Mt. Rubidoux Loop

Mt. Rubidoux is a spacious park located near downtown Riverside with a variety of trails climbing and circumnavigating the area. Additionally, the unique history of the mountain and park contribute to making it a very popular hiking and walking destination.

Established in 1906, Mt. Rubidoux Park was created on land purchased by Henry E. Huntington, who was responsible for developing many areas of Southern California and built the Hungtington Botanical Gardens, along with Frank Miller who helped grow the Mission Inn property in Riverside. Throughout the park, hikers will find several historical structures, along with a network of trails, overlook points, and benches.

While there is an option to stick to paved paths which begins at Ryan Bonaminio Park, this route includes a portion of dirt single track trails which tend to be free from the crowds before joining the paved path.

Beginning at Carlson Park on the mountain's north side, dirt trail begins climbing up wooden steps built into the side of the hill. Pretty quickly, the path climbs to views across Riverside County, which demonstrate the rugged geography of the area as neighboring mountains and the Santa Ana River become visible and even soon begin to dominate the urban landscape.

Hikers will likely not find many people on the dirt paths, and there are multiple forks allowing you to explore much of the mountain's circumference on these small paths. Though as you gain elevation, the trails soon meet with the paved path. This route tends to be busier with walkers and even parents pushing strollers up the 500'+ climb. 

Near the top, a spur road reaches a large flag before continuing uphill toward the Serra Cross (named after Junipero Serra). Signs of the historical nature of the mountain line the path, incluidng interpretive signs, the Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge, and other stone structures and manmade formations.

From the top, the trail loop continues. Cel service is strong here, making navigation very easy. While most of the hikers will reach and bottom and return to the Ryan Bonaminio Park, a separate dirt path forks off from the paved road and descends through the hillside before reaching the Carlson Park parking area once again.

There is very little shade anywhere on this hike. The Carlson Park parking area is open daily from 5am to 10pm.