Photo courtesy of Matthikes7.0
Over the years I have received several questions on stroller and kid-friendly hikes in the IE. Since it’s such a common request, I put out the question to HikeIE followers and boy did you guys deliver.
Please note that I have not personally done all of these trails so if you have questions, I suggest you do some research via the Googles, because that’s what I’ll end up doing to find the answer, and there’s no reason to have a middleman… person… in all of this. When I was an adviser and one of my students asked me a question, I would first respond with “Did you Google it before asking me?” nine times out of ten they would sheepishly turn around and go back to their desks.
Google is your friend. Ask the Google.
Some notes:
- Mileages: All listed mileages are RT
- Strollers: When it says “Stroller friendly” it is because someone actually said they used a stroller on it or I’ve personally seen someone using a stroller. Fire roads are usually stroller friendly but they may have an incline so that doesn’t mean they’re easy. Also I know nothing about strollers so I can’t tell you if your Baby Hikerton III stroller is going to be good enough or not. Although with a name like that I would REALLY hope it’s good for hiking.
- Uphill: Where relevant, I’ve added elevation information. Everyone has their own level in terms of what is strenuous and what is not, so please use this info when making a decision. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t know every one of my follower’s hiking abilities.
- Kids: I often get questions asking me if I think their kid can do a trail… and my response is to shrug and say “I dunno, bro, can she?” Every kid is different. There are ten-year-olds that can’t walk a mile and there are three-year-olds that can climb Mt. Baldy (#Harperhikedit). I don’t know your kid but I’ve provided as much information as I can for you to make that decision on your child’s ability.
- Adventure Pass: many trails require an adventure pass for parking. You can pick these up at a ranger station or any sporting goods store (Big 5, etc.). Passes are $5 for a day, $30 for a year, or $35 for two annual passes. Also, if you have an annual National Parks Pass you can use that as your adventure pass–you just need to display it from your mirror.
- Updates: I plan for this to be updated so if you have suggestions on additional hikes, please send me a DM via Instagram or email me at: hikeinlandempire@gmail.com
And finally, if you go out there and something isn’t exactly kid or stroller friendly, please DO NOT YELL at me, man.
I’m a person. A person with feelings. Please remember that I’m trying best to be helpful. That being said, if something is wrong, corrections can be sent to hikeinlandempire@gmail.com.
And now, on to the hikes!
Riverside/Moreno Valley/Corona/Perris/Murrieta:
Box Springs Reserve
Riverside/Moreno Valley, CA
Various mileage; can be stroller friendly
Anyone who follows HikeIE knows that Box Springs is one of my favorite places ever. It’s best visited in the spring when the hills are green and wildflowers are blooming. The main road is a fire road that is stroller friendly with several other trails branching off. If you’re lucky you’ll see wild burros, hawks and various other wildlife. There are also boulders for the more adventurous kids to climb.
You can also take the fire road to the Moreno Valley M with about 1800 feet of elevation gain for a 7.3 mile RT hike. But you don’t have to go that far to enjoy the park.
Parking is $5 using the honor system at Box Springs Park; however it does close at sundown so be sure to leave before then or a ranger in a Jeep will come find you and yell at you… not that that’s happened to me or anything.
Leashed dog friendly. Please note that little dogs are susceptible to owls/hawks/coyotes in the area (one was just taken last week) making it even more important that you keep your dog on a leash.
Hidden Valley Nature Center
Riverside, CA
25 miles of hiking and equestrian trails; stroller friendly fire roads.
Open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Parking is $5.
Dog friendly but a fee of $1. Dogs must stay on leash
Pumpkin Rock
Norco, CA
1.2 Miles; 370 ft elevation gain; not stroller friendly.
This hike does have a pretty steep incline but it is a fairly short trek. There are numerous trails that branch off to get there, but as long as you head towards the pumpkin you’re fine.
I wouldn’t recommend strollers and please make sure your shoes have some grip. I took a kiddo there recently and he fell a couple of times due to the steepness, but he got up like a champ!
Street parking
Dog friendly
Mt. Rubidoux
Riverside, CA
4 miles at 500 ft. elevation gain; Stroller friendly paved fire road.
This is an extremely popular hike and for good reason—paved, and kid friendly, great views and a castle at the top! Although the castle kind of smells like pee 😦
In my opinion the best time to hike this is on Sunday afternoons when it is a little less crowded.
Parking is free at Ryan Bonaminio Park or on the street.
Dog friendly; please keep your dogs on leash.
Moreno Valley Hiking Trails at Trailridge Way
Moreno Valley, CA
This one was sent to me by a follower but we’re not sure exactly what the trail is called. She says it’s by the Walmart off Moreno Beach and is a flat terrain where she takes her six-year-old for walks. From the pictures on Facebook it looks pretty stroller friendly. She says it is clean, quiet, and safe.
This follower parks at the Wal-Mart.
Looks to be dog friendly
If you happen to know what this trail is called, please let me know!
Santa Rosa Plateau
Murrieta, CA
Tons of trails with various mileage. Some stroller friendly areas.
