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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Pearblossom, California
Snowshoe Buckhorn Ridge Trail
2.5 mi / 700 ft gainLocated 1 mile east of the Mt Waterman Ski Resort, Buckhorn Ski Hill is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll through a snow-covered forest, complete with views of towering Mt Waterman. To get here take I-210 toward La Canada, exit on to California Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) heading no...Read more -
Fallbrook, California
Hike the Santa Margarita River Trail
5.05 mi / 469 ft gainSanta 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...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Exploring the Arches at Little Corona del Mar
4.9Little Corona del Mar Beach is a secluded beach located on Poppy Avenue across Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar. Known as one of the less crowded beaches in the area, this spot is the perfect place to chill for the day or photograph a sunset. You will find plenty of free street parking in the ne...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Stand Up Paddle around Balboa Island, Newport Beach
5.0Balboa Island, located in Newport Bay, is a fun destination on its own, but add a relaxing SUP to the mix and you’ve got yourself an adventure. There are two ways to get onto island: cross the Marine Avenue Bridge, or take the Balboa Island Ferry (directly inland from Balboa Pier and south of New...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Skimboard Table Rock Beach
Laguna Beach is both the birthplace *and* and the capital of skimboarding, and for good reason: it boasts an impressive array of beaches where (if you know where to look) you can find one where the conditions are right for one of the most difficult but rewarding of water sports. Table Rock is one...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Boulder at Pirate's Cove
4.0This is a great spot for bouldering in Newport Beach, CA with really easy access from the parking lot at Big Corona Beach or street parking above on Ocean Blvd. There are not clear signs to follow, but it is easy to find from the parking lot at Big Corona - it is on the far west side toward the h...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach Caves
3.8Explore some beautiful caves right on the beach in Laguna. The stairs leading down to the beach are just off the side of PCH at 9th st. You can park anywhere along the PCH on both sides near 9th st. Head down the stairs and the main caves are on the left. To the right there are also some small c...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Hermit Falls Trail
4.82.49 mi / 1014 ft gainNote: Hermit Falls is Temporarily Closed From Roberts Camp, many hikers will head to Sturtevant Falls, which is an amazing 60-foot waterfall. But, if you choose to head in the opposite direction on First Water Trail, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh water swimming hole at this 35-foot tumbling wa...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Sturtevant Falls
4.61.61 mi / 423 ft gainThis trail is currently closed. Visit the Forest Service website for updates. As you head down to Roberts Camp, a historic set of historic cabins, you’ll head out on a steep, paved road for approximately 0.6 miles. Once you reach the camp, head over the bridge and keep an eye out for the sign f...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Mt. Wilson Loop from Chantry Flat
5.012.74 mi / 4852 ft gainMt. Wilson is one of the more difficult mountains in the San Gabriel to hike, making this adventure Intermediate. While 5,700 feet doesn't seem that tall, the mountain has a prominence of almost 5,300 feet, meaning that hike is steeper and longer than some of the other popular mountains that star...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Bodysurfing and Photography at The Wedge
4.8Beginning at the east end of the Balboa Peninsula The Wedge's main power house is the Newport Harbor Jetty. When the right south swell hits the jetty it reflects back creating a massive back wash. When the back wash hits an incoming set you have the notoriously heavy wedge-like shore break thunde...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Mt. Waterman
5.05.87 mi / 1499 ft gainMt. Waterman is accessed along Highway 2 in the Angeles National Forest. Heading east from La Canada look for mileage marker 58.0 (34 miles from La Canada) just past the closed ski resort. Park at one of the large paved turnouts on your left. Display an Adventure Pass ($5 at Ranger Station or Big...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Devil's Punchbowl and Devil's Chair
4.57.37 mi / 1870 ft gainWhat 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 ...Read more -
Dana Point, California
Hike the Salt Creek Trail
5.03 mi / 20 ft gainStarting from the Salt Creek Beach parking lot (a paid lot that takes cash, debit, and credit cards and charges by the hour. There are pay stations at a few points in the parking lots), you head west towards the ocean...through a tunnel and down the hill towards the beach. Once you get to the bas...Read more -
Dana Point, California
Surf Salt Creek
5.0There are two HUGE parking lots off of PCH, so parking isn't an issue (unless it's on a weekend in the summer, then it does get full). This is a paid lot with a few pay stations located around the parking lot, and they take cash and credit/ debit card...you can pay by the hour. Once you find your...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Cooper Canyon Trail Camp
5.37 mi / 1214 ft gainThere's a small parking lot just below Cloudburst Summit on the way to Mount Waterman. Start your adventure there. I'd be hard-pressed to say it's more than 15 yards from the sign for the summit (7018' AMSL). There's a fire road, if you're newer to altitude and don't know how to read a map (or e...Read more
