Forest Falls, California
Forest Falls, California is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities in the region. The top spot on the list is the Vivian Creek Trail, a challenging 17-mile round trip that takes you to the highest peak in Southern California, San Gorgonio Mountain. As you hike, you'll see breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, and rugged rock formations. Another must-visit is the Big Falls Waterfall, the tallest year-round waterfall in Southern California. The trail leading to it is a short, easy walk, making it a great option for families. For a more relaxed outdoor adventure, try fishing in the Mill Creek, known for its abundant trout population. Forest Falls truly offers a range of scenic outdoor adventures for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Forest Falls
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Lake Elsinore, California
Hike Bear Canyon Trail to Sitton Peak
6.4 mi / 2200 ft gainA MUST hike for any orange country resident! The hike starts of off Ortega HWY 74 at the Bear Canyon Trail head on the same side of the road as the Ortega oaks candy store. Its recommended you park in the lot across the street from the trail head (tip:there is a working water spicket in the parki...Read more -
Lake Elsinore, California
Sitton Peak
9.36 mi / 2011 ft gainIt's amazing what you can find in your own backyard if you really do you research. In Orange County there are so many awesome hiking options that are often overlooked. The Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak Trail in the San Mateo Wilderness is one of those. Sitton tops out at 3,273 feet and it's a 5 mil...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Echo Rock
5.00.83 mi / 167 ft gainPark your car at the Echo Rock Parking Area. The trail starts next to the outhouse and heads north. As you walk through the sand, there is a large rock pile to your right, the top of that is your destination. Continue walking until you've reached the far north end of the rock formation and the...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Sunset Peak via South Trailhead
4.07.16 mi / 1493 ft gainIn order to get to the Sunset Peak Trailhead, utilize Google Maps to take you to the location provided. There is very little parking (only a small pull off along Glendora Ridge Road), but this trail is rarely traveled, so there should be enough space regardless of the time you decide to hike! Jus...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Cactus Spring Trail
31.73 mi / 6407 ft gainCactus Spring Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.Read more -
Chino Hills, California
Adobe Loop
3.01.92 mi / 312 ft gainThe best place to park for this hike is at Hunter's Hill park. From there, the trailhead is located on Natalie Road just South of the park. There is a large sign marking the start of the trail, but it does not give a name for either the trail head or the trail itself. For reference, it is the But...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Camp at Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree NP
5.0The Ryan Campground is but one of many beautiful campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. It is located just south of the Hidden Valley use area. There are 31 sites as well as a horse camp. This campground does not have water, but does have pit toilets.For weekend trips into Joshua Tree, it is o...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Rock Climb at Headstone Rock in Joshua Tree
4.5To find this climb, park on the east side loop of the Ryan Campground in the park. There are several parking spots here next to a bathroom. From here, take the trail straight out about 100 yards to Headstone Rock. It is clearly visible from where you park. One of the hardest parts about this clim...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
Ryan Ranch
0.75 mi / 56 ft gainIf you're in Joshua Tree, this is a great spot for sunset. A short, maybe 1/2 mile hike to the old ranch from the parking lot. We stayed at Ryan Campground and just walked in from there, about the same distance. Make sure to bring your camera, especially if there are spotty clouds in the sky a...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 -
Silverado, California
Bedford Peak Trail (CLOSED)
3.06.78 mi / 1972 ft gainThe Bedford Peak Trail in Silverado, California is a challenging hike that offers a variety of natural features. The trail spans 6.78 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 1,972 feet. It is rated as difficult due to its steep inclines and rocky terrain. The trail begins in a dense oak w...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Rattlesnake Slot Canyon
2.51 mi / 430 ft gainThe trailhead is located at the end of Indian Cove road. From Indian Cove Campground, take the road to the east about a mile to a picnic area where there is parking at the mouth of the canyon. From the picnic area hike up the Canyon in a south to south-east direction. After a few hundred yards a...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Climb at the Hall of Horrors in Joshua Tree
The Hall of Horrors is across the road from the well-known Saddle Rocks. There is good space in this crag, so don't be discouraged with a full parking lot. Like most places in Joshua Tree, the weather is the largest dictator on when and where you'll climb. There isn't much shade here, so waiting ...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Barker Dam Loop
5.01.28 mi / 85 ft gainThe Barker Damn trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail across flat terrain which makes it great for the whole family. The hike starts out from the Barker Dam parking lot which is shared with the Wall Street Mill trailhead. You can find the Barker Dam trailhead just to the left of the bathrooms. After ...Read more
