Zanja Peak Trail Head is easily a five star hiking/biking location. I was expecting it to be an…read moreeasy hike, but man was I wrong. I hike here and there, but for zanja I had to take a few breaks on the way up. This location offers many routes and it all depends on your skills. It is most inclines with very few declines. Signs and easy to follow dirt routes will guide you all the way up and down. Worth of advice, bring some water, snacks and some hiking shoes. There is no problem using running shows, but hiking boots make it easier. The Zanja trails are located in a good area near nice neighborhoods, but I did see a few transients. Dirt parking is available at the entrance and cell reception works just fine. The scenery is totally worth the challenge.

Great hike, lots of different paths to take. Definitely be cautious of mountain bikers as they tend…read moreto haul ass down, but are polite and courteous. Some steep inclines but nothing too bad or dangerous. Some shade when you're about half wayish. Definitely go early morning or evening in summer. Nothing but friendly people, and a good time! Plenty of parking in the trail lots, and there are business close by if needing restrooms.

The San Gorgonio wilderness is 58,969 acres of incredible wilderness. There are numerous trails…read moreand is a great place to go for a day hike or a weekend backpacking trip. My husband planned a wonderful trip for Labor day and even though this is one of the most popular trails and on a 3 day weekend, it wasn't crowded. We saw a good number of groups but there was very little passing along the trails. This particular trailhead is located only about 1.5 hours from West LA and really easy to get to. Just past the town of Mentone, continue along highway 38 about 20 minutes past the ranger station and arrive at Jenks Lake where the trailhead begins just past the paved parking lot. To summit Mt. Gorgonio, which is the highest peak in southern California at 11,502 ft is the ultimate goal and starting from this particular trailhead it will be a trip of about 24 miles. It can be done in one very long day or campsites are available for a more leisurely trip. Permits are required but are free. To park you need an adventure pass to display on your car. To get a permit you need to send in for one using the website listed above. Parking passes can be purchased in advance at REI. The trail head at Jenks Lake starts you off at 6,900 ft. After 2.5 miles is Poop Out hill where the trail will split to Dry Lake or Dollar Lake. We took the route towards Dry Lake. It is about 7.5 miles from the trail head until Dry Lake at 9,000 ft. Dry Lake is where some campsites are offered, it is also the place to stop and refill your water. As with all backpacking, you have to carry in everything you need including water. You can refill here using your preferred sanitation method. There are two campsites at Dry Lake and the next site is Trail Flats about 1.3 miles past Dry Lake, which is where we camped. From Trail Flats, you can begin the summit at Sky High Trail and will be another 4 miles to the top. This is incredible scenery and remember to bring plenty of water as your last water source was Dry Creek. Also bring a hat because at this elevation, you probably don't want the sun beaming down on you. There are a good number of switchbacks but I didn't find it to be that strenuous but at that point, I had put down my 25lb pack at the camp site. It will take about 2.5 hours and affords incredible views including the wreckage of plane. The main perk of taking this trail is that the ascents are gradual. The scenery is just amazing and the trails are well maintained. It's incredible to see entire hillsides and trees just flattened due to previous avalanches. The trees are just beautiful and even uprooted are interesting and intricate. Overall I really enjoyed this trip as it can be taken as leisurely as you'd like or as quickly (and much more strenuously) as you'd like. The air is thin but it feels wonderful to get away from the smog of LA. The view a the top includes Mt. Baldy, the San Bernardinos, Mt San Jacinto, and various other things I probably can't identify. The hike goes through mostly tall shaded trees but changes to rocky meadows and falling trees, and some small streams to cross. It's anything but boring! Be careful of altitude sickness, it can hit at any moment, be prepared for possible rain, and enjoy this beautiful wilderness. Check out this great blog for more detail: http://www.modernhiker.com/2009/09/22/hiking-san-gorgonio-mountain-via-south-fork-trail/

The trail reopened in 2017. It's a nice area for the most part, but the fire that came through…read morereally destroyed a lot of the environment. The first part of the hike really looks like a warzone, or some scary setting for a Lord of the Rings film. Luckily there are small trees sprouting from the ashes, as well as bushes closer to the ground that are thriving. The second half of the trail looks more normal, right around Dollar Lake, then soon after that the trees eventually thin out as they're starved of oxygen at higher altitudes. Unfortunately this place will take a while to fully recover, but it will be fun seeing it come back to life. My dad really loved the meadows and ferns and lush greener that used to be here, but I didn't get a chance to see it, and now it's gone. If you want a longer hike and gentler incline to the top of San Gorgonio, this is the one for you. If you want scenery not devastated by a fire, and a little shorter with a more rapid incline, I'd recommend starting at the Vivian Creek trailhead instead.

