Banning, California
Banning, California, is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The top pick is the Black Mountain Trail, a scenic, must-visit hiking route. It's a 7.6-mile loop, known for its challenging inclines and unique rock formations. You'll also enjoy the breathtaking views of Fuller Mill Creek, a lively river that accompanies the trail. Another notable attraction is the Mount San Jacinto State Park near Banning, offering a variety of outdoor adventures. From hiking, camping, to wildlife viewing, it's a perfect spot for outdoor activities. The park is also home to the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. So, if you're in Banning, don't miss these outdoor attractions.
Top Spots in and near Banning
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Desert Hot Springs, California
Inspiration Peak in Joshua Tree
1.81 mi / 476 ft gainMost automobile-bound visitors to Joshua Tree make their way to Keys View, and why wouldn't they? It has some of the best views in the park and with it, some of the biggest, loudest crowds. Most don't realize that a short hike away is even *better* views and, if you're lucky, solitude, on top of ...Read more -
Landers, California
Explore Giant Rock
This is an adventure that my wife and me have been wanting to do for a while now. We finally decided to make the 30 minute journey out to Landers from Yucca Valley. There are quite a few points of interest along the way, but that is a story for another adventure.Giant Rock is 5.2 miles northwest ...Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Palomar Observatory Trail
4.35.09 mi / 768 ft gainSituated in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Observatory Campground offers many amenities for enjoyable camping and exploring the area. A portion of the campsites loop has been cleared of trees with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their own telescopes. Dr...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Willow Hole Trail
6.8 mi / 341 ft gainThe Willow Hole hike begins at Boy Scout trailhead and winds past and through the Wonderland of Rocks to a marshy stand of willows. The trail is flat, but with little shade so be sure to bring lots of water! As you leave the parking lot you'll enter an expansive stand of Joshua Trees that grows...Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Lower Doane and French Valley
5.03.03 mi / 344 ft gainWhen it comes to Palomar Mountain State Park, most people stick to Doane Lake and Upper Doane Valley. Yet on the far right of the parking lot at Doane Pond, there is actually a trailhead that will guide you to a completely different section of the park. The Lower Doane Valley trail is, in my opti...Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Thunder Spring and Chimney Flat Loop
3.53.92 mi / 781 ft gainPalomar Mountain is the hidden gem of San Diego. Well, not so hidden per se- but most don't know that the little climb up the mountain can transport you from the prevalent brush-filled terrain of SD to a lush, diverse forest. The great thing about Palomar is that every day you visit could be com...Read more -
Pauma Valley, California
Boucher Trail and Palomar Mountain Loop
5.0estled within Palomar Mountain State Park in Pauma Valley, California, the Boucher Trail and Palomar Mountain Loop offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding experience. This 9-mile loop trail is renowned for its lush forests, panoramic vistas, and the historic Boucher Hill Fire Lookout. On aver...Read more -
Corona, California
Santiago Peak via Holy Jim (Temporary Closure)
5.016.25 mi / 4423 ft gainThis trail may still be closed due to trail maintenance. Please contact Trabuco Ranger at 951-736-1811 before heading out. This a long day hike of 16 miles roundtrip, so it's best to get an early start (before sunrise). Get amazing views of Mt. San Antonio, San Jacinto, and San Gorgonio, and Ca...Read more -
Corona, California
Holy Jim Falls
3.53.06 mi / 633 ft gainTo start, directions on how to get to the trail there are two different ways, the most common , which I will explain, being through Rancho Santa Margarita you will head east on Santa Margarita Parkway, turn left at the dead end (into a parking lot for a shopping center) on Plano Trabuco Road, thi...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Climb The Spire in Joshua Tree National Park
0.75 miPark at the Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead. Instead of going into Hidden Valley, follow the obvious climber's trails to the Southwest for about 3/4 mile keeping the rocks of Hidden Valley on your right. The trail wraps around the outside edge of Hidden Valley, turning Northwest. After about 20 mi...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
4.41.03 mi / 164 ft gainTurn off of Park Blvd near Intersection Rock (there will be signs for the turn) and follow the paved road for about a minute. There is a large parking lot with many picnic tables. The trail begins with a slight uphill of around 100 ft and continues through a opening between two large rocks. Af...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Rock Climb Locomotion in Joshua Tree National Park
5.0Locomotion is a great spot to set up for the day and enjoy the world class climbing that Joshua Tree has to offer. Camp at the nearby and coveted Hidden Valley Campground and you'll be within walking distance to Locomotion and a dozen other quality climbing spots. Joshua Tree really is a camping/...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Cap Rock Nature Trail
3.00.75 mi / 161 ft gainThere are two Joshua Trees guarding the trail, which makes for a perfect photo op. There are some monzogranite rock formations (of which the park is famous for). Watch for bunnies and lizards! The trail is handicap accessible, so parents with young children in strollers or those in wheelchairs ca...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hike to Lost Horse Mine
4.09 mi / 545 ft gainTo get to the trailhead, take Key's View Road from Park Blvd for around 2.5 miles and turn left onto a dirt road. The trailhead is at the end of this road. From here, you have the option to do the 6.1 mile loop or the 4 mile roundtrip out and back. This trail takes you through a beautiful desert ...Read more -
Fallbrook, California
Hike the Santa Margarita River Trail
5.05 mi / 469 ft gainSanta Margarita River Trail is a 5 mile out-and-back hike that takes you near the river in Fallbrook, CA. This trail provides some shade which is helpful on hot days. If you bring your swimsuit you can hop in for a dip on hotter days. Make sure you wear good hiking shoes due to some rocky terrai...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Climb at Intersection Rock in Joshua Tree
Intersection Rock is located in the Hidden Valley Campground with lots of parking!Overhang bypass route5.72 PitchesStandard Trad RackIntersection Rock has many classic routes- I found right ski track and overhang bypass to be 2 of my favorite routes in j tree.Start left of the flake in a crack, t...Read more
