Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Simpson Park

    4.3 (30 reviews)

    Simpson Park Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Simpson Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Just one of the many park benches available to sit and enjoy the view.
    Cheri S.

    I really wish this park had longer hours. 6am - 12pm is just not enough time to enjoy all the beauty and unfortunately there's no nearby parking. That's the ONLY reason I did not give 5 stars. Other than that, this park is spectacular. Whether you're looking for a scenic hike, a great picnic location, or a beautiful place to cuddle up with a book this park doesn't disappoint. Even the drive up to the park is amazing. I love going right before sunrise to get some great exercise in before claiming a rock to climb up on so I can have a perfect seat for the early morning light show. All the bathrooms are always clean, too so that's a plus. I really don't have anything bad to say about this park. Here's the sunrise today looking out towards Diamond Valley Lake.

    Diamond Valley Lake view
    Phil R.

    Great place for the family, hiking, Beautiful views! The wife and I loved our hike. Great for beginners, intermediate and very experienced based on what trails you take.

    Oulie T.

    I came here with some local mountain bikers who wanted to show me their home turf. This place is Awesome!! Simpson park itself is gated and isn't open until 7am but as its summer and we wanted to hit the trails before the heat killed us we met at 5am on the other end of the trail(I'll have to get the name of the street for u later i don't remember it) Parked in a residential area and worked our way over to the beginning of Simpson Park. I really enjoyed the accessibility. The mountain biking trails are well marked. Fun single tracks with tight turns that feel like ur roller coaster riding. The area isn't super technical as its not strewn with rock hoppers so it's was great for me because I rag dolled enough as it is going down some stuff here. Noob!! Only downside is no shade and as the day progresses and the heat sets in there is a good chance of encountering rattlesnakes. Eeeeek!!!!!!

    Chris M.

    This is a lovely place to take your kids, dogs or just go for a run by yourself. I've been coming here for twenty years and have yet to be bored by these trails, and the beautiful views of both the valley and of Diamond Valley lake.

    My son on top of the peak, enjoying the gorgeous views
    Beth A.

    Checking out hiking spots every weekend and found this spot and had to give it a try. The drive was about 50 minutes from Temecula but it was a gorgeous drive, I didn't know how beautiful Hemmit was. The hike was fun, I loved climbing the rocks that were not too scary as I am afraid of heights, we spent an hour hiking around, saw bikers, dogs, and other humans, the views from the top were amazing,you can see snow capped mtns, lakes, valleys... Gorgeous!

    A nice blanket of cloud over diamond Valley Lake
    Jill E.

    Great local spot to go hiking. You can just do a little hike or you can go for miles. I was up there once and saw a full grown buck!

    See all

    Photo of Wow M.
    0
    24
    0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anthony A.
    56
    209
    178

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Oulie T.
    419
    1176
    1037

    14 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erin S.
    43
    20
    16

    8 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Great park nice trails. Lots of picnic benches. Hiking trails are pretty easy and good for kids.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris M.
    16
    148
    143

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    The park closes before the sunset, what's the point of this magical view? The guards weren't friendly or helpful either.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Beautiful clean place great area for hiking and picnic, beautiful view. We love it there

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    First time here with my husband and two kids. It was so much fun and the views were breathtaking. Definitely found our family hiking spot!

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jill E.
    4
    17
    58

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eddie D.
    42
    91
    64

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jake R.
    83
    17
    0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of D B.
    28
    150
    4

    13 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrea M.
    23
    248
    25

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nellie R.
    97
    52
    12

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lola L.
    16
    402
    168

    12 years ago

    Love it! Who knew such a pretty park is in Hemet?

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chip P.
    106
    3
    0

    11 years ago

    Great mountain bike park. Glad the city supports the mountain biking in the park. Just wish they would grade the fireroads.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Always a beautiful hiking and nature drawing space!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Simpson Park

    Do they allow pets?