This one might be a drive but it’s definitely worth it if you have kids. Tons of wildlife and different trails that lead you do adobe structures, through fields, and if it’s the right time of year, vernal pools. A lot of exposed areas so bring sunscreen.
No parking fee, but a usage fee of $4 for adults, $3 for children.
No pets allowed.
Sycamore Canyon
Riverside, CA
Nature Center with over 25 miles of official trails and guided hikes; not stroller friendly
Hikes are usually .6 miles and last 45-60 minutes, easy enough for small children. Strollers are not recommended. Check out their calendar of events
No parking fee
Leashed dog friendly
Skyline
Corona, CA
Fire road that tops out at the Doppler for a total of 11.5 miles; stroller friendly fire road.
The great thing about Skyline is that you can turn around at any point. The elevation gain is that of a typical fire road; however it is completely exposed so mornings or afternoons are suggested.
Within Skyline you can also explore Tin Mine Canyon for a total of 4.5 miles and 695 elevation gain making it good for kids. Hagador Canyon at 4.2 miles and 606 feet of elevation gain is also an option. There is TONS of poison oak on these side trails so keep your kids close. Both offer beautiful scenery. Strollers are not recommended for these side trails so if you need to bring one, I suggest to stick to the fire road.
Parking is free on Foothill; however, this is a very popular trail so it’s recommended to get there early to get parking.
Dog friendly
UCR Botanic Gardens
Riverside, CA
4 miles of hilly trails; not stroller friendly
Over 40 acres of gardens with plants from throughout the world. This is a gem of the UCR campus. They often do special events such as moonlight tours.
Parking by dispenser is $2 for one hour and $3 for two hours.
Not dog friendly.
Open 8:00 a.m. to Sundown and closed on administrative holidays.
Terri Peak
Perris, CA
4.6 miles with 954 ft. elevation gain; not stroller friendly
This hike is recommended for kids that are more conditioned and offers beautiful views of Lake Perris.
Parking: This is in a recreation area, so it is $10 to get in but it does give you access to the lake.
Leashed dogs.
Upland/Claremont/Rancho Cucamonga Area
Claremont Loop
Claremont, CA
4.9 miles; 823 feet elevation gain; stroller friendly fire road.
A popular fire road trail with views of the Inland Empire. This trail is completely exposed so morning or afternoon is recommended.
Parking is $6 at the trailhead
Dog friendly
Etiwanda Falls
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
3.4 miles 790 feet; not stroller friendly
This is a fairly popular trail that features a waterfall at the top. It is completely exposed so morning or afternoon is recommended.
Parking is free at the trailhead
Dogs are not allowed
Icehouse Canyon
Mt. Baldy, CA
Mileage depends; not stroller friendly.
Technically this 7.9 miles RT to the Icehouse Saddle, but you don’t need to go that far with kids and I wouldn’t recommend you do. The first part of the trail is the part that’s great for kids although it is not stroller friendly. It’s shaded, with a stream to follow and has little elevation gain. Just stop when you get to the crazy rocky area.
Adventure pass required for parking and the lot fills up VERY fast on the weekends, so get there very early (early as in 6 a.m.) or in the afternoon when hikers are coming back.
Leashed dogs are allowed.
Johnson’s Pasture
Claremont, CA
4.3 miles with 843 feet of elevation gain; Stroller friendly fire road.
Views of Claremont and Upland. Several reviewers suggest to use Alltrails on this one as it’s easy to get lost.
Parking is free at Thompson Creek
Dog friendly
Pacific Electric Bike Trail
(Various)
18.1 mile trail with various entry points. Stroller friendly, paved or crushed granite. From the site:
“The segment in Rancho Cucamonga includes a 10-foot-wide, concrete trail for bikes and the same width side path of decomposed granite for running, walking and horseback riding. The segment in Upland is asphalt, and is nicely landscaped, leading through residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors before connecting to Claremont.”
Several parking locations
Dog friendly
Potato Mountain
Claremont, CA
4.6 miles with 1289 ft. elevation gain. Stroller friendly fire road.
A popular trail on a dirt fire road. Shaded for a great deal of it except as you get closer to the top. Two dirt lots are at Evey Palmer Canyon and Mt. Baldy Rd.; however this is a very popular trail so it can be hard to get a spot.
Parking is free. Please also know that car break-ins are extremely common here–I actually had my passport stolen–so do not leave ANYTHING valuable in your cars.
Dog friendly
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Claremont, CA
Stroller friendly
86 acres of botanic gardens featuring native California Plants, a library and several tours and educational activities.
$9 adults; kids $4; under 3 free.
Redlands/Yucaipa/Loma Linda
San Timoteo Nature Sanctuary
Redlands, CA
3.8 miles with 200 ft. of elevation gain. Stroller friendly although it is slightly sandy in one part
This is a 200 acre preserve that is cared for by the Redlands Conservancy. Parts of this trail are exposed so be sure to bring sunscreen.
Parking is free
Leashed dogs only
Hulda Crooks Jedi Trail
Loma Linda, CA
5.6 miles with 1000 ft. elevation gain. Not stroller friendly.
