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Riverside County, California

Looking for the best backpacking in Riverside County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Riverside County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Riverside County

  • 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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  • 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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  • Altadena, California

    Eaton Canyon to Idlehour Trail Camp

    4.5
    10.99 mi / 3291 ft gain
    Idlehour is nestled deep in the Angeles National Forest, so it feels like you're in the heart of some untapped wilderness instead of six miles away from a bustling metropolis. The trail camp is accessible by foot through a variety of locations, but the most popular route is through Eaton Canyon, ...
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  • Morongo Valley, California

    Big Morongo Canyon Trail

    11.65 mi / 1401 ft gain
    Big Morongo Canyon Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Morongo Valley, California.
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Idlehour Trail

    4.0
    14.89 mi / 4665 ft gain
    Idlehour Trail located near Mount Wilson, California, is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous and can take 8-10 hours if done all at once. There are opportunities to camp off the trail, making this a backpacking trail in the Angeles National Forest as well.  To access the Idlehour Campground ...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Bear Canyon via Switzer Falls Trailhead

    6.67 mi / 1273 ft gain
    Parking: Parking is available at the Switzer Falls Picnic Area, or in the two overflow lots on the hill. You will need an Adventure Pass to leave your car parked here. Make sure to follow posted signs - there are some parking spots that do not allow overnight parking. Amenities: Bear Canyon has...
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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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