The hike to Pumpkin Rock is one of those things you just have to do at least once. It's obviously a great Halloween hike, and there are lots of photo opportunities. The hike is easy but the trails to Pumpkin Rock can be confusing — this guide gives you the main route up, complete with parking and bathrooms.
- Turn by Turn Hike Directions & Video
- Pumpkin Rock Trail Maps
- How to Get to Pumpkin Rock
In some respects Pumpkin Rock is a family-friendly hike. The Pumpkin is fun to see, and the hike is short enough that most kids can do it. But the rocks themselves are littered with broken glass and trash. The rock sometimes has inappropriate graffiti. So it's a mixed bag, but worth doing at least once.
What Is Pumpkin Rock?
Pumpkin Rock is a massive boulder painted painted in the style of Jack Skellington, the "Pumpkin King" of Halloween Town from The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton. Its position on a ridge above Norco, visible from the highway, has made it a bit of a landmark over the years.
Before it was painted as Pumpkin Rock it was called "elephant butt rock" because the unpainted boulder was big, gray, with a hairline crack down the middle. And over the years it's been painted many things, including a Christmas ornament and a 76 gas station ball. The pumpkin rock version has been around since the mid-1990s. Two locals repaint the rock after it gets covered in grafitti. Some hikers have also been known to go out, buy paint, and give it a touch up. Who originally painted the pumpkin? I don't know, but if you do, drop me a line.
How to Get to Pumpkin Rock
Here's the trailhead address to use: Norco Animal Control Shelter , Norco, CA, 92860, USA.
The trailhead is close to free public bathrooms; 2 minutes away from the trailhead parking at Pikes Peak Park (111 Sixth St, Norco, CA 92860).
There are a few ways to hike to Pumpkin Rock. Norco Hills has dozens of trails and they all seem to criss-cross and intertwine with each other. This route is preferable because it has plenty of parking, the trail is easy to follow without any scrambles, and there are bathrooms nearby.
Note that there's a "Pumpkin Rock Trailhead" location on Google, which is not this trailhead. You can hike there from that location but it's steeper, only offers street parking in a residential neighborhood, and isn't near bathrooms.
The hike is located in Norco, known as "Horsetown USA" where the horses allegedly outnumber the people 2:1. As you drive to the trailhead, you'll see ranches, feed stores, hitching posts in front of businesses, and probably a few people on horses. There's a horse fair, rodeos, and other equestrian events at the center where you park for the hike. It's also home to a shelter for large animals. When wildfires hit Southern California and big animals get trapped, this shelter often airlifts them out with a helicopter and sling, bringing them here. Very cool.
Gear For Pumpkin Rock
The hike is pretty short and easy, and you can do it in fitness clothes. There's no shade, and it can get really hot here.
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Check out the complete list here. ( Updated September 2024)
Pumpkin Rock Trail Maps
As you can guess, people use these trails with horses. And there's mountain bikes. Stay aware and give them a wide berth.
If you want to extend the hike, Norco Hills is full of trails. It's all pretty contained, so feel free to just wander. I had cell phone reception and just fired up Google Maps satellite view whenever I needed help. If you just want to go a little longer, I just recommend continuing on the main trail on Norco Ridge (more on that below).
How Will You Navigate?
Using the Apple Watch for Hiking
Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers
How To Read a Topographic Map
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review
Pumpkin Rock Hike Directions
Need More Info?
- Have a question about the guide? Join my Patreon and ask me a question.
- When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
- Do you have an update to this guide? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to update the guide.
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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!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.