Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District

Box Springs Mountain Park is located near Moreno Valley, 5 miles east of Riverside off of Highway 60 and Pigeon Pass Road. Most recognizable of this park is the large white “M” on the southern slope facing Moreno Valley and the golden “C” that sits on the western slope above UC Riverside. On just a little over 1,100 acres, equestrian riders, bikers, hikers and their pets can explore 15 miles of trails.

A map of current trail systems can be found here. 

Riverside County’s Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum preserves, celebrates, and interprets the history of late 1800’s California, from the Cahuilla Indians to the exploration and settlement of southern California and the San Gorgonio Pass, including the homestead ranch of James Marshall Gilman.

Gilman Ranch is a terrific setting for relaxation or play, with picnic tables and barbeque grills shaded by olive trees planted by the Gilmans over 100 years ago and bordered by a green lawn that hosts a dazzling variety of fruit and nut trees, including white figs, black figs, plums, apricots, blood oranges, naval oranges, tangerines, walnuts, persimmons, pomegranates, lemons and grapefruit. Nearby are short hiking trails offering incredible views of the Banning Pass. A very short distance away is a creek that runs year-round and attracts wildlife like deer, bears, coyotes and bobcats.

More about Gilman Ranch 

Harford Springs Reserve is a gorgeous 325-acre field with miles of picturesque hiking. The winding trails meander through dense brush and abundant wildlife. The lovely trails split and converge through the entire park allowing hikers a beautiful glimpse at butterflies, lizards, and wildflowers including, California Poppies, Star Lilies, and Miner’s Lettuce.

Hidden Valley Wildlife Area is located along the Santa Ana River, east of Norco on Arlington Avenue, one mile west of La Sierra Avenue. It is set on 1500 scenic acres and has access to 25 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. Visitors can get away from the noise and lights of the city and enjoy the beautiful views of the river or the bluff overlooking the wetland pond. In the winter, Canada geese, northern shovelers, white-crowned sparrows and yellow-rumped warblers make their home here.

More about Hidden Valley Wildlife Area

Located 1 mile northwest of Idyllwild on Highway 243, Idyllwild Nature Center offers a variety of field study trips, environmental education programs and guided tours which can be scheduled by appointment and tailored to fit specific needs or interests. Programs focus on mountain ecology, habitats, flora and fauna, Cahuilla Native culture and the history of the San Jacinto Mountains. During the summer, nature walks and natural history lectures are offered; every Saturday, June through August, the center offers Junior Naturalist Programs, which include forest nature walks, snacks, and workbooks.

More about the Idyllwild Nature Center

Popular Idyllwild Park, located on the perimeter of the eclectic mountain village of Idyllwild, boasts 202 acres of beautiful open space, mature forest, breathtaking hiking trails, and a fascinating Nature Center. Recognized as one of America’s cleanest forests, Idyllwild is a perfect venue for reconnecting with family, friends, nature, and the slower pace of small town mountain life.

Idyllwild Park’s day use area offers a shaded meadow for picnicking and group outings, serving as a pleasant base for hikers, climbers, and explorers. Guests may hike any of the five trails that offer breathtaking scenery and panoramic views, some providing direct access to the Idyllwild Nature Center. For more adventurous outdoor enthusiasts, enormous granite boulders offer some of the best rock climbing challenges around. Nearby Lake Fulmor or Lake Hemet offer fishing opportunities for both casual and dedicated anglers. In winter, snow sledding is a popular activity when weather permits. The park’s rustic but well-tended campground has 88 lovely forested campsites, each with fire ring and picnic table as well as close proximity to restrooms and showers.

More about Idyllwild Park

Nestled in the rolling hills of Winchester, CA, beautiful Lake Skinner Recreational Area offers visitors expansive natural vistas and invigorating recreational opportunities, including camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and fishing. This popular regional park is located just a few short miles east of the Temecula Wineries, close to the bustling communities of Murrieta and Menifee, and within easy access of Interstates 15 and 215.

More about Lake Skinner

McCall Memorial Equestrian Park is located 4 miles south of Idyllwild, CA, and one-quarter mile west of Mountain Center off Highway 74. McCall is a unique 88-acre mountain park designated specifically for equestrian camping and trail riding. Originally known as Mountain Center Park, it was renamed in 1964 to McCall Memorial Park in honor of former 5th District Supervisor, Fred McCall, who was an avid equestrian throughout his life and relentlessly supported local equestrian groups and culture.

More about McCall Equestrian Campground

These trails are located outside of our Campgrounds and Nature Centers and connect us to the surrounding communities. These trails are located in urban areas, near major streets and highways, close to the Santa Ana River Trail, and many other amenities.