Hiking, Biking, Climbing, & Horseback Riding

Hiking, Biking, & Horse Trails

Lake Perris has Hiking only trails, Hiking and Bike trails, and Hiking, Mountain Bike, and Horse trails located throughout the park. Summer temperatures can be harsh, but springtime riders find themselves in the midst of a colorful sea of wildflowers on the east end of the park.

Hiking Only: There are hiking-only trails that pick up near the Museum and the Lake Perris Amphitheater that lead up to the scenic overlook of Terri Peak. On the park brochure, these trails are marked in green dots.

Hiking and Bike Trails: This trail is marked as a line of green dashes on the brochure. That particular trail is also paved and wheel chair accessible.

Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding: These trails are noted as a broken purple line of dashes and dots on the brochure. It is not wheelchair accessible and it is unpaved.

Note: Bikes and horses are NOT allowed on the dam at any time. Bikes seeking to circle the lake must use the unpaved horse trail.

Horses:

Lake Perris does not rent horses, but visitors are welcome to bring their own to the park. There is an Equestrian day use areas located in the "Day Use Horse Trailer / Hunter's Parking Lot" area near the Group Campground with access to water. Another area near the overnight Equestrian Campground that has access to water and several corrals.

For information on camping overnight with your horse: Horse Camp

Climbing

Big Rock is a popular Southern California climbing spot located within Lake Perris State Recreation Area in Riverside County. Big rock is just that, a giant granite rock approximately 180 feet high. It hosts 34 recognized routes that range from a modest 4th class to a 5.10d with one A3 route. Although most routes are single pitch, or suitable for top rope, we have a couple of multi-pitch that take you to the upper level of the rock and several of the more challenging routes. It’s popular with mostly beginning and intermediate climbers, but provides some aggressive opportunities for that more advanced climber looking for a quick urban workout. A route map is provided at the base of the rock, and they are also printed in several Southern California climbing guides.

Big Rock has approximately 110 bolts on its face and no more are permitted. Please enjoy the routes already established. If you need to add some excitement try some traverses between routes. We also ask that if you must aid up the flakes, please use nuts only.

The climbing area is open year round although the best temperatures are from late September to about mid June. Big Rock boasts a west face so it provides shade in the morning and long evenings during day light savings.

Equipment requirements are fairly light: quick draws, runners, 165 feet of rope, and a selection of nuts and/or anchors.

It’s an easy approach to the climbing area requiring about a half mile hike along a paved road. Chemical toilets and picnic tables are provided, but you must provide your own water, and the park does not rent climbing gear.

All climbing is at your own risk. The Department of Parks and Recreation does not install or maintain any fixtures or equipment on Big Rock.