Are you looking for cooler places to hike during the summer months?
This is the time of year when we must be creative to find those cooler places to hike. We can take advantage of our local preserves and canyon trails, which often offer shade; some even have running water nearby. Some of the most popular trails to enjoy this time of year are in the Indian Canyons (especially the Andreas Canyon hike and the Murray Canyon Trail to Seven Sisters falls), the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve and the Whitewater Preserve.
I like to take drives in my spare time and discover new trails. If you are familiar with Riverside (just an hour from the desert), or even if you’ve just passed through, you know the temperature is often 10 to 15 degrees cooler than it is in the Coachella Valley.
You may have noticed the big white “M” on the hillside as you travel between Moreno Valley and Riverside along Highway 60. That “M” is 150 feet tall and 150 feet wide, with each leg of letter being 20 feet across—and there’s a trail you can use to hike right up to it! Not only is the “M” an amazing sight; the hike offers magnificent views of Riverside and Moreno Valley, at least on clear days.
The “M” hike comes highly recommended, but be aware that AllTrails lists the level of difficulty as moderate, and the Box Springs Mountain Reserve website at rivcoparks.org lists it as difficult; I agree with “difficult.” It’s 3.8 miles out and back and can take around 2 to 2 1/2 hours to complete, with some steep and slippery sections. This trail has more than 1,200 feet of elevation gain and is not for the faint of heart. Be sure to wear proper gear—including actual hiking shoes—and take plenty of water. There are several trail crossings along this path that can be confusing and cause you to take a wrong turn, so I recommend taking a trail map or using the AllTrails app.
The ”M” hike is one of seven popular hikes, which vary in difficulty, within Box Springs Mountain Reserve, which totals 3,400 acres. The mountain rises more than 3,000 feet, providing breathtaking views. You can find a printable map of all the trails at rivcoparks.org.
Within Box Springs Mountain Reserve, you’ll find two parking areas that have shade, picnic tables and restrooms. They’re perfect places to take a break from the surrounding trails and take in the beauty and tranquility that nature has to offer. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Upper Box Springs (Box Springs Mountain Park) is located at the top of the mountain, near the “M,” at the end of Pigeon Pass Road. It is a beautiful and peaceful area that’s often secluded, with 1,100 sloping acres (15 miles) of trails offering spectacular views and a variety of wildlife. I discovered this area years ago, back in my running days, when I would go to escape the desert heat and spend hours running all over this mountainside. It’s a great workout for sure! I’ve seen more wild burros and coyotes than people in this area.
Hidden Springs is located at the base of the mountain, just off Hidden Springs Road, accessible from Pigeon Pass Road. I was in the area recently and discovered some cool trails; some were wild burro trails. I saw some beautiful wildflowers and a few grazing burros along these trails. It turned out to be a great stopping point for a break in my travels.
Both Upper Box Springs and Hidden Springs are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a use fee of a $5 per vehicle, and $2 per pet.
Across the way, off Highway 60 at the Market Street exit, is Fairmount Park, which offers an accessible trail—an easy 1 mile loop that can be completed in less than 30 minutes. This is a nice walk around a beautiful lake with lots of shade, picnic tables and restrooms. There are almost always ducks around, and the park offers a beautiful rose garden that should be in full bloom through June. During the summer, you can rent paddle boats to cruise around the lake. There are other surrounding trails in this beautiful, shaded area to enjoy as well.
Back in the desert: Mark your calendar so you don’t miss these cool night events hosted by Friends of the Desert Mountains:
• From 8:45 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14: Friends of the Desert Mountains’ Monument Night Adventures begin at the Art Smith Trailhead, at 51500 Highway 74, in Palm Desert; meet 15 minutes prior to the start time at the trailhead parking lot, across the highway from the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. This is a family-friendly night hike where you will discover how the desert comes alive after dark—and see which animals change colors under a blacklight. Wear closed-toed shoes; bring water and a black light, if you have one. No dogs are allowed, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A suggested donation of $5 per person is encouraged to support the volunteer programs. For more information, call 760-568-9918. RSVPs are required; register online 14 days prior to the event at www.desertmountains.org/event/monument-night-adventures-845p-group-2.
• From 8 to 9 p.m., Saturday, June 28,join the star party at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, hosted by members of the Astronomical Society of the Desert, for fun “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and binoculars. This is a family-oriented event, and minors must be accompanied by their parents or guardians. A suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support the volunteer programs. For more information, call 760-862-9984; you may register online 14 days prior to the event at www.desertmountains.org/event/star-party-at-the-monument-16. The event will be cancelled if skies are overcast.
Always plan any hike carefully, and drink water prior to hiking. Bring a buddy and plenty of water with you (at least one liter per hour, per person). Make sure someone knows where you’re going, and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day (generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Stay safe, and don’t forget the Friends’ 10 Desert Essentials (www.desertmountains.org/hiking)!
