Moreno Valley combines an extensive urban offering of parks and trails with nature and cultural attractions to suit a variety of day plans. The city maintains more than 540 acres of parks and trails. The Parks and Community Services Department also maintains more than 30 parks and five city facilities. To start planning your trip, consider what you want to focus on during your stay: a specific trail, time outdoors, or culture and events.

Parks and Trails Around Moreno Valley

Box Springs Mountain Reserve is a notable destination for spending time outdoors. It covers 3,400 acres of land and overlooks the cities of Riverside and Moreno Valley. The mountain in the reserve reaches an elevation of more than 3,000 feet. The area also includes several miles of multi-use trails with varying difficulty levels. If you are choosing a hike, these differences in difficulty are an important guide for your planning.

The two parking lots at Box Springs Mountain Reserve have picnic tables and restrooms. Moreno Valley's trail network is suitable for pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders. The city also holds annual community hikes called Hike to the Top. If you would like to include one of these events in your stay, check the dates for your planned travel period.

The Anza Trail: Route and Historical Context

The section of the Anza Trail through Moreno Valley is a certified, eight-mile trail that begins at Towngate Memorial Park. It is flat, paved, and designed as a multi-use trail, suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. Walking the eight-mile route takes approximately two to four hours. This time range is a guide for planning your day.

The trail section's location also has historical significance: it lies between historic Anza expedition camps No. 58 and No. 59, as well as on the ancestral lands of the Luiseno, Tongva, and Cahuilla. The Anza Trail thus brings together practical route information and historical context. Those interested in hiking will find both details about the route and insight into the area's history and cultural significance.

Culture and Events

The Moreno Valley Museum & ArtSpace offers a different focus from parks and trails. It presents interactive exhibits on Moreno Valley's history and culture. An immersive area uses light, sound, and interactive design. This gives visitors a choice of an explicitly interactive cultural experience in addition to outdoor activities.

Summer offerings include MoVal Rocks. Every summer, the city hosts free, family-friendly live concerts featuring local artists; local food vendors are also part of the event. If you would like to pair your trip with a concert, check the event dates for your planned stay.

The annual Springtastic Festival and Egg Hunt includes a free egg hunt for children up to and including age twelve. The event also features a Youth Fun Zone, a live DJ, and food vendors. El Grito offers music, free entertainment, food, and activities for children. Each event has its own highlights; a specific date can help you fit culture and activities into your stay.

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