Pines and Panoramas

Hike to Views Over Santa Ana River Valley

Ponderosa pines sighing with mountain breezes set the stage for this 3-mile out-and-back hike that serves up outstanding views of the Santa Ana River Valley. Start at Barton Flats Visitor Center’s east entrance, following the Rio Monte Panorama sign. A squiggly trail parallels Highway 38 to the split with the Jenks Lake Trail. Cross the road to the Council Group Camp and pick up the trail heading east. The wide gravel path passes through Barton Flats, San Gorgonio, and Oso/Lobo Campgrounds on a flat to gently rising grade, with old interpretive signs acting as trail markers. Ponderosa pines feature prominently, their bark like the honeycomb pattern of sun-scorched earth. The flat, open areas here were grazing and homestead land to early settlers, and are frequented today by black bears, mountain lions, deer, and other critters. At the Oso/Lobo Campground, follow the trail to the Greyback Amphitheater, the stage for the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association's annual Ranger Talk lecture series, a fun way to learn about the forest and surrounding wilderness. (Smokey Bear makes regular appearances.) From the back of the amphitheater, hike to the overlook for a 180-degree view of the massive valley carved by the Santa Ana River. Dominating the scene is 9,952-foot Sugarloaf Mountain, with a lovely foreground of green forest sloping to the Santa Ana. Go ahead, put your feet up and linger.

This hike is 3 miles round-trip. From the Mill Creek Ranger Station at Bryant St. and CA-38 in Yucaipa, follow CA-38 for 18 miles to the Barton Flats Visitor Center. Park in the east lot (gate closes at 4:30 p.m.) and look for the Rio Monte trail sign near the road. Parking is available after hours along the highway. Dog-friendly! 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View