Crafton Hills Hiking Guide
Crafton Hills rises above the city of Redlands in San Bernardino County, offering a surprisingly rewarding network of trails through dense chaparral and open ridgelines. The preserve draws local hikers looking for accessible elevation gain without the crowds of the San Gabriel Mountains. Clear days reward trekkers with sweeping views stretching from the San Bernardino Valley floor all the way to the San Jacinto peaks to the south.
Trail Overview and Route Options.
The Crafton Hills Open Space Conservancy manages a collection of interconnected trails that wind through the hills east of downtown Redlands. Most visitors combine the main ridge trail with one or two connector paths to form a loop of approximately 4 to 6 miles. The terrain alternates between exposed ridgeline stretches and sheltered ravines thick with sage, buckwheat, and chamise. Elevation gain is steady rather than dramatic, making it a solid workout without the technical demands of alpine terrain. Hikers can adjust their mileage easily by cutting loops short or extending onto additional fire roads that lace the upper preserve.
What to Expect on the Trail
Trails at Crafton Hills are generally well-marked dirt singletrack and wider fire roads, suitable for hikers of varying experience levels who are comfortable with sustained uphill sections. The exposed ridges can be windy, and the chaparral on either side of the path is dense, so staying on marked routes is important. Wildlife sightings here are common — expect to encounter California quail, red-tailed hawks, coyotes, and the occasional mule deer, especially in early morning or late afternoon. The trailhead areas near Crafton Avenue provide basic parking, and signage at junctions helps navigating the network without a detailed map.
Views and Highlights
The primary payoff on any Crafton Hills hike is the panoramic Inland Empire vista from the upper ridge. On clear winter and spring days, you can identify the full sweep of the San Bernardino Mountains to the north, the snowy cap of Mount San Gorgonio, and the distinctive silhouette of Mount San Jacinto to the southeast. Looking west, the entire San Bernardino Valley spreads out across the smog-free horizon. Closer at hand, the chaparral blooms with white and yellow wildflowers in late winter through early spring, making that window one of the most photogenic times to visit. Sunset hikes along the ridge produce warm golden light over the valley basin.
Best Seasons and Weather Considerations.
Fall, winter, and spring are the prime seasons for Crafton Hills hiking. Summer heat in the Inland Empire is intense, with midday temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F on exposed ridges that offer no shade canopy. If you do hike in summer, an early morning start before 7 a.m. is essential. Winter brings mild temperatures in the 50s and 60s and dramatically improved air clarity, making it the single best season for views. Occasional light rain can make clay-heavy trail sections slippery, so check conditions after any significant precipitation. Spring wildflower blooms typically peak between February and April depending on the previous year's rainfall.
Dogs and Family Hikers
Crafton Hills is a dog-friendly preserve, and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome on most trail segments. Bring enough water for your pet — there are no water sources on the trail itself, and the exposed terrain dries out quickly. Families with older children will find the moderate grades manageable as a half-day outing, though younger kids may need encouragement on the steeper ridge sections. The trailhead area is relatively easy to access from central Redlands, making it a practical after-work or weekend option for local families. Always carry a leash and practice Leave No Trace to help protect the conservancy's wildlife corridors.
Safety and Trail Etiquette
Because sections of Crafton Hills run through open chaparral with limited cell coverage, letting someone know your planned route before heading out is a smart habit. Rattlesnakes are present in the preserve, particularly on warm days when they bask on sun-exposed rocks and trail surfaces — watch your step carefully and never reach into brush without looking first. Mountain bikers share some of the wider fire roads, so hikers should stay to the right and be alert for fast-moving cyclists on downhill sections. Parking areas can fill on popular weekend mornings, so arriving by 8 a.m. avoids the crunch. Carry at least two liters of water per person regardless of season.
Hiking tips for Crafton Hills
- Start no later than 7 a.m. in summer months to avoid dangerous ridge heat on the exposed upper trail.
- Wear layers in winter and fall — the ridge can be significantly windier and cooler than the trailhead parking area suggests.
- Download an offline trail map before you go, as cell signal is intermittent through much of the chaparral interior.
- Bring at least two liters of water per person; there are no water refill stations anywhere on the trail network.
- Scan rocks and the trail surface carefully for rattlesnakes, especially between March and October when temperatures warm above 65°F.
Nearby trails to explore
- Slide Peak Trail, San Bernardino National Forest.
- Sunset Trail, Redlands
- Big Falls Trail, Forest Falls
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Planning a Crafton Hills hike? Use TrailMates to find hiking partners matched to your pace and skill level, coordinate a group meetup that meets our 3-person safety minimum, and chat with local Inland Empire hikers who know these ridges well. Download the TrailMates app and find your crew before your next Redlands adventure.