01
Best close-to-home workout
Hulda Crooks Park Trails
South Loma Linda Foothills • Extensive Multi-Use Foothill Trail Network • Local Favorite For Daily Miles
Loma Linda’s backyard hill system with everything from gentle contours to lung-busting climbs and long loops.
If you ask locals where they actually hike on a random weeknight, Hulda Crooks is usually the answer. Wide dirt roads and smaller singletrack peel off in multiple directions, so you can build anything from a 30-minute stretch to a long ridge run. Expect open, chaparral-covered hillsides, big views toward the San Bernardino Mountains, and exposed sun—great for sunset laps if you bring water and a light.
02
Best beginner-friendly viewpoint
Mount Rubidoux Trail
West Of Loma Linda In Riverside • Paved Historic Summit Walk • Easygoing Crowd-Pleaser
A short, steady paved climb to a landmark summit with wide Inland Empire views and a bit of local history.
Mount Rubidoux is the go-to spot when you want a real summit feel without worrying about rough trail or navigation. The loop follows a gently graded paved road up to a stone bridge, historic cross, and broad viewpoints over Riverside and the Santa Ana River. It can be busy with walkers, runners, and families, so aim for early morning or golden hour if you prefer cooler temps and softer light.
03
Best quick cardio challenge
Two Trees Trail
Box Springs Mountains Above Riverside • Steep Singletrack Climb • Short, Intense Hill Workout
A direct, rocky grind up the slope that rewards the effort with expansive basin and city views.
Two Trees is the kind of hike where you gain most of the elevation right away, making it perfect when you want a hard effort but don’t have much time. The path is narrow, occasionally loose, and fully exposed, so grippy shoes and an early start go a long way. From the top you can continue along the ridgeline into Box Springs Mountain Reserve, or simply soak in the views and let your legs recover on the way down.
04
Best sunset ridge ramble
Blue Mountain Trail
Grand Terrace And Colton Ridgeline • Rustic Ridgeline Fire Road • Scenic After-Work Escape
A gradual dirt-road climb to a broad ridge with town, valley, and distant mountain vistas that light up at dusk.
Blue Mountain delivers that classic ridgewalk feeling without requiring an all-day commitment. The route follows a rough road up the spine of the hill, with wildflowers in season and long views toward the San Bernardino and San Gabriel ranges. It’s exposed and can be breezy on top, but the combination of easy navigation and big-sky scenery makes it a reliable pick for relaxed evening hikes.
05
Most iconic local landmark hike
The M Hike (Box Springs Mountain)
Box Springs Mountain Above Moreno Valley • Rocky Switchback Trail To Hillside Letter • Iconic Local Summit Push
A stout but manageable climb to the giant “M” overlooking Moreno Valley, with panoramic views that feel much bigger than the mileage suggests.
The M Hike packs a surprising amount of climbing into a relatively short outing, making it a favorite training route for hikers and trail runners. The path is rocky and exposed, weaving up the slope to the huge white letter that you’ve probably spotted from the freeway more than once. From the overlook, you get a sweeping perspective on the valley, highways, and surrounding peaks—a satisfying payoff for a focused burst of effort.