Redlands, California

For the best trails and outdoor activities in Redlands, California, the top must-visit is the Santa Ana River Trail. This scenic path stretches for nearly 50 miles, offering a mix of flat, paved areas and challenging, rocky terrain. It's perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Along the trail, you'll come across the iconic Seven Oaks Dam, a massive concrete structure that's a sight to behold. For water activities, the Santa Ana River is a great spot for kayaking and fishing. Another notable feature is the San Bernardino National Forest, which the trail cuts through. With its towering trees and diverse wildlife, it's a treat for outdoor adventurers. In and near Redlands, these outdoor attractions provide a unique blend of physical challenge and natural beauty.

Top Spots in and near Redlands

  • Palm Springs, California

    Maynard Mine Trail

    5.82 mi / 2487 ft gain
    Maynard Mine Trail is a good choice if you're looking for decent elevation gain to get the hear rate up. The trailhead is at Andreas Canyon (in the Indian Canyons).  The trail has a rapid elevation gain of 2300' in the first 2.5 miles. The entire trail, out and back, is about 6 miles. The actua...
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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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  • Palm Springs, California

    Earl Henderson and Shannon Trail Loop

    4.31 mi / 1257 ft gain
    This is a short but sweet trail close to the Araby and Garstin Trails. Great views of Palm Springs and the San Jacinto Mountains. Parking area is off of Lansdale Street. From here, head down the Earl Henderson Trail and you will see where in connects with the Shannon Trail. You can choose to swit...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Araby and Berns Trail Loop

    4.76 mi / 1293 ft gain
    The Araby and Berns Trail Loop in Palm Springs offers a moderately challenging hike with stunning views of both urban and natural landscapes. Hikers begin by passing notable landmarks like the famous Bob Hope house before ascending into more rugged terrain with rocky single-track paths. As you cl...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Murray Hill via Araby Trail

    5.0
    8.85 mi / 2844 ft gain
    Murray Hill is the highest point in the surrounding trail system. You can access it from Araby Trail or anyone of the others in the area. It's about 9 miles round-trip and a healthy 2,850 vertical feet gain. From the top of the Shannon Trail bear right until you reach the Wildhorse Trailhead. Go...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Araby Trail

    4.58 mi / 1545 ft gain
    This hike takes you up to Bob Hope’s massive mushroom shaped house. The neighborhood also includes a house where Steve McQueen lived and the Elrod House featured in the James Bond film “Diamonds are Forever”. It’s a fairly easy hike up to Bob’s but really climbs after you pass the estate.  You c...
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  • Azusa, California

    Little Jimmy Trail Camp

    4.3
    3.36 mi / 607 ft gain
    Take Hwy 2 out of La Canada north along Angeles Crest Highway. Follow this for quite some time enjoying the fine views in all directions. After traveling through two consecutive tunnels continue to the Islip Saddle parking lot (on left). There will be a vault toilet & a picnic table. Display ...
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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 Canyon Trail

    4.5
    1.94 mi / 308 ft gain
    The fifteen mile long Palm Canyon, one of the Indian Canyons, is among the most beautiful natural sites in Western North America. Its indigenous flora and fauna, expertly used by the Cahuilla people, and its abundant Washingtonia Filifera (California Fan Palm) stand in breathtaking contrast to th...
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  • Azusa, California

    Fish Canyon Falls

    2.0
    4.08 mi / 801 ft gain
    This trail is currently closed! Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website. Follow Encanto Parkway towards the hills until you come to a junction with a sign labeled "trail" that points towards a parking lot to your right. Parking is free, though on weekends it may be difficult to find a spot...
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  • San Diego County, California

    Camp On the Abandoned Santa Margarita Lookout Helipad

    4.3
    Starting in Murrieta, CA you don't have to venture far to enjoy a beautiful view and less light polluted skies.From Murrieta on the I-15 freeway you're going to want to take the Clinton Kieth Road exit and head west. If you're low on gas make sure to fill up at the 7 Eleven on the left corner. Th...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Mt. Williamson via Islip Saddle

    4.16 mi / 1519 ft gain
    The trailhead is immediately off of Angeles Crest Highway CA-2 at Islip Saddle.  It's just a touch over 2 miles to reach the summit, through which you'll be hiking among the pine tree forest practically the entire way up (part of this trail doubles as the Pacific Crest Trail).  The summit is larg...
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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Hidden Trail to Flag Mountain

    4.5 mi / 950 ft gain
    Hidden Trail to Flag Mountain is a lesser-known local trail in Desert Edge, California. The trail leads to Flag Mountain, which displays an American flag and a Canadian flag at the summit. 
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  • Fallbrook, California

    Hike the Santa Margarita River Trail

    5.0
    5 mi / 469 ft gain
    Santa 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...
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  • Yucca Valley, California

    California Riding and Hiking Trail

    36.97 mi / 2792 ft gain
    The starting point for this hike is at the Black Rock campground, 5 miles from the town of Yucca Valley. You'll need to self register for a free backcountry permit before starting. The first section of the trail follows a wash then the trail narrows and, after only a mile or two, you'll begin cl...
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  • Pearblossom, California

    Devil's Punchbowl and Devil's Chair

    4.5
    7.37 mi / 1870 ft gain
    What a hidden gem! A martian landscape full of faultline desert rock formations and joshua trees against a mountainous backdrop of the San Gabriels. Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area features a 1 mile well-marked, well-maintained single track loop trail inside the Punchbowl (great for kids) and a 7 ...
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