Mount Rubidoux stands at 1399 feet above sea level and is located west of downtown Riverside in Mount Rubidoux Park. A storied local landmark, Mount Rubidoux is a favorite spot for local adventurers, and it could become one of your favorites, too. Here are three great reasons to hike this beautiful granite mountain.
- It provides exercise.
Physical exercise benefits recovery in a few ways. According to an article published in Frontiers is Psychiatry, exercise reduces stress and helps you better respond to stressers in the future. It improves your mood through the release of exercise-induced “feel-good” brain chemicals, and reduces cravings, clears the mind, and improves your overall health. All of these go a long way toward preventing a relapse. Mount Rubidoux park features more than three miles of vehicle-free roads and trails for hiking, biking, rollerblading and jogging.
- It puts you in nature.
Engaging with nature has far-reaching benefits, according to the University of California at Berkeley. It reduces anxiety and depression, increases creativity and improves cognitive functioning. Spending time in nature also reduces stress and increases feelings of well-being. Although Mount Rubidoux is close to downtown Riverside, it’s surrounded by rolling green hills and it’s dotted trees, native plants and giant boulders, giving it a secluded, natural vibe.
- It’s a great place to put things into perspective.
Spending time reflecting helps you stay mindful in recovery. A hike along the trails at Mount Rubidoux Park gives you time and space to put things into perspective. And once you get to the top of Mount Rubidoux, the hard work is rewarded with sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Getting to Mount Rubidoux
Mount Rubidoux Park is located at 5000 Tequesquite Avenue and is open every day from dawn until dusk. Park is available in a spacious lot. The start of the trail begins up the street about a quarter mile from parking. The long trail winds its way up to the summit, while the shorter trail takes you straight up the back of the mountain.
