In my real estate practice, I like to brag about the fact that I've lived in the area I serve for over 15 years, and even graduated from high school here before leaving the area for a time while in college and acompanying my husband to his posts in the Army.
It amazes me to find that I've missed out on the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area for all this time! Today, after driving by the area daily for the last year, my family and I finally decided to go walk through this Riverside County park, and see what was back there in the hills, which are often filled with horses and their riders from nearby Norco, CA - also known as "Horsetown USA".
We parked just outside the entrance to the park, located on Arlington Avenue just before Riverside turns into Norco, between La Sierra Avenue and California Avenue. Upon entering, there is a dirt road, allowing for drivers to go to the Nature Center, an asphalt bike trail, which is part of the Santa Ana River Trail (more on that in a minute), and a dirt and gravel path for those on horseback, which runs parallel to the paved surface.
With the recent rains, the hills are green and the day was perfect for a long walk. My husband and I brought along the 2 younger
kids and the 2 dogs. It was the first real walk for our newest addition, Penny, a border terrier that we adopted from a shelter. She was quite excited, and enjoyed sniffing at the variety of bugs along the trail and barking at the squirrels as they scampered across the trail.
When we first planned to go for our family walk, I had envisioned us on the dirt paths that criss cross the hills. I can see the paths from the road as I drive by, and frequently see joggers coming down the hill toward the road in the mornings. Once we got into the area, though, we discovered the paved surface, and took the easier route, since it was our first time there, and we really weren't sure which path would lead where!
The bike trail led us about a mile and a half in, to the Nature Center, where they hold educational presentations for schools, scouts and other gropus. With 4 children in 8 different local schools, I cannot believe that NONE of them have taken advantage of this opportunity! You can bet I'll be suggesting it to the teachers of the two who are still in school.
Along the way is an overlook area which has interesting facts about the history of the area. Very informative, and I won't spoil it for you by telling you what it says ... go read for yourself! There is much more I could write about our day in the park, but I highly recommend you just go and spend some time there yourself. You just might see me on my 3 mile walk, which I hope to do often now that I've found a great setting to enjoy along the way.
Comments(1)