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Summary: This trail begins right where the houses end and climbs steadily, sometimes steeply, to a dirt road coming up from Moreno Valley. Along the way, views of Riverside, and on clear days, Ontairio and the San Gabriel range open up. From the road at the end of this hike, numerous other trails branch off through Box Springs Mountain Park. Birdwatching is popular in the park, and a surprising amount of wildlife. I have seen coyotes, Mule deer, and rabbit from the trail, and there have been reports of cougar sightings, I have not been that lucky. If you go on the weekend, expect company, but I have often gone on weekdays and had the hill to myself. Trailhead: From Riverside 60 fwy eastbound: Take Blaine St. exit, follow Blaine St. all the way to the end. Park in dirt lot where Blaine ends, then take short alley to residential street and turn right, following the street to trailhead proper, where parking is prohibited. (Lat:33.982 Lon:-117.308) Trail Guides for Box Springs Park-Two Trees trail: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Riverside County Parks and Recreation Dept. 909-955-4310 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Lorin John, who has posted 2 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review Hiked the trail on MLK day, 1-21-2008, several other hikers were on the trail. My first trip here, and I found it to be a surprisingly good hike with rugged and diverse terrain, and expansive views. I was also surprised to find houses and roads at the top of the trail at Box Springs Park. I went on another 25 minutes to the left and climbed to the top of the mountain there. Cool and very windy at the top. Overcast with light rain starting as I got back to the parking area at Two Trees Road. As one who had knee surgery a few months ago I can tell you that the steepness of the trail coupled with the rocky and sandy terrain made for some major knee inflammation. I rate this trail as a 4-star (and 4-ibuprofen!) hike. Hiked the trail on 10-8-07. I did not see much wildlife, but did hear the rustling of brush from some large animal near the trailhead...probably a coyote. The trail is somewaht steep at times. Great views of the Inland Empire. I WAS RAISED THERE! Started the hike at 10:40am from the twin trees entrance. Not much wildlife in sight during the trek up. Apart from the fires in SB and LA, the view was pleasant. Reached the tower west of the M around noon with a great breeze blowing and a plesant view of Moreno Valley and Perris while the northwest was blanketed in a layer of brown smoke. Saw a few bunnies on the way back down. No people in sight. I actually didn't take this particular trail, but I wanted to comment on my general experience in the Box Springs Mountains. I parked in front of Islander Park off Big Springs Rd. and I started walking toward the mountain because I wanted to go up to the "C." I crossed the train tracks and then had to cut through the arroyo to get up the hill. Very strenuous on the way up. I got to the C and then went up to the first antenna tower. I then got on the more flat service road and then walked all the way down to Pigeon Pass. All in all, going up was tough, but coming down wasn't that bad. Great Trail. Very easy. Be careful at this time of year. I saw several active red diamondbacks yesterday right on the trail and they were in no hurry to move. I hiked this trail with my son, who was 4 at the time, and my brother-in-law, 20. We love this hike and my son had very little trouble (I did assist him in a few spots) even though it is rather steep in parts. It is a great day hike but take the warning of bringing water. A ranger's house is at the top but I don't remember there being public water available. At the top you can continue on to many other trails. My favorite is the service road past the gate. Just a few yards down the road is a side trail on the left marked with a wooden sign. This trail is great to get you of the beaten path. It wil dump you out about half way up the mountain. One year we even had snow up there! Did the hike this morning. The trail is in very nice shape. Saw one man (with four dogs) along the way. Without much rain, it is pretty dry though it is a great way to get some exercise in a short period if time. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||