Box Springs Mountain Reserve — Attraction in Grand Terrace

We had a great time. Went on a Friday afternoon and had the entire park to ourselves. Was easily hundreds of donkeys. We were going to hike the Skyline trail but there were so many donks on that side of the park that we hiked the Edison trail instead and took a side trail to a ridge top that overlooks UC Riverside. The views of the valley are just amazing up here. Right now the wildflowers and grass is all dead and shriveled up but I'd imagine in the spring this place is overflowing with wildflowers. A few suggestions: Make sure to plan your hike around the weather, it's very exposed and higher elevation so you can easily get caught out - though I'd think it's pretty cool when foggy or cloudy up here. Well maintained trails though it's easy to get lost Because there are hundreds of donkey trails and unmarked trails. Also very few signs. REI has a free app called "hiking project" that has the trails on it. I could see clouds rolling in and getting lost very easily. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and first aid. The trails are sandy and some very steep and all are exposed. It doesn't seem that popular so your chances of a good Samaritan walking by and helping you back to safety are minimal at best. Take some cash to put in the money box at the parking lot. I hear they use it throw a big annual party for the donkeys so they...

The best views in the Riverside / Moreno Valley area. Hiking Biking and Equestrian trails are all great. But not well marked/mapped and watch out for ruts especially if it has rained recently. I have personally Seen Wild Burros almost every time i visit, other wildlife I have seen include Rabbits, snakes (beware of Rattlesnakes) Deer, and even a Bobcat and a Mountain Lion. For the best views without hiking park at the end of Box Springs Mountain Rd. Just exit the 60 at Pigeon Pas and go north, keep going straight, the road will become Box springs mountain road, then will turn into a steep dirt road, then you will eventually come to a gate with a dirt parking lot. It is $5 to park. The view to the southwest overlooking riverside is best from the road right before the parking area. This is also where top of the Two Trees trail is. For Mountain bikers I recommend going up the dirt road and then Down either the Two Trees trail or the M Trail both are fun fast and steep and not recommended for beginners. and please remember to yield to Equestrians and Hikers. Local Equestrian groups do most of the volunteer maintenance on these trails and without them we wouldn't have trails to ride. So please stop and let horse's pass, say hello, so the horse knows your a human and not some animal it should...

Box Springs Mountain Park may be accessed from either Moreno Valley or Riverside. However, it is the Moreno Valley side of the Box Springs MP that offers really good hikes, bird watching, herds of wild burrow, mountain biking and more! At the Hidden Springs entrance to the park there is an equestrian watering station, picnic tables and a nice, easy 1 mile loop around the lower elevations of the park. The trail to reach the Moreno Valley "M" starts from here, too. But drive further up Pigeon Pass Road and it will literally lead you right into the main entrance of the park. From here you can hike the entire ridge of the Box Springs Mountains, enjoying the beautiful views of the...