Mountain Center, California
Mountain Center, California is the spot for the best trails and outdoor activities. The Pacific Crest Trail, a long-distance hiking trail, is a top pick. It offers scenic views of rock formations and the San Jacinto River. The trail is challenging, but the sight of Lake Hemet, a must-visit, is rewarding. For a less strenuous hike, the Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point provides a panoramic view of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. If you're up for outdoor adventures, try horseback riding at the Garner Valley Equestrian Center. Near Mountain Center, visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, a unique attraction with desert animals and plants. Enjoy the best of Mountain Center's outdoors!
Top Spots in and near Mountain Center
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Borrego Springs, California
Hike the Calcite Mine Trail in the Anza-Borrego Desert
4 mi / 830 ft gainOpen from March until October - but I would not particularly recommend this hike in the summer months, unless you started in the wee almost dark hours. This is the desert and it gets hot early and quickly.This is a former calcite mine with slot canyons, great rock formations and some shady areas ...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
Pacific Crest Trail: Whitewater Preserve to Stone House
12.38 mi / 1588 ft gainThe Pacific Crest Trail section from Whitewater Preserve to Stone House offers a challenging 12.4-mile out-and-back trek through the dramatic desert landscape of Southern California. Starting from the scenic Whitewater Preserve at 2,700 feet elevation, this trail section provides hikers with an...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
San Gorgonio Overlook via Pacific Crest Trail (Whitewater)
10.19 mi / 1775 ft gainThe San Gorgonio Overlook trail via PCT is a challenging 10.2-mile out-and-back hike starting from the Whitewater Preserve in Southern California. This scenic trek offers spectacular views of Mount San Gorgonio, Southern California's highest peak, while traversing through the diverse landscapes...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood TH via PCT
7.79 mi / 1421 ft gainThe Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood Trailhead via PCT is an epic 7.8-mile point-to-point trek through the San Gorgonio Wilderness of Southern California. This demanding trail segment offers PCT thru-hikers and adventurous day hikers a dramatic transition from desert landscapes to alpine...Read more -
Whitewater, California
Rainbow Rock Canyon
6.3 mi / 1112 ft gainRainbow Rock Canyon is an out and back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, CaliforniaRead more -
Whitewater, California
Red Dome via Pacific Crest Trail
4.3 mi / 387 ft gainRed Dome via Pacific Crest Trail is an out and back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, CaliforniaRead more -
Yucca Valley, California
Eureka Peak
5.00.47 mi / 82 ft gainAccessing Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park requires a high ground-clearance overland vehicle. Bring spare water and emergency tools incase of a breakdown. From Route 62 in Yucca Valley, CA take La Contenta Dr. South toward Joshua Tree. This is a backcountry entrance that does not hav...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
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
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 -
Mecca, California
Camp at the Salton Sea
4.0The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is a good place to camp. It has bathrooms with running water and showers. There are 3 options for camping RV camping with hookups is $30 per night. Tent camping at New Camp (on the map to the right) or Mecca Beach is $20 per night. One can also camp at a more ...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 -
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 -
Borrego Springs, California
The Slot
4.82.2 mi / 266 ft gainHiking The Slot From the parking lot, you will take the trail into the canyon that is directly in front of you. This will be the hardest and steepest part of the hike. There are no trail markers for the Slot. You can take the trail to the right of the parking lot very briefly, but make sure or y...Read more -
Morongo Valley, California
Big Morongo Canyon Trail
11.65 mi / 1401 ft gainBig Morongo Canyon Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Morongo Valley, California.Read more -
Temecula, California
Dripping Springs Trail
4.013.68 mi / 3287 ft gainThe 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...Read more
