Mount Rubidoux in Riverside, California

Mount Rubidoux is a great hike to conquer with the family.  This 3.5-mile easy loop trail offers beautiful views of Riverside, a peace tower, friendship bridge, American flag, and giant cross at the top of this mountain.

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A summary of our hike at Mount Rubidoux

My kids and I hiked Mount Rubidoux along with one of my brothers and his kids in early March (2022).  The weather was cooler and since there is no shade on this particular trail, it was perfect for a mid-morning hike.  Hikers are encouraged to park in the parking lot at Ryan Bonaminio Park which is adjacent to Mount Rubidoux.  Another way is to find street parking in the neighborhood at the base of the mountain.  When we arrived, we were able to find street parking near the trail head off Glenwood Dr.

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Going Up

You’ll know you are in the right place when you see the Mount Rubidoux sign arch.  Continue forward and begin making your way up.  This is a loop trail, but depending on which way you begin your trail, it will dictate your difficulty level.  The Southwest side of the mountain will have more of an incline versus the Northeast side. 

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Let’s Go!

We decided to head up the southwest side that has more of an incline.  Having littles going along this path became a challenge for them because they became tired quickly.  There was a bench on this path, and we made frequent stops to rest.  We got to see quite a few lizards along the way, including this giant lizard with a blue belly.  Was neat to view the surrounding city hiking up this side of the mountain. 

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At the Top

We made it to the top of the mountain, and it was so neat to see a 360 view of the surrounding area, especially on a clear day! There are giant steps, a cross, and the American flag.  There were some great spots to rest and relax.  We ate a quick snack and headed back down.

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Heading Down

We headed back down the other side of the mountain as we continued on the loop trail.  This path was less strenuous and had some neat sights along the way down, which included the Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge.  We took the very short excursion across the Friendship Bridge which had the Peace Tower right next to it.  (You can choose to continue the trail and walk under the Fridnshop Bridge or head up and over the bridge and back down to continue the trail.  Going over the Friendship Bridge is not stroller friendly)

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Final Thoughts

We made it full circle and we were all proud that we completed this hike, even the kids that were too tired to keep going.  I really enjoyed this one since it was kid-friendly and had some spots of interest along the trail.  Overall, it was a good time, and we would definitely hike Mount Rubidoux again!

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Details to plan this adventure:

• • Address: 4706 Mount Rubidoux Dr, Riverside, CA 92501

• • Parking/Fee: Free

• • Entrance Fee: Free

• • Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm

• • Restrooms: There are no restrooms on this loop trail, but if you park at the Ryan Bonaminio Park, there are restrooms available there.

• • Accessibility: The loop trail is paved all the way and I saw a few families with strollers.

• • Shade: There are a few trees shading the path, but they are scattered.  Definitely wear hats on a sunny day.

• • Trails/Miles: 3.5 mile loop trail.

• • Difficulty: Easy

• • Pet Friendly: Dogs are allowed on a leash.

• • Picnic Area: There are no picnic tables, but there was a bench along the trail.  At the top of the mountain there were plenty of spaces to set up your own picnic.

• • Food/Water: No water fountains on this trail, so bring water with you.  If you plan to bring a picnic/snack with you, be sure to clean up after and take all trash out with you.

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Recommended Items:

• • Water

• • Snacks: Beef jerky (This is an affiliate link), granola bars (This is an affiliate link), and dried fruit (This is an affiliate link) These are some of our favorites!

• • Pee Bag (This is an affiliate link) always good to have on hand when traveling with kids

• • Hats/sunscreen

• • First Aid Kit

• • Hand sanitizer

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Other areas of interest nearby:

• • Ryan Bonaminio Park – 5000 Tequesquite Ave. Riverside, CA 92506

• • Louis Robidoux Nature Center – 5370 Riverview drive, Riverside CA 92509

• • UCR Botanic Gardens – 1 Botanic Gardens Drive, Riverside, CA 92507

• • Two Trees Trail – 430 Two Trees Rd, Riverside, Ca 92507

• • California Citrus State Historic Park – 9400 Dufferin Ave. Riverside, CA 92504

• • Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center – 7621 Granite Hill Dr. Jurupa Valley, CA 92509

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So, what are you waiting for? Go explore!