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Hidden Valley Wildlife Area
🌿 Nature Reserve
1,500 acres

Hidden Valley Wildlife Area

Riverside / Norco
Dog Friendly
🥾 Hiking
🚵 Biking
🐎 Equestrian
📸 Scenic
🦌 Wildlife
💎 Hidden Gem

Riverside County wildlife area along the Santa Ana River with trails, birding, and the most natural stretch of the river inside the IE.

Hidden Valley Wildlife Area is a 1,500-acre Riverside County preserve along the Santa Ana River corridor between Norco and Riverside. The area protects riparian habitat, supports active birding, and offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. Connected segments of the Santa Ana River Trail link Hidden Valley to other IE parks.

🌟 Why Locals Love It

It's the wildest piece of the Santa Ana River inside the IE — feels remote 10 minutes from city.

What to Expect

Dirt trails, riparian shade, wildlife, and quiet weekday mornings.

💡 Good to Know Before You Go

Trailheads have limited parking; bring water.

📍 Local Tip

Pair with a ride out along the Santa Ana River Trail for a full half-day.

Best Time to Visit

Fall–spring; very hot midsummer.

Notable Features

Riparian habitat
Santa Ana River access
Birding hotspot

Practical Info

11401 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92505

Amenities

Parking
Trails
Restrooms
Horse Staging
Verified Official Source
View Official Page →

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Everything IE is your premium guide to the Inland Empire — Riverside County and San Bernardino County. Events, restaurants, parks, schools, mountains, lakes, sports, and more — sourced from official departments and trusted institutions, curated for the people who call the IE home. Part of the Everything California network.