Peace of Eastvale

Hike the Eastvale Trail section of the Santa Ana River Trail in Riverside

If you’re looking for an easy spot to hike, the Eastvale Trail in Eastvale/Norco is the perfect choice. The Eastvale Trail is a 2.6-mile section (5.2 miles out and back) of the much longer Santa Ana River Trail.

When completed, the Santa Ana River Trail will run for 110 miles, from the San Bernardino National Forest to the Pacific Ocean at Huntington Beach. But for now, it exists only in sections accessible from various points throughout San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties. The Eastvale Trail section begins at Eastvale Community Park and ends at Archibald Avenue, where you can turn around and retrace your steps, though there are plenty of other entry and exit points along this route should you want a shorter or longer hike.

From the parking lot, look south across the soccer fields and there’s where you’ll see the trail. Head to the east side of the field and hop on the dirt path heading towards the river. This is the only time you’ll need to worry about navigation, because after that there is only one way to go.

The trail is mostly flat as it passes through community parks and different habitats along the Santa Ana River watershed. You’re never far from civilization as there are suburban communities lining a good portion of the trail, and yet it still feels peaceful and pleasant.

You’ll likely see people jogging, riding bikes, or even riding horses along this trail as its easy access and clearly marked path make it a popular choice for locals who want to exercise or enjoy some fresh air. But it’s also a perfect place to savor an evening stroll along the well-lit path and watch the sunset (bonus: lots of bunnies come out at sunset). Or start your day with a pumpkin spice latte and a walk outdoors before it gets too hot out. Did someone say the PS word?

PSL BONUS: Deep Barrel Coffee in Norco serves up a variety of fall treats, including the classic pumpkin spice latte. Deep Barrel Coffee is located at 1188 Sixth Street, Norco. It is open Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Eastvale Community Park is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week, free parking. Trail is open 24 hours a day, but please be sure to obey all posted signage if you choose to park elsewhere. Map. 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