Carriage Trail Hiking Guide
The Carriage Trail winds through the foothills above Redlands, threading past oak-shaded canyons and open ridgelines with views stretching across the San Bernardino Valley. Steeped in local history, this route follows a path once used for horse-drawn travel and now offers hikers a peaceful escape from the urban Inland Empire. The trail rewards visitors in cooler months with vibrant wildflower blooms and crisp air, making it one of the region's more satisfying half-day outings.
Trail Overview and Character
The Carriage Trail covers approximately 5 miles with around 600 feet of cumulative elevation gain, placing it comfortably in the moderate category. The terrain alternates between compacted dirt singletrack and wider, historic double-track segments that hint at the trail's carriage-road origins. Hikers pass through pockets of coast live oak and California walnut before emerging onto open chaparral slopes where panoramic views of Redlands and the broader San Bernardino Valley open up. The route is well-defined throughout, making navigation straightforward for most skill levels.
Trailhead Access and Parking
The trailhead is accessed from the Redlands foothills on the north side of the city, where limited street parking is typically available near the trail entrance. Arriving early on weekends is strongly recommended, as parking fills quickly between mid-morning and noon. There are no fees or permits required to park or hike. A portable restroom may be available seasonally at or near the trailhead, but hikers should not rely on facilities being present and should plan accordingly. The nearest full amenities, including restrooms and water, are a short drive back into central Redlands.
Seasonal Conditions and Best Times to Visit.
Fall through spring is the prime window for the Carriage Trail. Temperatures in the Redlands foothills stay comfortable from October through April, and winter rains coax native wildflowers into bloom by late February and March. Spring brings the most dramatic color, with lupine, poppies, and sage blossoms dotting the chaparral. Summer hiking is possible but the exposed ridgeline sections become intensely hot by mid-morning; if you must hike in summer, start before 7 a.m. and turn back if heat feels excessive. After significant winter rains, check the trail for muddy, slippery stretches before heading out.
Wildlife and Natural Features
The oak woodland corridor supports a surprisingly diverse slice of Southern California wildlife. Mule deer are frequently spotted in the early morning along the lower canyon sections, and red-tailed hawks are a near-constant presence overhead on the ridgeline. Western fence lizards bask on trailside rocks throughout the warmer months. The understory beneath the oaks is home to toyon, scrub oak, and native bunch grasses that turn golden in late summer. Birders will appreciate the variety of species that use the oak canopy, including acorn woodpeckers, western bluebirds, and California scrub-jays.
Dog-Friendliness and Trail Etiquette.
Dogs are welcome on the Carriage Trail and the foothill setting makes it an enjoyable outing for well-conditioned pets. Leash rules apply throughout; keep dogs on a 6-foot leash to protect nesting birds and to prevent encounters with wildlife, including the occasional coyote or rattlesnake. Pack out all waste and bring more water than you think your dog will need — there is no reliable water source on the trail. Yield to uphill hikers, keep music to yourself or use one earbud, and give equestrian users the right of way by stepping calmly to the downhill side of the trail.
Safety Considerations
The Carriage Trail's exposed ridgeline sections can become dangerous in high winds, which are common in the Inland Empire during Santa Ana events from fall through early spring. Check the National Weather Service forecast for San Bernardino County before heading out and postpone if wind advisories are active. Rattlesnakes are present year-round in the chaparral; watch where you step and never reach into brush or under rocks. Cell service is generally available along most of the route, but coverage can drop in the lower canyon. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person, a basic first-aid kit, and let someone know your planned return time.
Hiking tips for Carriage Trail
- Start by 8 a.m. on weekends to secure trailhead parking and avoid the midday heat on exposed ridge sections.
- Bring trekking poles if you're sensitive to uneven terrain — the lower canyon has some rocky, root-crossed stretches that can be slippery after rain.
- Pack out all trash and use a waste bag for dogs; the trail relies on community stewardship rather than formal maintenance crews.
- Wear sun protection on the ridgeline — the open chaparral offers no shade, and the Inland Empire sun is intense even in winter.
- Carry a paper map or download the trail offline before you go; cell coverage can be intermittent in the lower canyon sections.
Nearby trails to explore
- Crafton Hills Open Space Conservancy Trail.
- Sunset Trail – San Bernardino National Forest.
- Live Oak Canyon Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Planning a hike on the Carriage Trail? Use TrailMates to find hiking partners who match your pace and skill level, coordinate a group of three or more for added safety on the exposed ridgeline, and join women-only or open group events launching from the Redlands foothills. Download the TrailMates app and connect with Inland Empire hikers who are heading out this weekend.