Perris Is Always a Good Idea

Bike Around Lake Perris in the Inland Empire

Two bikers looking at the lake at Lake Perris State Recreational Area

Beaches and oases in the Inland Empire? The magic place is Perris. Lake Perris State Recreational Area is nestled within the boulder-speckled hills between Perris and Moreno Valley. Experience the full scope of this lake and make beach stops along by way by cycling the 9-mile Lake Perris Loop.

Two people on bikes stopping to look at the lake scenery at Lake Perris in Riverside

Two bikers on the paved bike path at Lake Perris State Recreational Area in the Inland Empire

Two people at a picnic table overlooking a beach at Lake Perris State Recreational Area in the Inland Empire

Start your pedal from the Perris Beach parking area (the bike trail intersects the driving entrance to the lot). Head west for about half a mile, then make a sharp left to ride along the top of the dam for two miles. The pavement smooths out and you’ll keep to your left to ride briefly uphill for about 100 feet of elevation past Big Rock Bay. With the lake beaming and flanked by large rock faces, this section lives up to its name.

Bikers along the lakeside at Lake Perris State Recreational Area

Coast downhill past Bernasconi Beach and then pedal slightly up again to a cross-marked crest of another hill. At about halfway take a break at the Paradise Cove picnic area under the shade of the willow trees. Continue a short distance up another hill for the best panoramic view of the lake and surrounding hills. Mount San Gorgonio is prominent in the distance.

Two bike riders cycling at Lake Perris State Recreational Area

Two cyclists at Lake Perris State Recreational Area

Easily cruise the rest of the way through the remaining beaches and picnic areas back to Perris Beach. Set the bikes down and get close to the water—there’s plenty of opportunities.

People standing in line inside Casey's Cupcakes in Riverside California

Casey's Cupcakes ice cream cupcakes

BONUS SWEETS: Ice cream, cake, how about an ice cream cupcake! Satiate your sweet tooth with an ice cream–infused cupcake. Casey’s Cupcakes quickly gained national fame after winning the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. The whimsical bakery opened in 2009 at the Historic Mission Inn right in the heart of downtown Riverside. Choose from flavors like Decadent Dark Chocolate, Rockin' Red Velvet, Caribbean Coconut, and many more.

Two people enjoying Casey's Cupcakes at an outdoor patio in Riverside

From the CA-60 take the exit for Moreno Beach Dr. and head south. After 3.3 miles turn left onto Via Del Lago and head into the State Recreation Area. Admission is $10 for the day. Park anywhere between Moreno Beach and Perris Beach. This trail is dog- and horse-friendly.

Story and photos by Ben Replogle, @big_mountain_moose

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View