Mission 005: Mt. Rubidoux to Hidden Valley Lookout
Last Updated: May 28, 2025 – Recon Confirmed
Mission
Launch from Ryan Bonaminio Park in Riverside and roll the Santa Ana River Trail west toward Hidden Valley Lookout. Cruise under the railroad bridge (bonus points if a train passes overhead), follow the trail through open stretches, and soak up the scenic hills at the turnaround. On the way back, mission reward is waiting — a raspa at El Raspadito or legendary fish tacos at La Buffadora, just off Van Buren.
Riverside Police Officer Ryan Bonaminio was shot and killed November 7, 2010, while involved in a foot pursuit in nearby Fairmount Park.
Mission 005 trail intel: From Mt. Rubidoux to Hidden Valley Lookout — 12 miles of riverside pavement, rolling hills, and one mandatory raspa stop.
Mission Execution
Route Overview
Start: Ryan Bonaminio Park, Riverside
End: Hidden Valley Lookout
Distance: ~18 miles round trip (20 if you include the raspa and taco stop)
Time: 1.5–2 hours casual pace + stop time
Terrain: Paved trail with short on-road connectors
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate (simple detours, light climbs, open views)
PARKING INTEL
Park at Ryan Bonaminio Park: safe, visible, steady traffic. (Take a moment to read the story of Police Officer Ryan Bonaminio and why the park was named after him.)
Avoid Tequesquite Ave trail entrance parking — high risk of break-ins (glass on ground).
Free parking, no kiosk hassle.
Restrooms available at the park.
Park at Ryan Bonaminio Park (5000 Tequesquite Ave, Riverside, CA 92506) for safe, visible parking and easy trail access. Avoid Tequesquite Ave entrance — high break-in risk.
Avoid parking along Tequesquite Ave near the trail entrance. Broken glass and frequent break-ins reported. Use Ryan Bonaminio Park (5000 Tequesquite Ave, Riverside, CA 92506) instead for safe staging.
NAVIGATION NOTES
Union Pacific Railroad Bridge
Scenic photo op — odds are good you’ll catch a train crossing above (we’ve seen one 4/4 times). This concrete arch railroad bridge was built in 1904.
Van Buren Avenue
This part isn’t as tricky as it looks — just follow the white fencing that lines the trail. Watch for the driveway leading into the car wash on the corner, and use caution as cars may be entering or exiting.
Hidden Valley Lookout (End Point)
Scenic rolling hills + wide-open views = mission complete photo op. Find a spot in this area that fits your aesthetic desires. There are plenty of options!
Suggested Stops
Union Pacific Railroad Bridge: Scenic checkpoint under the Union Pacific line. Great photo op — and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a train passing overhead.
El Raspadito (3740 Iowa Ave Ste 3, Riverside, CA 92507) — best raspa in the city or maybe in all of the Land. Right next door, La Bufadora Baja Grill (Ste 1) serves up legendary fish tacos. Both located just off Van Buren Ave — perfect mission reward stops.
Hidden Valley Lookout: Scenic turnaround point with rolling hills and wide-open views. Great spot to pause, snap photos, and regroup before the ride back.
Mission complete: squad photo at Hidden Valley Lookout. Pro tip — use the Ulanzi lightweight portable MagSafe tripod (see Gear section) for hands-free group shots.
RISK ASSESSMENT REPORT
High Voltage Vibes
When you first enter the trail, you’ll spot a fence marked “High Voltage.” I haven’t tested it myself — and don’t plan to — so it’s safe to assume it’s legit. Use extra caution around that area.
Encampments
Scattered along the trail in past rides, but recently cleared. Stay aware in underpass areas. Here is a good explanation about the history of safety along the trail since 1990 that may help you feel better about any rumors you hear. In the upper right image, this was a staging area for volunteers/workers who were working that day to clear out the riverbed. The city is clearly making an effort to keep the place clean.
Van Buren Detour
Follow signs carefully posted along the car wash that sits on the corner.
Trail Conditions
Generally clean and open; some trash/glass along the trail entrance (pictured here) and near industrial stretches. After the Nature Center, also be on the look out for Horse poop.
Downhill: You’ll come across a few downhill stretches along the trail — all clearly marked. Nothing too crazy, but dirt and sand tend to collect at the bottom, and a couple of those drops end in sharp turns. Keep your speed in check, or you might find yourself sliding into trouble. You’ll also spot “Possible Flooding Area” signs, which usually mean the road can get covered in dirt after rain.
Downhill Section: Use caution — dirt and debris can collect at the bottom, making the turn sketchy. Ride slow, control speed, and stay safe.
Disclaimer: Conditions change. Ride smart, obey local laws, and use common sense. Situational awareness always applies. [Read My 10 Commandments of E-Bike Safety]
Photo Intel
Loadout & Logistics
What to Pack
Helmet
Sunscreen + sunglasses
Cash/card for El Raspadito & La Buffadora
Gear & Gadgets
MAGSAFE TRIPOD
Ulanzi MT-84 Phone Tripod, 61" Magnetic Selfie Stick With Remote for iPhone 15/14/13/12 Series
TACTICAL PHONE POUCH
Tactical Phone Pouch to strap on your handlebars to capture beach vibes and views
Oury V2 Lock-On Bicycle Grips
Don’t underestimate the need for good grips, which over the course of long rides can provide total comfort. I dig these Oury V2 grips! Anti-vibration, large pad design eliminates numbness (trust me, it just feels different in a cool way). The extremely soft rubber will give you excellent control and maximum comfort. As for the aesthetics, it’s spot of 5-star cool.
FAMILY RIDE INTEL
When entering the trail at the beginning, be sure to position yourself between your young riders and the high voltage fence.
Depending on the age of your rider, take extra caution at the downhill areas.
Mostly flat and easy, but the Van Buren detour requires caution when crossing driveway entrance.
Kids may enjoy the railroad bridge + train chance.
El Raspadito is the ultimate motivator for younger riders. My brother-in-law, Richie—who is no doubt partying in Heaven right now with an 805 in one hand and a raspa in the other—locked us all on to this place. It’s been a part of our fun-time grind ever since. Trust me.
MISSION HACK
If the off-path raspa run doesn’t pan out, wrap up your mission at Tio’s Tacos (3948 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside Ca 92501). Ride into town and check out this one-of-a-kind spot — great food, incredible handcrafted art, and wild landscape sculptures everywhere you look. If you’ve never been, it’s a must-see where artist and chef of Tio’s (Martin) has “brought a new life into items that were considered useless making them into treasured pieces of art that reflect his infatuation for art, food and culture.” And did I mention the food is amazing?
FINAL BRIEF
The Mt. Rubidoux to Hidden Valley Lookout ride combines Riverside’s best trail scenery with unbeatable local eats. Expect a mix of open paths, riverside stretches, and rolling hills at the lookout. Then refuel with a raspa or fish tacos before heading back.
Your orders: Ride steady, follow signs at Van Buren, and don’t skip the reward stops.
AFTER ACTION REPORT
Mission complete? Drop your photos of the railroad bridge, Hidden Valley views, or your El Raspadito spoils and tag @ridethemission.