Although not a wilderness hike, the Mt Rubidoux Trail, nestled right in the middle of Riverside, CA, still has lots to offer and is worth a visit. A gradual, paved, family-friendly trail winds up to the top of Mt Rubidoux, where you are treated to panoramic views of the big mountain ranges, as well as attractions some historical attractions like the Serra Cross, the giant flag, and the Peace Bridge. Now there are many trails in Mt Rubidoux Park, but I'll show you the popular (and probably easiest) route to the top.
In this Guide:
Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions for the Mt Rubidoux Trail
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
And if you're a hardcore hiker and are considering this hike but don't like that it's paved, know that John Muir did this hike (really).
Where to Park for Mt Rubidoux
Official parking for the Mt Rubidoux Trail is about a five-minute walk away from the trailhead, at Ryan Bonaminio Park. There is no parking on the street in front of the trailhead. Use this trailhead address: Ryan Bonaminio Park, 5000 Tequesquite Ave, Riverside, CA 92506
Ryan Bonaminio Park is massive and has lots of parking. Note that the Mt Rubidoux Trail is very popular, and the lot can get pretty full, but generally there's always a place to park.
Parking at Ryan Bonaminio Park is free.
The park has bathrooms and picnic tables.From the park, cross the street and walk up San Andreas Ave to find the trailhead (on the left as you walk up about 5 minutes). Generally there will be a stream of people coming and going, so the street is easy to spot.
Mt Rubidoux Park is open from dawn to dusk.
There are always a lot of people on the Mt Rubidoux Trail. Here you can see the traffic to the trailhead (from the parking lot) on a weekday. To avoid the crowds, come at sunrise or on a weekday.
Gear for the Hike
This is in no way a technical hike, and you're fine with fitness clothes and sneakers. The hike is very exposed, and I generally bring 1L of water and wear sunscreen. I'd highly recommend a camera for all the incredible views.
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While there are many trails in Mt Rubidoux Park, many of them dirt, the main loop trail is all paved. If you've never done the hike before, I recommend starting with the official loop and adding some side trails if you want to explore. The park is small and has no tree cover; it's tough to get lost, if not impossible.
The trail to the summit is uphill, but gradual, without any extremely steep sections. When you go back down, you have a nice long downhill cruise.
3D Map
The trail loops up Mt Rubidoux clockwise, with a sharp turn towards the top to visit the summit. After your time at the top, you wind back down around the mountain.
Making the Hike Interesting
Here's Easter Sunrise Service at the cross on the summit in 1910. The year before, in 1909, the first outdoor non-denominational service was held here, and then became a model for similar services around the world. Today the sunrise service here is the longest-running one in the USA.
The Serra Cross (the big cross at the top) has had its share of controversy. A group advocating the separation of church and state got into a legal battle with the city, since the cross was on public land. The city ended up selling the land under the cross to a private organization called "Totally Mt. Rubidoux" which now cares for it. And in recent years, the cross, named after early missionary Junipero Serra, has occasionally been vandalized as Serra's legacy is reexamined.
My favorite attraction, aside from the views, is the Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge, built in 1925 to honor of Frank Miller. The style is based on a bridge in Alcántara, Spain, and it fits in nicely with the historic, Spanish-influenced vibe of the area. Crowds at the Peace Tower dedication in 1925. Photo Rivera Library
Once you see the park sign from the street, make the hard left into the park.Go up the path, which goes around the gate.Check the trail board at the start for any notices. It's also a decent photo spot with the cast iron sign.You can refill on water at the start.Start hiking up the paved path. Stay to the right and watch out for runners coming up behind you.Once the trail twists around, you'll see the summit ahead of you.You'll also see a few of these handy mileage markers along the way.Look for views of Mt San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California, in the distance.When you get to the junction, make the hard left. On the way back, you'll come out here after circling the mountain.Enjoy the gradual uphill.You'll get great views of Saddleback Mountain in Orange County on this stretch.As the trail twists around the mountain, there's the first of several benches along the way where you can rest.You'll also get some great views of Angeles National Forest as you hike up this part of the trail. Here's Cucamonga Peak, with a snowy Mt Baldy poking up just over the ridge behind.You're almost near the top. There's a rare shaded bench here.Soon you'll see the cross and summit ahead of you.When you get to the intersection, make the hard right.Keep heading up the paved path.And soon you'll see the Peace Tower in front of you.Go up the stairs and explore the tower and bridge. When you're finished here, continue up the trail.The trail starts to twist around to the left again.And you'll see the cross in front of you.When you get to the top, you'll find an intersection. I recommend visiting the flag first, then heading to the cross. When you're finished here, you'll head down the trail ahead.There are some good interpretive displays and historic plaques.To visit the cross, climb the steep stairs, or just go to the far right where the way up is easier.There are a lot of historic markers around the cross area.When finished at the top, head back to the intersection and go downhill.You'll be on the familiar paved path.Soon you'll arrive at the bridge you saw at an intersection earlier.Make the hard left once over the bridge to continue downhill on the paved path.The trail is a nice, long paved downhill, with lots of views.You'll see many dirt trails heading off the paved path on the north and east side of the mountain. Stay on the paved trail.There's a little boulder area that you can climb for a view.And eventually you'll reach the lower intersection where you turned at the beginning of the hike. Go straight and hike back down the path that you hiked up.And soon you're back at the trailhead gate where you started. That's the hike!
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).