Hidden Valley
Nature Center and Wildlife Area
Hidden Valley Nature Center and Wildlife Area is located along the Santa Ana River, east of Norco on Arlington Avenue, one mile west of La Sierra Avenue. It is set on 1500 scenic acres and has access to 25 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. Within it you can find various live animals, such as a rabbit, snakes, turtles, toads, and different activities for children to enjoy and reconstructed scenes of animals in their natural habitat. Visitors can get away from the noise and lights of the city and enjoy the beautiful views of the river or the bluff overlooking the Santa Ana River bottom.
There are assortments of educational programs offered by appointment. Programs offered include presentations about the Wetlands, Native Americans, Geology and Santa Ana River Watershed. Depending on the program selected, the program may include a hike, hands-on activities, a craft, a game and live animal presentations.
SITE HOURS
CLOSED every Saturday in June 2023
due to Junior Naturalist Summer Camp
Normal Hours of Operation will resume July 1st, 2023
Appointments & Tours | Tuesday-Friday
FEES
Parking - $5 per car | $2 per dog
Educational Programs - $5 per person
FEATURES
-
Hiking Trails
-
Equestrian Trails
-
Self-guided Nature Trail
-
Pond
-
Picnic Area
-
Seasonal Events
-
Hands on activities
-
Bird Walks
-
Amphitheater
-
Birthday Parties - Call (951) 785-7452
-
Certified Outdoor Classroom
 |
|---|
 Trails at Hidden Valley |
 Pools at Hidden Valley |
 Welcome Sign at Hidden Valley |
 Rabbit on the trail at Hidden Valley |
 Children on a Nature Ed excursion |
 Wildflower and bees at Hidden Valley |
 |
 Equestrian riders at Hidden Valley |
 Nature Ed display |
 |
 Tongva Hidden ValleyA Kish traditional type of home build by the Tongva. |
 Biking trails near Hidden Val |
 |
 Tiger Swallow Tail ButterflyA colorful Tiger Swallow Tail butterfly enjoying a rest on the Butterfly Brush at Hidden Valley. |
 Telescope for viewing Hidden Valley |
 Children holding butterfly |
 Nature Center outdoor play areas |
 Nature ed for small kids |
 Turtles on display |
 Borne trail at Hidden Valley |
 Santa Ana River info panels |
11401 Arlington Ave., Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 785-7452 or
(800) 234-PARK (7275)
You can also email us at :
Junior Naturalist SUMMER CAMPS
Are your kids ready to explore nature or learn about camping? See the summer camp section below for more details.
Visit our events calendar for upcoming events.
ADDRESS
Programs
School Programs
School Field Trips
Come and join us for a fun-filled learning experience as we take your students on a hands-on adventure with presentations, live animals, hikes, games, and/or crafts to meet your state science or social science standards. We offer a wide variety of programs to meet the needs and interest levels for grades k-6. The Nature Center normally accommodates 2 average class sizes (60 children). Occasionally we can arrange 3 classes (90 children) Call early to reserve your date and time, as our schedule fills quickly.
We will start taking booking requests for the 22/23 school year starting August 16, 2022.
Outreach (Bringing the outdoors to your classroom)
Hidden Valley Nature Center offers unique educational outreach programs to public and private schools. We can bring our programs to your school with presentations, activities, and/or live animals. further Educational Program Information, please view the HDV Educational Outreach Brochure (PDF Link below).
Call for more info: 951-785-7452
FEES
$5 per child (min 20 guests)
Exciting News!
No school field trip fees for 22-23 school year!
We received a federal grant to cover it.
Knee High Naturalists
Knee High Naturalists is a weekly program for young children ages 1-5, and their care givers. It is designed for you and your little one to be able to bond, explore and make discoveries about the wonders of nature. Each class takes a hands-on approach to learning including, activities, hikes, music, arts, crafts, and games.
No Walk-ins please.
Caterpillar Class: Ages 1-3
Mondays: 10am- 11am and 1pm- 2pm
Tuesdays: 10am- 11am
Butterfly Class: : Ages 3.5-5
Tuesdays: 1pm- 2pm
Wednesdays: 10am- 11am and 1pm- 2pm
Next Session:
Session 3: May 8, 2023 - June 7, 2023.
Registration begins May 1, 2023 at 9 am
Click the box below to register for each weekly class session in the age group you would like to participate. See program schedules for individual class activities.
FEES
$5 per class or $40 per session
Call for more info: 951-206-3994
Scouting Programs
Hidden Valley offers a variety of programs for cub scouts, brownies and girl scouts. Cub Scout programs include activities that meet Achievement and Elective requirements for Tigers, Wolves, and Bears, and four Activity Badges for Webelos. Girl Scout programs meet the requirements for a variety of Brownie Try-its, Jr. Girl Scout Badges, and Sr. Girl Scout Interest Patches. Both girl and boy scouts are welcome to plan and complete a conservation project here at Hidden Valley. A variety of projects are available for those boys who wish to complete their Eagle Scout Project. For more information, click on one of the links below.
Call for more info:
951-785-7452
Summer Camps
Are your kids ready to enjoy a fun week of Exploring Nature or Camping Fun? RivCoParks is offering two Junior Naturalist Summer Camps for kids at Hidden Valley Nature Center. Each child gets 1 week FREE of summer camp thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). At registration, select Session I or Session II. Each child will receive a camp T-shirt and an adventure pack. Must be a Riverside County resident to qualify.
Session I: Nature Detectives
June 12-16, 2023
Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Session II: Camping Fun
June 26-30, 2023
Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Register early! Spots are limited. Groups will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click below to register.