Take a Hike, Find the Empire of Light

Hike Riverside's Two Trees Trail and Visit the Mission Inn's Festival of Lights

12.13.2018

Riverside’s Mission Inn has one of the most stunning displays of holiday lights in the US, but first things first: To really get in the mood—and earn your holiday treats, calorically speaking—take a quick-escape hike on nearby Two Trees Trail.

The 3-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike features panoramic views of the Inland Empire as you pass through Box Springs Mountain Reserve. The way there is completely uphill with 1,100 feet of elevation gain as the trail takes you from one end of the reserve to the other. The views—including the snowcapped San Bernardino Mountains—and cool rock formations along the way make this trail awesome. It’s not much for foliage, though, except for two coast live oaks, one on each side of the trail, presumably accounting for the trail’s name. Once you reach the end, simply turn around and return the way you came—unless you feel like doing more hiking! The trail ends where most of the trails in the Box Springs Mountains begin.

Extra Cheer: 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the historic Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights in downtown Riverside. The extravagant display includes nearly 5 million lights and over 400 animated figures.

It's centered at the 1876 landmark, but stretches into the surrounding streets (which are pedestrian-friendly) for a magical experience. Take a walk along Main Street to find local food vendors and small businesses alongside ornament displays, a giant tree, holiday-themed selfie stations, and tasty treats (hot chocolate or funnel cake, anyone?).

There’s also live music at multiple corners and a ferris wheel for getting a truly different perspective (and epic Riverside views) of the lights. We recommend arriving before 5 pm to beat the crowds and see the lights switch on dramatically on the hour.

The Two Trees Trailhead in Riverside is just off the 60/215 Freeways. From CA-60/I-215, take the Blaine/3rd St. exit and head east on Blaine. Make a left on Belvedere, followed by a right on Two Trees Rd. The road ends at a dirt parking lot at the trailhead. Dog-friendly!

The Mission Inn is located at 3649 Mission Inn Ave. in Riverside. Head down Blaine St. to the 60 west/215 north to CA-91 south, exit at Mission Inn Ave., and turn right. The Mission is three blocks up, just past Orange St. Surrounding streets are blocked off for the festival, though, so find street parking wherever you can, or pay top dollar to park in the nearby lots. Free admission. Open nightly through Christmas. Dog-friendly, except inside the inn!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View