Hidden Valley Wildlife Area

This review is for the trails only. I would park at the dirt parking lot off Arlington Ave. They suggest you to donate for parking but it's hard to remember as I don't usually carry cash. Also don't keep valuables in your car as I have noticed recent car break ins. I used to walk along the bike trail or walk on the horse trail. It branches away to other trails. Be on the lookout mid afternoon there are a ton of coyotes. This place used to be one of my favorite places to visit in Riverside. It's so scenic and beautiful!

Went with my first grader for her class field trip. Plenty of parking spaces available on dirt roads . Sue was our guided tour during our group hike. She was such a joy, full of knowledge and information. I liked how Sue spoke to the children and kept them in line and engaging at the same time. She not only used big vocabulary but also explained it for the kids and myself to understand. The hike was easy for 6 -7 year old age group. , the kids seem to enjoy themselves . Just make sure to wear long pants. Many of the walking path had poisonous hemlock, and another plant that also is itchy to the skin.. ( can't think of the name ) ..Plenty of shades at the beginning of the park. Benches and tables

This place is a gem. Perfect place to walk your dogs and enjoy Mother Nature. However, today around 12:30pm as I started heading towards the trail I noticed a silver Nissan Altima parked next to my truck. It wasn't until I reached the incline of the hill that I could see someone trying to break in. So I ran back, ofc they saw me and took off. The passenger window was completely shattered and they took anything they could get their hands on. I parked in the first parking lot to the right when you pull in to the park. Be careful to not having anything of value inside your car when you come here. I didn't see any of the workers either to let them know.

This is one of the most beautiful and serene locations in all of Riverside. The nature center is very well appointed, with adorable little nooks and creative turns for the kids. The vistas are spectacular. I've come here during the summer, but the perfect weather during these Fall months make the experience even better right now.

This wildlife area is a hidden gem located near the Santa Ana River. It's perfect for hiking, exercising, biking, and learning. There are more five parking lots; one near the entrance and then more along the way to the nature center. Each parking lot requests a $5 donation. The nature center was closed when we decided to visit but there is a small wonderful play area for the kids near the center. There are also plaques to teach about the riparian area and how it's important to the ecosystem. There are many dirt trails you can take from the visitor center for hiking. You can park at any of the parking lots and access the hiking trails. Watch your step because this area is a popular horse riding area. The Santa Ana bike trail also passes by so this is also a great place to stage and ride your bike. There is also a paved loop that has exercise features: pull up bar, balance beam, climbing wall, tire, and monkey bars. We spent a few hours here and logged 4 miles of fun. We will definitely return with our bikes for more adventures.

I went with my son's class we enjoyed it. The workers kept making faces at the kids tho. overall fun and educational!

I went here with my children on a field trip and its a wonderful place to get back to nature and relax. The guides are very eager to help you learn and make you feel welcome.We hope to return often. Since this is a wildlife reserve there's always something new to see and learn. The last time we went they had a special for the whole family you pay one fee of $4 which included parking and a craft. It was well worth it.As for the drive I didn't have a problem with finding it, if you have a truck I would recommend using it since you need to drive a little on a dirt road.I can't wait to go back during the spring!

Always, Always, Always take my Cub Scout Pack to the many wonderful activities that they offer! Mary and the other lead are WONDERFUL people to work with!! Just as an UPDATE.. as of last winter/spring.. THEY NOW PAVED THE ROADS!!! YAH!!

I found this place while looking for field trip ideas for my preschool class a couple years ago and I booked a field trip with them. They did such a great job tailoring the trip to our age group. The facility was enjoyable and well kept. Walking up to the learning center there is a beautiful outdoor area. They started off with a presentation about bugs and allowed the kids to try on an ant costume and they talked about the ant and its' important jobs. Then the kids were led into the learning center into a room that was set up with a craft for them, they got to paint little ceramic necklaces that were shaped like ladybugs, butterflies and other bigs. My preschoolers loved it! Then they gathered them in the area of the learning center that has the little exhibits and sat them down and showed them different things and brought out some the live creatures for them to see. Then they got some free time to explore the exhibits. After that we had a quick snack time ( we brought our own) then they took them on a little hike. Everything was age appropriate, the guides did a great job talking to the kids and having their interest and knowing when to move on. It's hard to find fun field trips for preschoolers because a lot of places are used to older groups but this was a great experience! Parents were thrilled with it and were excited to find a new place they didn't know about before!

I went once for a short walk with my dog. Seemed pretty nice. Went after period of lots of rain so was Greener Than usual believe but overall was enjoyable.