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Hemet, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Hemet, California offer a variety of scenic adventures. The Simpson Park Trail is a top pick for hikers, providing a moderate difficulty level with a 6.5-mile loop. The trail offers stunning views of rock formations, a diverse array of flora, and panoramic vistas of the city. Diamond Valley Lake, near Hemet, is a must-visit for fishing and boating. This man-made reservoir is surrounded by a 21.8-mile trail, perfect for biking or walking. For bird watching, the Western Science Center's grounds are home to numerous species. These outdoor adventures in and near Hemet are perfect for those seeking an active getaway.

Top Spots in and near Hemet

  • Banning, California

    Lake Fulmor Loop Trail

    5.0
    0.53 mi / 89 ft gain
    Lake Fulmor is a small lake in the San Jacinto Wilderness near Idyllwild, CA.  The trail loops around the lake offering spectacular views and is good for all skill levels.  There are picnic tables, grills, and a small dock where you can peer out over the lake or cast a line.  To fish in Lake Fulm...
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  • Hemet, California

    Hike South Fork Trail

    5.4 mi / 1056 ft gain
    Begin by following the unsigned but visible trail on the south side of the turnout. You climb steadily through bushes and past granite boulders. At half a mile, you pass over to the western slope of the hill where the trail bends southeast, providing your first look of the river valley far below....
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  • Riverside County, California

    San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain Trailhead

    11.25 mi / 4505 ft gain
    San Jacinto Peak is the second highest peak in Southern California which sits at 10,833'. There are several trails to summit San Jacinto, but Marion Mountain is the shortest but also a tough one. You will start the hike at an elevation of 6300' and continuously climb 4500' in less than 6 miles. ...
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  • Canyon Lake, California

    Kabian Memorial Park Loop

    5.0
    3.48 mi / 335 ft gain
    Kabian Memorial Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Quail Valley, California.
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail

    5.0
    8.31 mi / 2238 ft gain
    Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail is a moderately trafficked 8+ mile out and back trail located near Idyllwild, California. This trail is one of the most popular hikes in the San Jacinto area that features a fire lookout tower at the peak and amazing views of the valley below.  At an elevation...
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  • Cabazon, California

    Check Out the Cabazon Dinosaurs

    4.3
    For any fans of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure or The Wizard, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are instantly recognizable. A roadside attraction off of Hwy 10 - 90 miles east of Los Angeles - the dinosaurs, heralded as the “World’s Biggest Dinosaurs", are a quick adventure.To get to the dinosaurs, you’ll travel on...
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Mount San Jacinto via Devil's Slide

    4.5
    14.57 mi / 4475 ft gain
    Mt. San Jacinto is the second tallest peak in Southern California at 10,834’. Although this route requires a fair amount of work, the effort is more than rewarded by the expansive views, forest, meadows, and dramatic topography. You will need an Adventure Pass ($5/day) to park at Humber Park, as...
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Apache Peak Trail

    9.4 mi / 2966 ft gain
    Apache Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.
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  • Aguanga, California

    Vail Lake Loop

    4.0
    7.25 mi / 922 ft gain
    Vail Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Temecula, California.
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  • Temecula, California

    Dripping Springs Trail

    4.0
    13.68 mi / 3287 ft gain
    The trail immediately begins to climb out of the campground on a well-graded incline. The next mile contains some climbing leading to a set of switchbacks. A long strenuous climb ensues until the 3200' elevation is reached. The trail then makes an easy southward traverse to the basin before resum...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Palm Springs Tram to Idyllwild

    5.0
    10.09 mi / 1404 ft gain
    Palm Springs Tram to Idyllwild is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Hidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail

    3.35 mi / 518 ft gain
    Hidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Caramba Overlook

    12.97 mi / 2779 ft gain
    Caramba Overlook is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Climb at the Tramway of Mount San Jacinto

    John Muir once wrote, "The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!" So it's no surprise that this is a sought after destination for hikers and climbers alike.  Named after the fact that most climbers use the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to reach this...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Winter Climb San Jacinto from the Tram

    5.0
    8 mi / 2400 ft gain
    Intermediate: No snow.Advanced: Lots of snow.Expert: Snow w/ high winds and low temps. GPX: https://www.gaiagps.com/datasu... San Jacinto, at 10,834 feet, is the second-highest peak in the Southern California. It's unique in that it has a rotating tram car (think slow motion disco floor) that r...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Scramble Cornell Peak

    3.5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Entering Mt San Jacinto State Park via the Palm Springs Aerial Tram is one of the easiest ways to get into the wilderness area.  Purchase your ticket and ride to the station where you'll be able to walk out the backdoor and onto the trail. In order to get to Cornell, your route finding skills wil...
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Camping and Lodging in Hemet

Banning Stagecoach KOA Journey
Banning, California

Banning Stagecoach KOA Journey

Boulder Basin
Black Mountain Trail

Boulder Basin

Fern Basin
Riverside County, California

Fern Basin

Black Mountain (San Bernardino)
Black Mountain Truck Trail

Black Mountain (San Bernardino)

Temecula KOA at Vail Lake
Aguanga, California

Temecula KOA at Vail Lake

Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)
Temecula, California

Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)

Guides, Insights and Stories from Hemet

Do Not Eat Hot Wings Before Hiking

Do Not Eat Hot Wings Before Hiking

Aaron Rickel Jones

Check out these Native American businesses in CA

Check out these Native American businesses in CA

The Outbound Collective

The Hike that Humbled Me

The Hike that Humbled Me

Cameron Catanzano

Two Native-owned and -operated organizations to support in CA

Two Native-owned and -operated organizations to support in CA

The Outbound Collective

The Adventure-side of Oceanside - 4 Days of Sending it in the Heart of SoCal

The Adventure-side of Oceanside - 4 Days of Sending it in the Heart of SoCal

William Woodward

The Adventure-side of Oceanside Essential Gear

The Adventure-side of Oceanside Essential Gear

Josiah Roe