According to the reviews you’ll probably want Alltrails and GPS as the trail is not clearly marked.
Parking is free
Dog friendly
Los Rios Rancho/ Oak Glen Preserve
Oak Glen, CA
2.4 miles with 357 elevation gain. Stroller friendly fire road.
This hike features a lake and is very kid friendly. It is suggested to check out Los Rios Rancho’s site for family friendly activities including apple picking.
Parking is free
Leashed dogs OK
Socal Mountains
Ernie Maxwell
Idyllwild, CA
4.8 miles with 875 ft. elevation gain; stroller not recommended.
A shaded trail with wildflowers. Five people recommend this one when I did the call for suggestions, so it must be good!
Adventure pass required
Leashed dogs only
Heart Rock
Valley of Enchantment (Crestline), CA
1.7 miles with 227 feet of elevation gain. Not stroller friendly.
I grew up in Crestline so I have a soft spot for this place. A great hike for kids that leads you down into deep creek where there is a heart shape that has been carved out by water fall over the years.
What’s super cool about this hike is that you can see grinding stones used by Native Americans if you look hard enough.
Parking is in a dirt lot; not sure if you need a pass, so you may want to have an adventure pass just in case.
Leashed dog friendly
Heaps Peak Arboretum
Sky Forest, CA
.75 mile with 90 ft elevation change; stroller friendly dirt path.
The Sequoia Trail takes you through the grove that was planted in the 1930s and is particularly pretty when the dogwoods are blooming.
Adventure pass required
Leashed dogs only.
What’s best is that you can go to the very famous Santa’s Village afterward! I used to get gingerbread men at the bakery there as a kid. There was no reason to mention that right now other than the fact that I’m hungry.
Lake Gregory
Crestline, CA
2.3 miles; 65 ft elevation gain; not stroller friendly
Another one from my hometown! This trail is awesome and I used to run it in High School. Well, “run” is an overstatement. I used to barely trot along it in High School. Anyway, the trail is shaded, beautiful and definitely kid friendly. In the springtime you can see frogs! Or at least you used to be able to.
Parking is free at the San Moritz lodge (if you park at the entrance to the swim area it’s $10)
Dogs on leashes are allowed
Outside Riverside/San Bernardino Counties:
Carbon Canyon Park
Brea, CA
2.5 miles with 75 ft. elevation gain; Stroller friendly dirt path
10 acre redwood forest, the only one of its kind in Southern California. The park also has kid friendly activities including three parks.
Parking is $3 on weekdays, $5 on weekends or you can use an OC Parks Pass.
Dog friendly
Red Rock Canyon
Lake Forest, CA
4.2 miles with 420 ft. elevation gain; not stroller friendly
A relatively easy hike that features red rock similar to what you would see in Arizona. There is also a lot wildlife, including mountain lions, so be mindful.
There is a parking fee (you pay at the kiosk)
Not dog friendly
Eaton Canyon
Pasadena, CA
3.8 miles with 592 ft. elevation gain; not stroller friendly
This hike features a 40 ft. waterfall and wading pool. The last third of the hike is the prettiest part, as it’s shaded and involves numerous water crossings.
Parking is free but fills up quickly on weekends
Leashed dog friendly
Michael D Antonovich Trail
San Dimas, CA
6 miles with 475 ft. elevation gain. Not stroller friendly as there are stream crossings.
Trail features a lake and is good for kids, but has poison oak, so please be mindful. Reviewers also says that it can be somewhat easy to get lost, so Alltrails and GPS are recommended.
Free parking
Dog friendly
Monrovia Canyon Park
Monrovia, CA
5.8 miles with 1279 ft. of elevation gain; not stroller friendly.
Has a waterfall and is shaded; good for kids who can handle the distance.
$5 parking fee weekdays, $6 weekends
Dog friendly
Palomar Observatory
Aguanga, CA
4.8 miles with 754 ft. elevation gain; not stroller friendly
This shaded trail takes you to the top of Palomar Mountain where there is an Observatory with three large telescopes. The observatory has been in operation since the mid 1930s and has discovered dwarf planets and comets.
Adventure Pass required or pay the $5 usage fee
Dogs on leash
Sturtevant Falls
Arcadia, CA
3.25 miles, 400 feet elevation gain; not stroller friendly.
One of the nicest and most scenic waterfalls in the area. Lots of shade and greenery, but also lots of bugs in the summer so it’s best accessed during the winter or late fall.
This has a pretty decent hill at the end when you’re coming back so probably best for kids who are willing to make the climb.
I’m not going to lie to you, parking for this is horrendous. Literally one of the worst parking experiences you may ever have. Like, you might have flashbacks and night terrors kind of bad. It starts from the same trailhead as Mt. Wilson and I’ve gotten there at 6 a.m. and the lot has been full. When you arrive in the afternoon, you will see cars parked with half the body on the highway, three miles down the road (I’m not exaggerating).
Your best bet is to do this on a weekday if you do not want to get there super early. Adventure pass is also required.
Leashed dogs OK
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