As April begins, we start are fourth month of healthier living. Having successfully conquered the Etiwanda Falls Trail, we need new challenges. We have decided that for April we will attempt a new and different hiking trail every week of April. The day after Easter, I saw this article about Mount Rubidoux in Riverside. CA.Too late for the Easter celebration on the mountain, I still put this hike on our list for April. With a drive of just 20 miles this is a perfect first attempt of a NEW mountainish hike goal. A 48 minute drive (20.0 miles) via the 15 and CA-60 E. Just on the northern side of the city of Riverside, it feels very residential for mountain hiking.
Still, a 3.2 mile hike with a 500+ foot incline is a challenge for us newbie hikers. After dropping Natalie off at work, we headed out. With a bright, sunny mid 70 degree day, we hoped to finish our challenge before the heat of the day struck.
Being very much a non-fan of freeway driving, the trip to the mountain on the 15 to the 60 is also part of my trying to live life better mode. You know, the doing things that make me anxious, On this day, it includes riding on the freeway in rush hour traffic. Just as we were getting close to our exit off the 60, a German shepherd type dog was running right down the middle of the freeway!
Weaving in and out of cars trying to avoid him, the husband swears the thunk I heard was not, in fact, us hitting the dog. He claims it was the 12 packs of diet cola we have in the back of the car. The cases tipped over as he swayed to not hit the puppy dog. At this point, my hands were over my eyes. I choose to believe him... Still a tough start to the day.
Mount Rubidoux Trail has no official parking for just the mountain trail, but it is located about a quarter mile from a community park, Ryan Bonaminio Park.5000 Tequesquite Ave Riverside 92506 for GPS purposes. With playgrounds and ball fields, it is a charming park. My favorite thing was the neat, clean restroom in the park, near the pathway to Mount Rubidoux.
The hike is listed as dog friendly. Therefore, we brought Gideon along for the morning hike. There is no shade for the vast majority of the three mile hike. Plus, the only water and access to doggie bags is at the very beginning where the trail splits. Bringing water with is helpful, but a dog bowl is also very much needed. (We now have one on order. It should be here tomorrow.) Going left of the trail is much steeper than going right, so with the advice of a stranger on the path, we went right. Yes, the RIGHT choice for us novice hikers.
It is still early in the Spring, but the hillsides are covered in blooming flowers. Just because our path is wide, sturdy and paved, my fear of heights kicks in as we get closer to the top. Walking as close as I can to the hillside and not the cliff side helps. It is only 1332 feet above sea level. Short for a mountain. But still, that is about 1300 feet taller than I am comfortable with. Phobias suck!
The view looking southwest on this bright sunny morning. Not far beyond the Santa Ana mountains, seen in the distance, lies the Pacific Ocean. Just barely less than 50 miles to the water. Being in the Inland Empire, there is no way to exit the large valley without crossing through mountains, north, south, east and west.
Called the Peace Tower, the stone sculptures, tower and bridge, were dedicated on Christmas Day 1925. 99 years ago! WOW!
I was definitely surprised by the interesting architecture along the entire trail. The castle and bridge were a surprise. Very charming, creating a different experience then what we expected climbing up a mountain side.
While I climbed up to the American Flag at the top of the mountain, the husband and puppers rest on the stone wall a few yards below. The cross is visible in the background on top of the hill beyond them.
Greg and Gideon pose in front of the cross where thousands of people celebrated at on Easter just a couple of weeks ago. A majority of Mt. Rubidoux is owned by the City of Riverside, while 0.43 acres at the peak is owned by Rivers & Lands Conservancy after the cross attracted a potential lawsuit and the city decided to sell it at auction it to a private organization. link
The haze in the valley is an early edition of the May Grey or June Gloom that is a staple phenomenon of spring/summer in southern California. The wooden bridge, which we walked under on the way up and walk over on the way done adds to the charm of the Mount Rubidoux hiking trail. I am sure we will return to hike this trail, again. 
The trip down the mountain is steeper than the climb up. Still, down is always easier. The day feels very hot due to our 2 hours of hiking. It is very shocking to learn it is barely 70 degrees when we get back to the car. 
Facing east from the top of Mount Rubidoux, you get a beautiful view of of the city of Riverside with San Gorgonio Mountain off in the distance.
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