikers that there are two approaches from the parking lot. Both start and end on the same dog-leg (lead-in) trail, but the shorter and steeper one diverges after the first climb. I took the longer approach and found it enjoyable and moderately hard at times in the steeper areas where erosion and rocks are hard to establish positive foothold. A hiking pole helps. The switchbacks near the summit are fairly generous in evening out the gradient, and it's possible to cut corners on established trails. Near the top, the soil is more sandy than lower extremes and signifies that this was once an island in prehistoric times. No donkeys on the ascent, but droppings suggest they're there sometimes. I recommend starting early-ish, before 9am. It took under 2 hours there and back, and it's possible to extend the hike along the peaks to the Two Trees Trail a little to the North. Bring plenty of water and something to munch on.

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!

Challen Hill Park - Sunrise

Challen Hill Park

(12 reviews)

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

Pumpkin Rock Trail - From the top, the steep, rocky terrain @ Pumpkin Rock Trail in Norco CA.

Pumpkin Rock Trail

(208 reviews)

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.

San Bernardino National Forest - The Line Fire (almost 28,000 acres burned so far 9/10/24)!

San Bernardino National Forest

(14 reviews)

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.

Mount Rubidoux Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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