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 Reporter |
Summary: I can't say enough good things about this hike. It is short, but steep. You gain great vistas of the major Southern California Mountains and their respective ranges. You are hiking through nearly waterless desert so there isn't poison oak :-). Even in August, the temperatures cool down enough to hike it just before sunset, or in the cool of the morning, and that is exactly what I do. I take this hike 3-4 nights a week with my dogs. It is a jaunt pretty much straight up the hillside, and the incredible views of the San Gabriels and Bernardinos begin almost immediately. From the top you get clear shots of Jacinto, Gorgonio, and Baldy. Watching the sunset from this spot is exhilarating. Plus, I've never seen another soul out in the evening. Trailhead: Take the 60 to Moreno Beach Blvd. Exit heading South, follow the curve of the road past the turnoff to Perris Lake. Turn left on Grande Vista, follow it to the end and park. Walk past the water tanks and begin up the hill on a motorcycle track/path. There is a lot of new construction, so the trailhead may change very soon, but there are many ways to get up into the hills. And you don't have to pay the Perris Lake fees. (Lat:33.88128 Lon:-117.19045) Trail Guides for Bernasconi Hills: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: None Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mauricio on 6/29/2008 Hiked this trail this afternoon, we left around 11 and were back at the car at 12:45. Moderate, rigorous hike that we will definitely be doing again sometime. The trail is steep at times and you should be in reasonably good shape to complete. Here are a couple of tips I hope help: -After parking at the end of Vista Grande head south, away from your car and the water towers. -Once you reach a plain, between two peaks the trail comes to a T. Make a right. There is a mountain lion warning, but saw only squirrels and lizards. Good workout, great views and worth the effort.
Reviewed by Mauricio on 6/29/2008 Started today (June 29, 2008) around 11 am and finished at 12:45. We had a little trouble finding the main trail head and although it was a little hot (about 100 when returned to car), it was a nice hike, great views and moderate difficulty. We would definitely do this hike again. Here are a couple of tips: -To reach the main trail up the mountain head south from the end of Grande Vista. -When you reach a flat area between a couple of peaks, the trail ends in a T. Make a right. This is a pretty steep trail. Take lots of water on a hot day and although there are signs warning of mountain lions, we saw none. Only wildlife we saw was a squirrel and lizards. It's a nice workout and well worth your time.
Reviewed by Mauricio on 6/29/2008 Started today (June 29, 2008) around 11 am and finished at 12:45. We had a little trouble finding the main trail head and although it was a little hot (about 100 when returned to car), it was a nice hike, great views and moderate difficulty. We would definitely do this hike again. Here are a couple of tips: -To reach the main trail up the mountain head south from the end of Grande Vista. -When you reach a flat area between a couple of peaks, the trail ends in a T. Make a right. This is a pretty steep trail. Take lots of water on a hot day and although there are signs warning of mountain lions, we saw none. Only wildlife we saw was a squirrel and lizards. It's a nice workout and well worth your time.
Reviewed by Mauricio on 6/29/2008 Started today (June 29, 2008) around 11 am and finished at 12:45. We had a little trouble finding the main trail head and although it was a little hot (about 100 when returned to car), it was a nice hike, great views and moderate difficulty. We would definitely do this hike again. Here are a couple of tips: -To reach the main trail up the mountain head south from the end of Grande Vista. -When you reach a flat area between a couple of peaks, the trail ends in a T. Make a right. This is a pretty steep trail. Take lots of water on a hot day and although there are signs warning of mountain lions, we saw none. Only wildlife we saw was a squirrel and lizards. It's a nice workout and well worth your time.
Reviewed by eric on 2/10/2008 went today with my two boys (11 and 16).beautiful day and beautiful hike.some very steep areas - my 11 year old had on tennis shoes and had difficulty gaining traction so did not make it to the top.will definitely return (with more appropriate shoes).like other reviewers, had some difficulty determining exactly what "trail" to take.took the one to the left 100 yds past water tower straight up hill.
Reviewed by julia m. on 1/19/2008 it was a lovely hike. we started about 2 in the afternoon and came back down around 530. sand can get slippery so good shoes are recommended. We took our poodle and he loved it. very nice for families and dogs also. not too easy, not to hard. Would hike again. We took a blanket and some food and had a nice picnic up at the top. great view highly recomended. 
Reviewed by Cate on 9/27/2007 Its one of my favorites because I live about 3 miles away :) Its so nice to live in an area you can just hike right after work. The view is so great when you get to the top; 360* and when the sun is setting and the rays hit the atmosphere, theres several colors and the clouds are illuminated. Just bring a headlamp for dusk (bobcats)!
Reviewed by jesse b on 3/2/2007 Like it cause its close to home. From near the top you can take the bigger trail N down to the park or houses. Otherwise, from the top there is a smaller trail going SW. You can find it behind the big rocks that are towards the city. It leads to the Indian museum that is open Wed, Sat, & Sun with water/AC if needed. Connecting Rancho Verde Eq trail parking is complete. It is just N Rancho Verde HS on S Laselle. If the gate is closed park on street. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Riverside County Hiking, Riverside County Trails, Riverside County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||