    Yes, I bring my dog...However, some of the narrow trails have signs posted no dogs. I just love it there.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Simpson Park

    One of the best mountain bike parks there is in inland empire besides Vail, Sycamore, Santa Rosa.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 1,479 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Massacre Canyon

    Massacre Canyon

    3.3
    (8 reviews)
    10.0 mi

    Challenging but beautiful! Take the trail along the water, the mountain side one is dangerous.read more

    I love this place. Whenever I go to gramma's to do housework for her, I either go here or…read moreIdyllwild. I especially love this place on windy and rainy days. The high trail gets pretty sketchy and makes for a good time. For anyone wanting to know where this place gets its name, here goes. The local native tribes had a battle that ended here. One tribe made it to the waterfall and couldn't go anywhere. The other tribe held the high ground and slaughtered them. Google it. Anyway, parking sucks. There are a couple places off the side of the road to park. Other than that, you'll have to take your vehicle down a small hill and park in a dirt lot. Said dirt lot is a place where people like to run OHV's, and their trucks. There are some elevation changes and jumps. This used to be a loop until someone removed the rope from the highest section of the waterfall. The one at the lower half is still there. When the ropes were there, it was about a 5 mile loop.the trail doesn't end at the decent from the ridge to the waterfall. You can take the trail back another 12+ miles. It opens up to some Wild West looking shit, and then a bunch of huge boulders. The high trail is the fun part. It's pretty sketchy without high winds or rain. I prefer to come here with wind, and or rain, for a better time. The width of the high trail is about a foot, to 18 inches. At some spots, it may be unclear If you're not very experienced. At other spots there is no trail, so you'll have to stretch your legs pretty far, or make a short hop. There are plenty of rocks to get a foothold or handhold on, but be careful; some of it fragments quite easily. People also go shooting here, but usually well past the loop, and they don't aim at the trails. This place is not monitored by park rangers, so if you need anything, you'll need to call San Jacinto Sheriffs. Since it's not regulated, you can camp without permits. Have fun, be safe, watch for snakes, weird locals, keep an eye out for falling rocks, and yell down below if you happen to dislodge some rocks from the high trail. This is a good local playground; enjoy it and keep it clean.

    Photos
    Massacre Canyon
    Lizard
    Lizard
    Trail

    See all

    Trail
    Oak Glen Preserve and Southern California Montane Botanic Garden

    Oak Glen Preserve and Southern California Montane Botanic Garden

    4.8
    (63 reviews)
    23.0 mi

    A beautiful, well maintained preserve with a stream, a few small ponds and waterfalls, and many…read morethemed trails such as: Hummingbird Hill, Falling Waters, Sunflower Lane, Pioneer Loop, Conifers of California, Wetlands Boardwalk, Deciduous Forest, The Artist's Palette, Hidden Hollow, Sacred Springs, and Children's Forest. While there are some dirt walk paths, it be difficult to navigate if in a wheel chair or if you have a stroller. There's a good sized parking lot, though during apple-picking season and when it snows it can be a bit difficult to find a spot. Regardless, if you're in the area, it's a place definitely worth the visit. Love and appreciate that they are dog-friendly to leashed and well mannered dogs and free admission, but donations are much appreciated.

    Absolutely loved getting my steps in and enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells of all the flora…read moreand fauna in Oak Glen! Highly recommend going earlier in the day to beat the heat. Parking and admission is free. Wonderful information at the entrance of the garden. Just outside the garden past the parking lot (you'll see this upon entry) is a bbq spot and a gift shop. After walking around 2.5 miles, I tapped out and cooled down with an apple cider slushy. Lots of apple orchards in the area. I also took home a jar of apple butter as a souvenir. Had such a lovely time- highly recommend!

    Photos
    Oak Glen Preserve's Oak Knoll Park has ample picnic tables for family fun and it's located next to the Children's Forest!
    Oak Glen Preserve's Oak Knoll Park has ample picnic tables for family fun and it's located next to the Children's Forest!
    Oak Glen Preserve and Southern California Montane Botanic Garden
    Oak Glen Preserve and Southern California Montane Botanic Garden

    See all

    Lake Hemet

    Lake Hemet

    4.1
    (80 reviews)
    13.2 mi

    Great location for families with kids! Cabins clean and comfortable! Great amenities for the family…read moreto enjoy.

