HomeCaliforniaRiverside › Hidden Valley Nature Center

Hidden Valley Nature Center

4.6 ★★★★★ 321 Google reviews · Running trail in Riverside, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Hidden Valley Nature Center'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.

ScenicFlat & fastQuiet

Tranquil nature preserve offering scenic views & trails for hiking, cycling & horseback riding.

What runners say about Hidden Valley Nature Center

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (321 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“I sat on a bench that was well situated, facing an amazing picturesque, framed view, watching birds of wide variety of species flying and landing on the tree s' canopies.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“This place is gorgeous and serene.”

The most scenic place to hike in Riverside. There is something about walking on grassy hills that makes you feel that you are a part of a Jane Austen novel. This place is gorgeous and serene. It was also very animal friendly located in horse country, we saw dogs and horses! Please visit this gem of a place!!

★★★★★ — Nicholle , Feb 2021

Neat place, nice relaxing outdoor walk, trail area. The actual nature center is only open on Saturdays. $5 honor system parking. Porta-pottys available.

★★★★★ — Chelsie , Apr 2022

What an excellent place to hike and explore! Bring your children to the wonderful events hosted like the yearly Duck Daze. I got to see a bobcat too!

★★★★★ — Maria , Mar 2024

Oh my this is one of my favorite places to walk The only thing you hear is the birds you can say rabbit and you can say walk in or running their 🐿 squirrels 🐿 It’s just amazing to walk into the wildlife If you want to walk in peace You won’t hear no cars only the birds the natural sounds This place is amazing for the…

★★★★★ — Customer , May 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 321 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 12 mentions

“I sat on a bench that was well situated, facing an amazing picturesque, framed view, watching birds of wide variety of species flying and landing on the tree s' canopies.”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“This place is gorgeous and serene.”

More trails like this →

Flat & fast 2 mentions

“I liked the way the trails have been carved into the natural terrain, snaking down toward the pond level.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Hidden Valley Nature Center

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.
  • Websiterivcoparks.org
  • Phone(951) 785-7452

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 9 AM–4 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–4 PM
Thursday 9 AM–4 PM
Friday 9 AM–4 PM
Saturday 9 AM–4 PM
Sunday Closed

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Hidden Valley Nature Center

11401 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92505

Get directions

Running trails near Riverside

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Santa Ana River Regional Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 341 reviews

Riverside, CA

under a mile away

Hidden Valley Wildlife Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 53 reviews

Riverside, CA

Crushed gravelScenic

Open area with trails for hiking and biking, plus spacious parking.

1.0 miles away

Santa Ana River Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 76 reviews

Riverside, CA

MixedScenic

Park featuring horse trails, as well as bike paths including one that is paved and one off-road.

1.4 miles away

Pikes Peak Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 693 reviews

Norco, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Spacious park featuring playground equipment, a ball field and walking trails.

2.1 miles away

Doty Trust Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,160 reviews

Riverside, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Nature site with a water park, playground, picnicking with grills & trails with an exercise course.

2.3 miles away

Riverbend Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 96 reviews

Jurupa Valley, CA

Dog-friendly

Park featuring picnic tables, a playground, basketball courts, and disc golf.

2.3 miles away

All running trails in Riverside, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.