About Hidden Valley Nature Center
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.
NOTE: Hidden Valley Nature Center will be closed on November 25th, so that staff may enjoy the Holiday with family. Thank you for your understanding.
Reserve Fees
Parking $5 per car, $2 per dog
Educational Programs $5 per person
Reserve Hours
Day Use Hours
Appointments and Tours┃Tuesday-Friday (please call ahead)
Location
11401 Arlington Ave., Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 785-7452 or (800) 234-PARK (7275)
EMAIL US AT: [email protected]
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 23/24 school year starting September 05, 2023.
Register for the Native American Tongva Field Trip Register for the Wetland Wonders Field Trip Register for the Insect Safari Field Trip Register for the Geology Field Trip
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). *HVNC will not be hosting any outreach programs during the '23-'24 school year.
Hidden Valley Wildlife Area Educational Programs Brochure
Document
Call 951-785-7452 for more information
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. Registration begins on Friday, April 19 at 9 AM
Knee High Naturalist Program Schedule English/Spanish
Document
Session 3 of 2024
May to June
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.
Boy Scouts Program Brochure
Document
Call 951-785-7452 for more information
Girl Scouts Program Brochure
Document
Call 951-785-7452 for more information
