HomeCaliforniaHemet › Simpson Park

Simpson Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 485 Google reviews · Running trail in Hemet, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

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

Confirmed from Simpson Park'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 surfaceScenicDog-friendlyHillyRestroomsWater

Park offering hiking and mountain biking trails, plus a public restroom.

What runners say about Simpson Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (485 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“It's so beautiful and fun exploring, be careful though, we saw a diamond back a few weeks ago.”

Great park for easy to moderate hiking and biking. Beautiful view of the San Jacinto valley and the Diamond Valley lake. Great place for family. Park is kept clean. I would recommend to visit durning early/mid spring.

★★★★★ — Angel , Jul 2023

Great place but today 3/24/22 I came across a huge rattlesnake called: Panamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus Stephensi) climbing the rocks on “Lichen” aka “Lakeview” hiking path.

★★★★★ — Andrea , Jun 2022

I love to bring my dog up here to walk around the trails and take in the sights over the valley. It’s a little Zen spot sitting up on the biggest boulder, especially on a clear day. My dog got her first look at snow for the first time here in January. The flora and fauna and the rock formations are always fascinating.

★★★★★ — Kirstina , Jun 2021

Very cool place bring water and a good pair of shoes many hiking trails from moderate to difficult. the park does close at a specific time be aware of that or you will get locked in

★★★★☆ — Victor , May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 485 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 15 mentions

“It's so beautiful and fun exploring, be careful though, we saw a diamond back a few weeks ago.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 8 mentions

“Many people do bring their dogs here if you plan to bring dogs who don't do well around others or want to be alone.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 6 mentions

“A long drive up a road to the top of a hill where there are benches for picnics.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“Big outdoor shaded area perfect to hang out at with a horseshoe pit (bring your own horseshoes) water fountain and bathrooms.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“Big outdoor shaded area perfect to hang out at with a horseshoe pit (bring your own horseshoes) water fountain and bathrooms.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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Plan your run at Simpson Park

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.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitehemetca.gov
  • Phone+1 951-765-3712

Hours

Monday 6 am–8 pm
Tuesday 6 am–8 pm
Wednesday 6 am–8 pm
Thursday 6 am–8 pm
Friday 6 am–8 pm
Saturday 6 am–8 pm
Sunday 6 am–8 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 Simpson Park

28505 Rawlings Rd, Hemet, CA 92544

Get directions

Running trails near Hemet

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

McSweeny Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 207 reviews

Hemet, CA

Shaded

Community park featuring a playground, picnic tables, and athletic facilities.

2.9 miles away

Valley-Wide's Diamond Valley Lake Community Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 835 reviews

Hemet, CA

ShadedScenic

Straightforward, 85-acre park with multiple ball fields, picnic areas & a fitness trail.

3.9 miles away

Northeast Trailhead Entrance

4.4 ★★★★☆ 38 reviews

Hemet, CA

Scenic

4.2 miles away

5.0 miles away

Mary Henley Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,522 reviews

Hemet, CA

ShadedDog-friendly

Park offering a playground, basketball courts, and fitness equipment, plus picnic tables and a restroom.

5.0 miles away

Rancho Park

4.1 ★★★★☆ 533 reviews

San Jacinto, CA

Shaded

Family-friendly, tree-shaded park featuring a basketball court, baseball field and tennis court.

5.0 miles away

All running trails in Hemet, 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.