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.

Great hikes and views between corona and the Orange County area. Lots of bike trails and hiking…read moretrails like tin mine, hagador and skyline trails. You can hike for miles and miles.

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.

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.

The playground is really outdated. All the other riverside parks received an upgrade not this oneread more

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!

This review is for those who literally want to ascend to the top of the mountain, elevation 2,533…read morefeet. See my Strava course profile below. What starts as a fairly steep trail that shadows a stream most of the way up to the first stage requires some moderate fitness and good trail shoes or hiking boots. My first time coincided with a dense foggy marine layer that kept me cool and clammy most of the way up, a little over 2 miles. I brought a large water bottle and a hiking pole. If it was a lot warmer, though, I recommend using a hydro pack. At the first summit of sorts, which ends at a small park along Box Canyon Springs Road- a dirt road with high embankments on either side. One of the fun objectives is hoping to see the wild donkeys (Burros) that civilization has pushed deeper into the hills and canyons. What progress, right? Fortunately, along the way, you climb up enough for sweeping vistas or dense fog if you're lucky. To go the distance required going a short way down the road where the trail resumes. At this point, I found myself in a tiered plateau, and there through the mist were 16-20 Donkeys! Some baby Donks, too. Keep your distance and zoom in with the camera. The path goes up and up, but it's so green (3rd week of April, 2024) the only thing that marred the sense of isolation is the noise pollution drifting up from the Freeway somewhere out of sight, and planes taking off. Oh well. The summit requires careful navigation, and I got a little turned around in the fog. Be careful because some paths lead to ledges. Unfortunately, this pristine place is heavily tagged with graffiti ranging from Bible verses, professions of eternal love, unintelligible scrawl, and even a symbol known to represent white supremacy and fascism. The way back definitely was felt in my knees, and the sun was quickly burning off the fog. All told, my hike began around 9am, and concluded a little before noon.

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!

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

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.

This was an easy to moderate hike that will take less than one hour to get to the top. It is 1.7…read moremiles with an elevation gain of 380 feet. This is located on the ridge above Norco California. Once at the top you will have great views of the Chino Hills. This is a large boulder that is painted as a pumpkin. No shade so bring water. This hike was very worth it with great picture opportunities

What a great place for people to gather and admire a pumpkin made of rock...of mother nature. And…read morefrom.old photos.. looks like then pumkin has gotten a face lift ! Thank you. As of today 9/13 the pumkin is cleaned up and well painted and looks grear. Thank you for helping keeping it nice... but graffiti still is seen everywhere. It shames to know that there those who are pathetic and mean..unless people who destroy pur backyard with nonsense. Report those criminals..let's fine them heavily. Beyond that, great place for bikers - no off vehicles plz., great for groups or individuals, great for hiking and walking...great for all ages. Careful, it is very slippery. Parking is easy, multiple places to enter . Pick up after yourself, trash can are at the entrance of the trail. Moles of fun. Difficult level is moderate to high... on side you'll have the pumkin and on the south side you'll have the American flag. Keep animale leashed and you'll be fine . Score of 4.25 stars. All this is missing is a central park or restrooms or a guidance map... overall- great place for a morning pick me up!

Showed my Korean tourist friend this place (my other friend had brought me five years ago and I…read moreremembered it was fun and so pretty this much later)! He really enjoyed it, said the views were pretty, it was so vividly green (his favorite color), and the orange was really good! Adam was our tour guide and ensured it was a fun, educational, and safe walk! We learned a lot about the history and methods for citrus planting. We were even allowed to pick one orange each at the end, and the fruit were refreshing, juicy, sweet, and somehow cold in the center even though the weather was hot! Adam even showed us the suncatcher collection and gave us one to take & DIY at home! Parking was $7 for two hours. Please be warned there are many bees. And bring water, wear sunscreen & a hat!

making good use of my historian passport and visited california citrus sp! easy drive and lots of…read moreparking available. for day pass, its $7 and with the passport its free. we spent about an hour overall here. first we went to the musuem /gift shopand it was very interesting to read about the history. enjoy the ac while u can lol. We collect stickers and magnets so we picked one up at the gift shop. Afterwards we drove to the picnic side and went on a small walk along the grass area. Before leaving, there's the Gless Ranch Citrus Stand where you can buy fresh juice and snacks. We bought a freshly squeezed OJ and took some pictures at the entrance before heading out on the road. We'll be back in autumn during peak harvest season

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.

This loop is awesome! Loved walking here, walked about 4 miles in total, and was absolutely…read moresunburned. It was a nice path between walking on the dirt path or the asphalt, there was plenty of hills/flat areas and lots to see on the trail. We even stopped by the Desi House on our way back. Really cool!

My dogs and I have been walking at River Walk Park for the past 15 years. They have a wonderful…read moretrail that has really expanded over the past 10 years. You can now walk from Eastvale Community Park at Hamner through River Walk Park and down to Archibald, a total round trip of 5.2 miles. Unfortunately, there has been so many kids out there racing E-bikes during the past year it is getting increasingly difficult to safely take a walk with my dog along this trail. Recently JCSD has put up 20 miles per hour speed limit signs that say yield to pedestrians and some mirrors to help see around sharp turns. 20 mile per hour speed limit might be an okay speed limit on the straight parts of the trail, but 20 miles per hour isn't at all safe around the sharp turns. I have had to jump in the bushes and pull my dog off the trail several times from E-bikes racing around a curve in the trail.