Pumpkin Rock — Attraction in Norco

This is a great conditioning hike with awesome views of Norco and surrounding cities or Corona, Riverside and Eastvale, especially at sunset. This week I completed all of the trails mentioned below:

*There are several ways to access this trail. The main entrance is at the end of 6th street. Park at George Ingalls Park and head to the marked gate behind the Rodeo Grounds. Start up the trail a short ways until you come to the USA lights. From there you can go to your left, which is a fairly easy, winding flat path until you reach the base which is a little steep but doable. Or, stay to your right and pass the beautiful horse statues. This trail eventually connect to Pumpkin Rock North trail (access on Crestview just south of the Rodeo) which heads to your left. Mostly uphill. Either way, these two trails are 10-15 minutes max (depending on your condition, children, etc). *Be careful heading down as the ground is sandy and can be slippery; poles are helpful.

Once you reach the top take your time and do some exploring, rock climbing, geo cache, or just relax and take in the views. There are trails that take you North to Crestview Hills, South to Norco Hills Golf Course, or East to Doty Trust Park on La Sierra.

If you prefer a liesurely walk without huffing and puffing up hill, I recommend starting at the Valley/Vandermolen entrance which is next to the pond at the Norco Hills Golf Course. From here it is 20-30 minutes and much more relaxed.

**Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen/hat, and enough hydration for you and your kids (including the 4 footed kind).

**Wildlife you may encounter: lizards, snakes, rabbits, squirrels, Road Runners, Red Tail Hawks, Kestrels and Vultures.

**Best times to go are weekdays before 3 PM, weekends as early as possible as it is a popular spot. Plenty of parking near the main...

First of all the GPS took me the long way to get here and I believe it leaves you in an open area where you can park your car but if you keep driving towards the left you can leave your car on the side of a street (you'll be able to see a big lot where they deal with horses). You will see two trails towards the rock. We went towards the right side- big mistake. You ever realize how unfit you are when at the beginning of the hike you're already out of breath? That was us because we took the hard/steap way up. I took vans because I thought it would be sandy trails but it was mostly rock so I was slipping every other step. It took about 15-20 minutes (depending on how many breaks you take to catch your breath) to get up there. So timing was great if you're willing to go straight up. On the way down we took the back way and although there were still some steap parts, most of it was sandy and it wasn't too long to get down either. So if you want an easier way take the left trail (facing the horse lot). The pumpkin is really cool because it's way bigger in person. You can see the view of Norco up there and lots of really nice houses. When we went it was really quiet and peaceful so it was nice to get away from everything and admire...

Did this hike last year in the early morning last September as it was on my bucket list of things to do in LA. This hike is completely in the open so i advise taking a bottle or two of water since anytime other than morning or dusk it will be hot. Looking at recent photos looks like the rock has been freshly painted for Halloween🤙

Located in the city of Norco, I parked in the Pikes Peak Park parking lot though you can also park outside the park on the street. To start the hike follow the road up and once you reach the dirt trail, there are several ways to go to the top.

Met some friendly fellow hikers along the way that also were first timers, so we ventured together since I was a solo hiker. We passed the horse sculptures and walked past another hiker who told us that the easier less steep route is where the USA signage is. So we backtracked a bit and went up that way. Sure enough, it was manageable and an easy trek.

Lucky I went early since there wasnt anyone at the top and by the time we were headed down crowds were starting to make their way...