HomeCaliforniaNorco › Pumpkin Rock

Pumpkin Rock

4.7 ★★★★★ 436 Google reviews · Running trail in Norco, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Pumpkin Rock'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.

Natural surfaceShadedScenicStroller / ADAHillyRestroomsTrailhead parking

Painted like a large jack-o'-lantern, this rock sits at the top of a hill with sweeping views.

What runners say about Pumpkin Rock

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (436 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Stunning views at the top — I’d suggest going at sunset to avoid the scathing heat during the day!”

🌳 shaded & cool 3 mentions

“No shade at all so bring lots of water.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“This was a very nice, easy hike.”

This was a really cool hike. I happened upon this by merely looking at the Google map app. I saw a random photo in the map of this area and needed to come see this. It was worth it. I recommend going the longer way by the golf course. It’s a more scenic route and worth it. I highly highly recommend this hike.

★★★★★ — Carlos , Mar 2023

Quick hike to a large rock painted like a pumpkin. Given that it’s October, a friend and I figured it would be very seasonal to check this spot out. When you put in directions, you’ll be driving through neighborhoods and you should look for a park entrance in order to find the trailhead.

★★★★☆ — Shanelle , Oct 2020

Short and fun hike! Park at Pikes Peak park then walk uphill and you’ll see signs for the trailhead to pumpkin rock. Took me about 25 mins to get to the rock. Stunning views at the top — I’d suggest going at sunset to avoid the scathing heat during the day! Very cute big rock. Great for families!

★★★★★ — Cara , Jun 2025

Did this hike last year in the early morning last September as it was on my bucket list of things to do in LA. This hike is completely in the open so i advise taking a bottle or two of water since anytime other than morning or dusk it will be hot.

★★★★★ — P , Oct 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 436 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 18 mentions

“Views from the top are amazing and lots of cool scenery - also some cool horse statues along the way.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 9 mentions

“We passed the horse sculptures and walked past another hiker who told us that the easier less steep route is where the USA signage is.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 7 mentions

“When you put in directions, you’ll be driving through neighborhoods and you should look for a park entrance in order to find the trailhead.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 3 mentions

“No shade at all so bring lots of water.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“To start the hike follow the road up and once you reach the dirt trail, there are several ways to go to the top.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“No bathrooms are available.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“The trail is moderately challenging, but the hike is relatively short, making it accessible for most people.”

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Plan your run at Pumpkin Rock

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • 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.
  • ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.

Hours

Monday 9 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–6 PM
Thursday 9 AM–6 PM
Friday 9 AM–6 PM
Saturday 7 AM–10 PM
Sunday 7 AM–10 PM

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 Pumpkin Rock

Vandermolen Drive, Crestview Dr, Norco, CA 92860

Get directions

Running trails near Norco

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

Great pumpkin trail

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Norco, CA

under a mile away

Norco Hills

4.5 ★★★★★ 48 reviews

Norco, CA

Scenic

under a mile away

Pikes Peak Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 693 reviews

Norco, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

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

under a mile away

Pumpkin rock hike

4.8 ★★★★★ 32 reviews

Norco, CA

Scenic

under a mile away

Ridge Ranch Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 14 reviews

Norco, CA

under a mile 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.

under a mile away

All running trails in Norco, 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.