Hiking & Biking

If you are like us, you are surrounded by the cries from people denouncing anything inland for the beauty of the beach. While the Pacific Ocean and its shimmering waves hold a power of attraction, the price and the compactness of people shies us away from it. What you do not hear is the absolute beauty of the mountainous and spaciousness of the Inland Empire.  A valley situated below the San Bernardino mountains which expand 60 miles to then sitting adjacent to San Jacinto which towers at 10,833 feet (still not the tallest in the area, that being San Gorgonio which tops 11,503 feet at the tippity top) you are surrounded by immense beauty. This leads one to realize, that there is much outdoor activity to be had in the East Valley area of the Inland Empire. We have put together some of our favorite hiking and biking spots for you to explore.

Yucaipa

Along with 21 miles of horse trails embedded into the city, there are some great hikes just right outside your door.

Wildwood Canyon State Park- a series of 4 trails that average about 3 miles each. area has abandoned farms and an old house. Live Oak trees, deer, and meadows encompass this beautiful area. Truly one of our favorites. 12241 Canyon Dr, Yucaipa, CA 92399

Crafton Hills- boarders Mentone and Yucaipa. Offers sweeping views of Redlands and the San Bernardino mountains. 4875 Campus Dr, Yucaipa, CA 92399 (trailhead located on Crafton Hills College Campus)

Beaumont

Bogart Regional Park– 400 acres of woodland, foothill meadows, ponds, and trails host all sorts of bike riders, picnickers, and horse riders. Really a pretty hidden spot. There is a fee for entry. 9600 International Park Rd, Cherry Valley, CA 92223

Oak Glen

Oak Glen is apple country and 10 minutes up the road from Yucaipa. It jumps to 5,500 feet rather quickly so you can actually get weather and a change of seasons locally.  

Oak Glen Preserve– a protected area that contains trails, ponds, a children’s garden, streams and believe it or not…Sequoias. Absolutely stunning place! Free.  39611 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399

Redlands

Redlands is home of the University of Redlands that boasts not just an adorable downtown and historic houses but has some pretty nice trails of its own.

San Timoteo Nature Sanctuary– trails that venture to and fro following the river line.  Carriage Trail, Redlands, CA 92373 

Banning

Banning has a much more mountainous area to it than what you see off the freeway. Explore!

Forest Rte 4S02, Banning, CA 92220