This was a nice and easy hike around 5 miles round trip. It's pretty much out and back. Theres a…read moregood amount of parking near the trail. The parking can get busy since there's other trails nearby. Where we started, there was a creek right in the beginning. There's a distinct trail to follow and the terrain isn't too bad. Theres some rocks here and there. The views were amazing as we were able to see different types of trees, mountain, birds, and squirrels. It got a little repetitive towards the end because it looked like we were passing by the same thing over and over.

This is such a perfect hiking trail!!! It's called the scenic route but I think the distance and…read moreslow incline are a perfect workout for those of us that don't go hiking too often. It's a very beautiful trail with a couple creeks and lot of people with their dogs. Would definitely hike this trail again just for a calming walk with nice views.

After taking the tram up, we spent some time walking around Mount San Jacinto State Park, and it…read moreended up being one of the most relaxing parts of the trip. It's a big contrast from the desert below , cool air, tall pine trees, and quiet forest trails. The trails around Long Valley are pretty easy, so you don't need to be a serious hiker. It's perfect for a casual walk, taking photos, or just enjoying the mountain scenery. We saw squirrels and chipmunks, and I've heard people sometimes spot deer around here too. One thing to know: it's much colder up here than in Palm Springs, so bring a light jacket and wear comfortable shoes because you'll probably end up walking more than planned. It's a nice little nature break after the tram ride, and definitely worth spending some time here before heading back down.

Great trails and hikes! Beautiful! Would definitely recommend making a stop here if in the area for…read moresome outdoor time.

This place is just beautiful. I have to go once a week to enjoy the sound of and see the rushing…read morewater. It is very peaceful with amazing vistas. Priceless. Opens at 8am. Make sure to check the description of the trails online and bring what you need for what you intend to do. They have clean restrooms in the parking area and picnic benches too. The profound peace in this place is addicting.

Whitewater Preserve - 5 stars…read more Gorgeous, peaceful, and not overrun with influencers taking selfies on rocks. The trails are clean, the water's crystal clear, and the canyon views hit every time. No, you can't fish here--the trout were booted for wrecking the ecosystem. Deal with it. Now it's just nature the way it's supposed to be. Easy parking, spotless bathrooms, and the sound of water flowing all around you. Bring water, respect the land, clock out and enjoy the beauty of what we often overlook in life.

When we first moved to Hemet I was so excited that there was a lake down the way. The largest man…read moremade lake in Cali. We found the blue prints of the original plans at the Hemet Library in the historical section. They lied so many different ways from Sunday to get these plans approved, but... they were. The Cafe that was supposed to be there isn't along with a few more amenities. This was a quarry that turned into a lake that was supposed to attract so many new fishing tourists and utterly failed. To start with it is only open Wednesdays through Sundays. The marina and lake access are typically open from 5:45 am to 4:15 pm, though hours can vary, with last entry at 3:15 pm. The lake is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The boat rentals are outrageous and coming back so early is horrible. The only thing I've ever caught here are dead birds stuck floating due to fishing line never being removed from the trees above water. I have seen fish here. None of them look healthy except the trout they have shipped in trout stocking season that typically runs from November to April. You have to pay to park, you have to pay to fish, you have to pay to walk, you have to pay, pay, pay. This is outrageous. Now you have hired people sitting in lawn chairs with umbrellas making sure you aren't walking the trail for free? #epicfail. I tried to walk down to the boat launch today to see where the water level was because I'd considered trying to come back again... I was stopped. I was told that because I didn't pay that I am not longer able to walk down to the docks for liability reasons. Are you serious? So if I paid $4 to walk the trail, or the $9 to fish then I would no longer be in danger? I am over you. It's only 45 minutes to two separate lakes that are much better. Have a good day. Greed never wins. Ps, the water level is low lol

It must have been a bad day the fishing was not great. But it very well could have been a bad day…read moreon the lake however just being out on the water (lake) was nice! Very nice open space and area just possibly a bad day for fishing.

The actual center has local animals in taxidermy and some live ones as well. They also have a…read morevariety of plants and bugs on display which helps to learn about the area. The lady working was knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely stop by.

Cute little place. Perfect for nature lovers and families with little kids. Multiple options for…read moretrails. Price is extremely affordable!!

This is a great hiking trail: open space, views, and still close to town. Located in San Timoteo…read moreCanyon it is readily accessible. At the beginning of the trail is a small, but adequate blacktop parking area. It is also dirt bike friendly with wide paths. Please see my trail maps pic. This shows the overview of the area, and a website for specific maps. At the end of the trail is a loop to a great lookout. There is some up hill grade to get there so pace yourself. The hike is well worth the views of San Tim canyon. There is plenty to see along the way: hawks, lizards and tons of flowers (seasonal) and native vegetation. On the southside of the trail there is a meandering creek that is usually running - so peaceful to hear a babbling brook. The Redlands Conservancy has done a good job in maintaining and protecting the area.

Beautiful trail, easy walk . Loops so you don't get lost , Lots of wild life , a perfect hike for…read morebeginners :)