Pines and Panoramas

Hike to Views Over Santa Ana River Valley

Ponderosa pines sighing with mountain breezes set the stage for this 3-mile out-and-back hike that serves up outstanding views of the Santa Ana River Valley. Start at Barton Flats Visitor Center’s east entrance, following the Rio Monte Panorama sign. A squiggly trail parallels Highway 38 to the split with the Jenks Lake Trail. Cross the road to the Council Group Camp and pick up the trail heading east. The wide gravel path passes through Barton Flats, San Gorgonio, and Oso/Lobo Campgrounds on a flat to gently rising grade, with old interpretive signs acting as trail markers. Ponderosa pines feature prominently, their bark like the honeycomb pattern of sun-scorched earth. The flat, open areas here were grazing and homestead land to early settlers, and are frequented today by black bears, mountain lions, deer, and other critters. At the Oso/Lobo Campground, follow the trail to the Greyback Amphitheater, the stage for the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association's annual Ranger Talk lecture series, a fun way to learn about the forest and surrounding wilderness. (Smokey Bear makes regular appearances.) From the back of the amphitheater, hike to the overlook for a 180-degree view of the massive valley carved by the Santa Ana River. Dominating the scene is 9,952-foot Sugarloaf Mountain, with a lovely foreground of green forest sloping to the Santa Ana. Go ahead, put your feet up and linger.

This hike is 3 miles round-trip. From the Mill Creek Ranger Station at Bryant St. and CA-38 in Yucaipa, follow CA-38 for 18 miles to the Barton Flats Visitor Center. Park in the east lot (gate closes at 4:30 p.m.) and look for the Rio Monte trail sign near the road. Parking is available after hours along the highway. Dog-friendly! 

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