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Box Springs Mountain Reserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,218 Google reviews · Running trail in Moreno Valley, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Box Springs Mountain Reserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
1,100 sloping acres with 15 miles of trails accessible to hikers, mountain bikers & equestrians.
What runners say about Box Springs Mountain Reserve
“The views are incredible, the air feels clean, and the trails give you plenty of options whether you want a quick walk or a serious hike.”
“Box Springs Mountain Reserve – Beautiful, Peaceful, and Full of Life Box Springs Mountain Reserve is one of the best outdoor spots in the Inland Empire.”
“Box Springs Mountain Reserve – Beautiful, Peaceful, and Full of Life Box Springs Mountain Reserve is one of the best outdoor spots in the Inland Empire.”
We had a great time. Went on a Friday afternoon and had the entire park to ourselves. Was easily hundreds of donkeys. We were going to hike the Skyline trail but there were so many donks on that side of the park that we hiked the Edison trail instead and took a side trail to a ridge top that overlooks UC Riverside.
Went around 5PM. Not crowded at all. Nice views of the surrounding cities. Road was dirt to get to the parking lot atop the hill. Be careful of the donkeys roaming the road. They don't seem to be fenced in anywhere.
DO NOT feed the donkeys from your car!!! They will get hit because they will run up to cars and think they have food. You can feed the donkeys at the top of the mountain. You can feed them carrots and celery ONLY!!! Drive slow donkeys are everywhere. I love this place will definitely be back soon.
Just wanted to go because there were wild donkeys all over the place lol. Hiked the Edison trail. There's quite a few trails to take. Hiking shoes or shoes with a lot of grip definitely recommended.
Trail conditions & character
“Box Springs Mountain Reserve – Beautiful, Peaceful, and Full of Life Box Springs Mountain Reserve is one of the best outdoor spots in the Inland Empire.”
“If you want fresh air, green hills, wildlife, and a peaceful escape close to home, Box Springs Mountain Reserve is a must‑visit.”
“Just keep in mind that the gate parking lot closes at 6 PM, so plan your hike with enough time to get back.”
“Took the dogs out to the box springs trail-always a donkey sighting guarantee.”
“Box Springs Mountain Reserve – Beautiful, Peaceful, and Full of Life Box Springs Mountain Reserve is one of the best outdoor spots in the Inland Empire.”
“where we had an awesome view of our sun setting and the lights of the city below that began to illuminate the night time sky.”
“The park is clean bathroom is clean, Picnic area shaded trees.”
“I didn’t see a water fountain but there are 3 picnic tables I believe.”
Plan your run at Box Springs Mountain Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiterivcoparks.org
- Phone(800) 234-7275
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near Moreno Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Two Trees Trail
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Moreno Valley M
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Box Springs Mountain Reserve
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Shadow Mountain Park
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