    Great place and well kept, people are nice, fellow campers respectful. Beautiful location, very…read morecrowded place too, sites are close together. Dogs welcome. Well stocked RV Masters store down the hill if you have any issues. If you are bringing a trailer or RV and expect to have full hookups, please be warned. The location of the sewer hookup on many sites is at the back end of the site that is uphill from your dump outlet and no way you can actually use it even with hose supports. The water hookup is also in some cases a shared 4 bib in the adjacent camp so you will be tripping over your hose. So be prepared to dry camp so your trip isn't stressful. Meaning fill your water and drain your tanks. Electrical worked fine for us. But the outlets are 30a so if you have a 50a rig, bring your adapter. The fire rings can be moved if you need them in another place to not have smoke in your rv so that nice. There is a store and the bathrooms are real toilets not pit, cleaned and kept stocked and they have showers if you need. They have 2 RV dump stations that are free when you stay but only 1 has working water for flushing. Overall , we would camp again with the expectation of dry camping, but the prices should reflect the inability to actually have "full hookups".

    Photos
    Lake Hemet
    Beautiful Lake Hemet at the summer low point
    Beautiful Lake Hemet at the summer low point
    Lake Hemet

    See all

    San Jacinto Wildlife Area

    San Jacinto Wildlife Area

    4.0
    (5 reviews)
    16.6 mi

    I finally decided to check this place out for the first time, this afternoon. I entered from Ramona…read moreExpy and made a left on Davis Rd. You will drive down a paved road and the rest will be a pebble, dirt road! Man, does my car need a car wash after today! I made a right at W Contour Rd. At this parking lot, they have 1 restroom in a building and a picnic table. I had to use the restroom as I was drinking Starbucks on the way over!! The restroom was clean with paper!!! I continued driving on the "auto tour" and I followed the signs. I saw a beautiful lake with no water. (I thought this was a beautiful view). I kept driving until I saw Pond 1 and I parked in the huge gray pebbled parking lot. I walked along the upper path between both ponds on both sides of me. I took many pictures & videos. I walked until I saw Marsh U and that is where I saw a skunk !!! I have never encountered one during the day. The skunk saw me and ran in the other direction. I wish I brought bug repellent. I was covered in bugs I knew something bit me on my arm. The place felt very eerie walking through there with no one around. I suppose the best times to visit are spring & winter! Enjoy my photos :)

    Visited here twice in the past week. It's nicely maintained and a great escape from the noise of…read morethe city. Keep in mind this isn't a well groomed and cliche/touristy picnic spot for you city slickers. I love how they have kept the area natural but still accessible. Wednesdays and Saturdays are closed to the general public for the waterfowl/duck hunters. This area is run and managed by the California Fish and Wildlife. If you're interested in wildlife (raptors and other birds in particular), this place is great. It's also quite scenic at sunrise and sunset as well.

    Photos
    San Jacinto Wildlife Area
    San Jacinto Wildlife Area
    San Jacinto Wildlife Area

    See all

    Santa Margarita Preserve

    Santa Margarita Preserve

    4.1
    (68 reviews)
    29.3 mi

    Santa Margarita Preserve is a very popular spot for hikers and anyone looking to connect with…read morenature. The preserve has several well-marked, directional trails, which is super helpful in case you get turned around. It does get very busy, and parking is almost always full unless you arrive early or don't mind waiting. The views are beautiful, with lots of flowers along the way. I personally did about 5 miles, but the trails definitely go beyond that. It was a great hike--challenging but enjoyable--and perfect for my dog and me. The trail is dog-friendly, but we did come across horseback riders, so a friendly reminder to be mindful of others on the trail, especially horses, and to keep your dogs under control. Overall, this was an amazing hike and I highly recommend this trail!‍

    Nothing less than five stars for this Fallbrook hike. It's got wildlife, a river system, and it's…read moredog friendly! Note: dogs must be on leash due to horse traffic. I'd consider this to be a mild hike, more like a nature walk. There's multiple river crossings throughout to be explored. We crossed at six, which was easily up to my knees. The stream was cold, refreshing, and completely clear. You can easily spot fish and we were lucky enough to see turtles. I also love that there's a sign at the beginning of the hike that lists/dates recent wildlife sightings. It does get incredibly busy here. Despite visiting on a Wednesday the parking lot was completely filled by 10am. Highly recommend arriving early if you want to snag a spot.

    Photos
    Santa Margarita Preserve
    Santa Margarita Preserve
    Tip: Bring Lots of Water! They offer a Trail Map before you start your walk, don't loose it

    See all

    Tip: Bring Lots of Water! They offer a Trail Map before you start your walk, don't loose it

    Simpson Park - hiking - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...