Atop Mt. Rubidoux for Inspiring Vistas

Riverside’s clearest skies, and thus the best vistas from Rubidoux’s summit, occur in autumn and winter. The views include the communities of the Inland Empire, from San Bernardino on the east to Corona on the west, and three mountain ranges--the San Gabriels, San Bernardinos and San Jacintos.

Autumn sunsets, when nearby mountains glow red, purple and blue, are particularly memorable. Winter brings vistas of snow-capped summits.

The isolated, 1,337-foot granite hill towering above Riverside’s western edge has been a landmark ever since the 1880s. The mountain was named for one of its 19th century owners, wealthy ranchero Louis Rubidoux.

With the help of the deep pockets of Southern Pacific Railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington, Frank Miller, the original owner of the lavish pride-of-Riverside Mission Inn, purchased the mountain in 1906. Their intention was to use the mountain as an attraction to sell residential lots at its base.

Today’s pilgrim views an assortment of plaques, monuments and memorials on the shoulders and summit of Rubidoux that is eclectic, even eccentric. You may hike past a monument honoring Charles M. Loring, “tree lover and civic enthusiast,” and one that presents the Boy Scout Oath (On my honor, I will do my best . . .).

Rubidoux’s most significant sights are the Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge.

For many, many years, Mt. Rubidoux was a drive, not a hike. Arrows painted on rocks indicated an “up” route and a “down” route for autos. The mountain has been closed to vehicles since 1992 and today hosts joggers and walkers of all ages, including lots of parents pushing strollers. Locals access the mountain’s roads and hiking trails from several trail heads, but the best route for first-time Rubidoux ramblers is by way of the 9th Street gate, an inspiring start.

Directions to trail head: From the Pomona Freeway (California 60) in Riverside, exit on Market Street and proceed east into downtown. Turn west (right) on Mission Inn Avenue and drive seven blocks to Redwood Drive. Turn left and head two blocks to 9th Street, then turn right and continue two more blocks to the trail head (gated Mt. Rubidoux Drive) on the left. Park safely and courteously on adjacent residential streets. From the Riverside Freeway (California 91) in Riverside, exit on University Avenue and head west through downtown to Redwood Drive. Turn left, travel one block, then turn right on 9th Street. Proceed two more blocks to this hike’s start on the left.

The hike: Pass through the entry gate and walk along the landscaped lane past pepper and eucalyptus trees and huge beaver-tail cactus. After 0.3 mile of southbound travel, the road makes a very tight hairpin turn north and nearly--but not quite--intersects the downward leg of Mt. Rubidoux Road, which makes a similar hairpin turn from north to south. Note this junction because on your return journey you’ll need to cross from one leg of the road to the other to close the loop.

The road ascends rather bare slopes, dotted with brittle bush, mustard and century plant. Lupine and California poppies brighten the way in spring.

After passing a memorial to Huntington, “man of affairs, large in his bounty, yet wise,” the road bends west, then south. City views are exchanged for more rural ones, including the Santa Ana River that gave Riverside its name.

The main Mt. Rubidoux road junctions a circular summit road, which you’ll join to see the sights--the Peace Tower, Friendship Bridge and plenty of plaques. From the Father Junipero Serra Cross at the summit or from one of the peak’s other fine vista points, partake of the 360-degree panorama of great mountains and metro Riverside.

Return to the main Mt. Rubidoux Road for a short (0.75 mile) descent that loops south, east, then back north. Just as this downward leg bends sharply south, leave the road and step over to the other road leg that you used to ascend the mountain. Retrace your steps the final 0.3 mile back to 9th Street.

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Hiking/ Mt. Rubidoux, Riverside

WHERE: Mt. Rubidoux Memorial Park.

DISTANCE: 3-ile loop with 500-foot elevation gain.

TERRAIN: Riverside’s rugged, boulder-strewn, landmark peak.

HIGHLIGHTS: Peace Tower, Friendship Bridge, mountain and metropolitan vistas.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy-moderate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Riverside City Parks and Recreation Department; tel. (909) 715-3440.