Riverside County, California
Riverside County offers plenty of activities and attractions for all types of adventurers. From gentle hikes to thrilling adventures, you can find something to make your outdoor experience one to remember. The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is home to some of the most beautiful trails, allowing you to take in stunning views while you explore the area. Those looking for a bit more of a rush can visit the Lake Elsinore Motocross Park to tackle some of the region’s most challenging off-road trails. Other must-visit attractions in the area include the Temecula Valley Museum, the Santa Rosa Plateau Visitor Center, and the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing boat ride on the lake or an adrenaline-filled off-road adventure, Riverside County offers something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Riverside County
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Fallbrook, California
Monserate Mountain Loop
5.04.16 mi / 1247 ft gainThe Monserate Mountain trail is a 4.2 mile loop hike that takes you through a [stand out feature of the adventure] near Fallbrook, California. This hike can be challenging given the elevation gain, so make sure you pack plenty of water especially on warmer days.Read more -
San Diego County, CaliforniaBluffs Trail Loop
5.02.63 mi / 95 ft gainDiscover the natural beauty of Southern California on the San Onofre Bluffs Trail Loop, a scenic hike located within San Onofre State Beach. This trail offers hikers breathtaking views of sandstone cliffs, access to secluded beaches, and opportunities to observe diverse coastal wildlife. Hours ...Read more -
Huntington Beach, California
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail
4.52.97 mi / 30 ft gainThe Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail is great for birding and wildlife viewing. If you want a longer hike, you can extend the mileage by heading down the riverbed trail. The trail is open year-round. Dogs are not allowed in Bolsa Chica. Bolsa Chica State Beach is easily accessible from Oran...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 -
Huntington Beach, California
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) in Huntington Harbor
4.5Huntington Harbor is the perfect location for an easy and relaxing stand up paddle board session. Here you will get to enjoy the view of the houses by the harbor, some boats sailing by, and some low bridges you'll have to paddle through while ducking on your board (fun!).There are several stores ...Read more -
Seal Beach, California
Sunset Beach
4.6Sunset Beach is located just 9 miles south of Long Beach and 6 miles North of Huntington Beach, CA on the famous Pacific Coast Highway 1. I accessed Sunset Beach from the South on I-405. I took exit 22 for Seal Beach. After the exit I turned a left/west on Seal Beach Blvd and drove for 2.6 miles ...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
San Gabriel Peak
4.02.79 mi / 1040 ft gainAt 6,000 feet, San Gabriel Peak gives you one of the best views of the Los Angeles basin on the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. As you pass through Muller Tunnel, the trail will be littered with rocks and boulders. A little over 100 feet in, the road will fork in thre...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Idlehour Trail
4.014.89 mi / 4665 ft gainIdlehour 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 ...Read more -
Desert Hot Springs, California
Mission Creek Trail
15.33 mi / 1594 ft gainMission Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Whitewater, California.Read more -
Altadena, California
Thalehaha Falls
1.71 mi / 679 ft gainThe trails starts in a foothill neighborhood of Altadena CA at the corner of Pleasantridge Dr. and Rubio Vista Rd. This is one of the better entries into the Angeles National Forest because it is one of the lesser known. Find a place to park on the street and head out on the trail into Rubio Cany...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Mt. Disappointment via Billy Riley Trail
3.5 mi / 1132 ft gainFrom the 210 Freeway in La Cañada, take California Highway 2 north 14 miles up into the San Gabriel Mountains. Make sure you have your National Forest Pass (sold at REI or Ranger Station) or your Interagency Pass because they have started checking parked vehicles. At the Red Box Picnic area, make...Read more -
Seal Beach, California
Seal Beach
4.7Seal Beach is a small beach community between Long Beach and Huntington Beach. Right off PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), this sandy beach is a great place to chill on a hot summer day. The high winds coming off the water makes it an ideal place to kite board, surf, or simply fly a kite along the sho...Read more -
Altadena, California
San Gabriel via Sam Merrill and Mount Lowe Trails
17.55 mi / 5614 ft gainSan Gabriel via Sam Merrill and Mount Lowe Trails is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Altadena, California.Read more -
Altadena, California
Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point Loop
4.110.16 mi / 3369 ft gainThe trail switchbacks up the mountain before reaching the first historic marker, in 3 miles. These are the remains of the Mount Lowe Railroad, which brought customers to Echo Mountain Resort, also in ruins, nearby. Explore the historic sites, then head up Castle Canyon Trail. A steep climb will ...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
North Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive
1.67 mi / 906 ft gainNorth Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Long Beach, California
Colorado Lagoon
5.00.95 mi / 30 ft gainThe Colorado Lagoon is a wetland that is being restored. To make this 1 mile walk into a loop, you have to walk along sidewalks near the park. This is a very kid-friendly destination. This trail crosses over the lagoon on a boardwalk. It also accesses a sandy swimming beach with restrooms, picnic...Read more
