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OPEN SPACE AREAS

Quick Links 

Recreational

Open Space Areas

Southwestern

Riverside County

Protected Areas and Ecological Reserves

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Discover Open-Space Areas and  Reserves

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Poppy Bloom closed to public

In anticipation of the wildflower super bloom of Lake Elsinore, the area is currently off-limits for those planning to visit and admire the poppies of Walker Canyon. Visitors could be cited by law enforcement. As many of you know, 2019 caused safety concerns of the large crowds inundating the canyon. Multiple agencies are working together to keep the area safe. The City of Lake Elsinore has launched a live video feed of Walker Canyon for those interested in the state of the poppies. For more information, please visit: City of Lake Elsinore poppy bloom update.

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Recreational Open-Space Areas

Here are RivCoParks open space areas available for the public to explore and enjoy!  For more details on park sites, click the one you want below or use our quicks above.

 

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Southwest Riverside County/Near Murrieta

  • 9,000 acres of protected lands

  • Trails for hiking, biking, picnicking, and horseback riding

  • Seasonal vernal pools

  • Educational programs

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Riverside/Moreno Valley, CA

  • 3,400 acres of beautiful land

  • Several miles of multi-use trails

  • Mountains rise up to 3,000 ft. in elevation

  • Breathtaking views

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Riverside, CA/Located along the Santa Ana River East of Norco

  • 1,500 acres of lush land along the river

  • 25 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding

  • On-site and outreach nature education programs

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Southwest Riverside County/Near Murrieta

  • 10,000 acres of protected lands

  • 10+ miles of multi-use trails

  • Scenic meadows & vernal pools

  • Six distinct protected plant communities

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South of Riverside/Near Lake Matthews

  • 325 acres park

  • 2,000 ft. elevation

  • Diverse, beautiful foliage, wildflowers, and wildlife

  • Unique trail system for all levels of hikers

  • Equestrian trails

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Surrounds and connects Lake Skinner & Diamond Valley Lake

  • 14,000 acres of reserve

  • Home to endangered species

  • Varied types of habitat

  • Trails accessed from Lake Skinner area

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Quail Valley, CA 
at Goetz & Kabian Park Rd.

  • Day-Use Only, free admission

  • Gazebos with BBQ grills

  • Playground

  • Scenic hiking & equestrian trails

  • Wildlife viewing

Protected Areas and Reserves

Protected  Areas and Reserves

Here are RivCoParks open space areas which are home to sensitive and endangered species, flora, and fauna.  Please note any access restrictions for the public.

 

SW Riv County Multi-Species Reserve

Surrounds and connects Diamond Valley Lake and Lake Skinner. 

  • 14,000 acre preserve

  • This area is open to the public - subject to day use fees

  • Open sunrise to sunset

  • Contains undocumented trails

  • Public not to disturb the ecology of this area

Gooseflats Wildlife Area

Blythe area:  3.5 miles southeast of Blythe at 18th Avenue and the Colorado River

  • 230 acres

  • boating and fishing permitted

  • This area is open to the public - subject to day use fees

  • Open sunrise to sunset

  • Contains undocumented trails

  • Public not to disturb the ecology of this area

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Iodine Springs Reserve

Wildomar Springs area:  located near Iodine Springs Road and Clinton Keith Road in Riverside County.

  • This area is open to the public - subject to day use fees

  • Open sunrise to sunset

  • Contains undocumented trails

  • Public not to disturb the ecology of this area

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Coming Soon!
Johnson Ranch

Temecula area:  located at Butterfield Stage and Murrieta

  • 700 acres of protected lands

  • Featuring nutrient rich soil previously used for agricultural purposes

  • This area is open to the public - subject to day use fees

  • Open sunrise to sunset

  • Contains undocumented trails

  • Public not to disturb the ecology of this area

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Stofer Property

Lake Elsinore area:  located off Mountain Road and leads into the Cleveland National Forest

  • 135 acres land which is considered part of the Butterfield Overland Trail

  • This are is open to the public - subject to day use fees

  • Open sunrise to sunset

  • Contains undocumented trails

  • Public not to disturb the ecology of this area

The Devil's Garden is shown in this panoramic view near Desert Hots Springs, CA
Devil's Garden

Desert Hot Springs area:  located east of Twentynine Palms HWY 62 and Mission Creek Road

  • 185 acres of reserve

  • Home to a variety of cacti

The Mary Tyo Staging Area in Jurupa Valley on Ridgeview Ave.
Mary Tyo Staging Area

Riverside/Jurupa Valley area:  located in the southeast corner of Ridgeview and Limonite Avenues

  • Includes a staging area, trailhead, parking lot, and picnic area

  • This area is open to the public - subject to day use fees

  • Open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Sunday

  • Contains undocumented trails

  • Public not to disturb the ecology of this area

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Coming Soon!
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Miller Park

Blythe area:  12 miles southwest at HWY 78 and 38th Avenue

  • 5 acres of undeveloped park

  • This area is open to the public - subject to day use fees

  • Open sunrise to sunset

  • Contains undocumented trails

  • Public not to disturb the ecology of this area

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Norton Younglove

San Timoteo Canyon area:  located northeast of Redlands and in the far northwestern foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains

  • Hiking trails, horseback riding, picnic areas, nature and wildlife viewing

  • This area is open to the public - subject to day use fees

  • Open sunrise to senset

  • Contains undocumented trails

  • Public not to disturb the ecology of this area

Warmington Mitigation Site

Murrieta, CA: 

  • 188 acre multi-use residential development

  • This area is open to the public - subject to day use fees

  • Open sunrise to senset

  • Contains undocumented trails

  • Public not to disturb the ecology of this area

Restricted Open Space Areas

Restricted  Open Space Areas

The goal of wildlife conservation is to ensure that nature will be around for future generations to enjoy and also to recognize the importance of wildlife and wilderness for humans and other species alike. The sites below are protected areas and we ask that you do not disturb any of the sites below:

  • Trujillo Adobe

  • Fish Traps

  • Maze Stone

  • Mockingbird Canyon Archaeological Site

  • Ringing Rock Archaeological Site

  • Double Butte

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