Norco Powered

Do a short and scenic hike to the top of Norco Mountain in Riverside County

01.24.2024

Solitude and a possible sunset viewing can be hard to come by in bustling Southern California. But you can find it at the Norco Mountain via Powerline Road trail. The 2.5-mile out-and-back trail in Norco climbs 643 feet to the summit of Norco Mountain—a small peak overlooking the Inland Empire. True to its name, the trail is almost constantly in the presence of powerlines, but other than that aspect it is a pleasant trail with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and mountains in every direction you look.

The trail begins in a small park at the end of a cul-de-sac. At the back of the park behind the horse corral you’ll see a dirt path, which quickly leads you to Powerline Road (NOTE: Be sure to follow this route to avoid crossing into private property). It’s a steady uphill from the trailhead to the summit but the grade of the trail keeps it from feeling too challenging, likely because it’s an actual road used by the power company; this also means that the trail is wide and very easy to follow. If you take the road until it ends, you’ll reach a fence with a “No Trespassing” sign posted on it. However, a little before the end you’ll see a spur trail on your right.

That spur will allow you to summit the little mountain without going into the restricted area. Once you reach that point there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view as the sun dips below the horizon, filling the sky with vibrant hues of pink, orange, and purple. The San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains can be seen off in the distance while the lights of the Inland Empire begin to fill the night sky. Make your way back down the same way.

{January 2024 Note: Due to recent rains, be sure to check trail conditions before embarking on this hike.}The Norco Mountain via Powerline Road trail begins behind Ridge Ranch Park in Norco, at the end of a residential cul-de-sac. GPS might send you straight to Powerline Road, which is private property. Look for the park instead and enter the trail on foot via the bypass trail described above to avoid trespassing. Street parking only; be sure to obey all posted parking signs and be respectful of the residents. Location. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to watch some of the sunset from here. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Natalie Bates, @wanderwithnatalie

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