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Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 918 Google reviews · Running trail in Riverside, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sycamore Canyon Wilderness 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.
Several trails connect this 1,424-acre public space to the communities surrounding it.
What runners say about Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
“The views are absolutely gorgeous, you can see a great deal of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.”
“Miles of smiles and trails for Hiking and Mountain biking with minimal to no trees for shade while out and about.”
This is a great place to come and hike, especially if it has rained recently. There isn't a whole lot of shade so plan accordingly. There are a lot of hills so make sure you are prepared for a good workout. The best part is by far the views you get of the surrounding areas.
Miles of smiles and trails for Hiking and Mountain biking with minimal to no trees for shade while out and about. This is best visited on cooler days. Bring plenty of water!
I really enjoy this place. It's a bit of the wilderness in the middle of the city lol whichever direction you go takes you across elevations up high and down low. It's pretty big too, I don't believe I've made it halfway yet going into it. But I have been across it's width bc I take a bunch of the random paths.
Great if you're looking good a hike or bike experience. Miles and miles of moderate trails that are fun to explore. Coyotes and rabbits can be commonly sighted, even saw a rattlesnake once.
Trail conditions & character
“The views are absolutely gorgeous, you can see a great deal of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.”
“I hiked in early March after a strong rainy winter and the hills were lush and green, an abundance of wildflowers we're present and a small creek was flowing in the lower canyon.”
“There is a parking lot and a nature center but be sure to check the hours before your visit if planning on using these amenities.”
“Miles of smiles and trails for Hiking and Mountain biking with minimal to no trees for shade while out and about.”
“Besides, when you drive down the hill at dusk, you get another breathtaking view of Riverside with sparkling city lights.”
Plan your run at Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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 — reported by runners
- Websiteriversideca.gov
- Phone(951) 826-2596
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 1–5 PM |
| Friday | 1–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–5 PM |
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.
Sycamore Highlands Park
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Andulka Park
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Bordwell Park
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Two Trees Trail
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Easy hike with scenic views, plus coyotes and trails for kids, burros and donkeys.
Riverside County Regional Park & Open Space District
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Moreno Valley M
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Hiking area and tourist attraction offering a scenic view.