Overview
Mount Rubidoux is a mountain summit in Riverside County in the state of California, just West of Downtown Riverside and on the east bank of the
Santa Ana River. It extends to a height of 559 feet from its base to an elevation of 1339 ft. above sea level. The Mountain is approximately 2 km long and .7 km wide.
Other than the great views from the top, you can find the Serra Cross in honor of the founder of the mission,Fray Junipero Serra, the Tower of World Peace and huge US flag.
Getting There
From Hwy 91 take the exit to 14th Street, and drive West toward the mountain. After 1.1 miles turn left on Glenwood Dr. About 0.2 miles you'll see a yellow gate on the right side of the road you can park here on the side of the road.
From here you just follow the paved road behind the yellow gate to the top. It's about 1.1 miles.
Red Tape
There is no fee to hike or bike here.
No Camping allowed on the mountain.
Camping
If you want to camp in the vicinity of the mountain there is a campground on the West side of the Santa Ana River.
Here are directions to it:
Directions to Rancho Jurupa in Riverside, CA From the 60 Freeway eastbound through Rubidoux: Take the Rubidoux Boulevard Exit and turn right. Take Rubidoux Boulevard to Mission Boulevard and turn left. Take Mission to Crestmore Road and turn right. Follow the signs to the park. From the 91 Freeway eastbound through Riverside: Continue to the 60-91 interchange and go west to the 60 Freeway toward LA. Exit at Rubidoux Boulevard off the 60 Freeway and turn left over the Freeway. Take Rubidoux Boulevard to Mission Boulevard and turn left. Take Mission to Crestmore Road and turn right. Follow the signs to the park.
External Links
http://www.mt-rubidoux.org
http://www.passport-america.com/campgrounds/united_states/california/riverside/rancho_jurupa/
History
1840's - 1869 - Louis Robidoux owned the Jurupa Rancho property - including what came to be named Mt. Rubidoux.
1906 (January) - Frank Miller and Henry Huntington formed the Huntington Park Association to acquire and develop the Mt. Rubidoux property including installation of a road from bottom to top and back.
1907 (February) - the road on Mt. Rubidoux was completed as designed by Brigadier General Hiram Chittenden who built the Yellowstone Park roads for the U.S. Government
1907 (February) - the U.S. flag was raised on Washington's Birthdayto celebrate the opening of the road
1907 (April) - the first cross was erected, consecrated, and a plaque installed at its base in dedication to Fray Junipero Serra, founder of the California Missions
1907 (summer) - a bronze plaque was installed at the "crossroads" to honor Henry E. Huntington.
1909 (April) - first Easter Sunrise Service held at the top of Mt. Rubidoux, attended by 100 persons
1909 (October) - President Taft went to the top of Mt. Rubidoux and dedicated a second plaque to Fr. Serra
1916 - cross was lit for the first time on Easter eve
1919 (November 11) - the first Armistice Day Sunset Service was held and attended by 300 persons
1922 - Boy Scouts guided Sunrise Service guests for the first time
1923 (April 18) - "Loring Rock" and the Loring memorial tablet was dedicated "at a location on the mountain from which there is a fine view of the tree-filled city"
1925 (December 13) - the Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge were dedicated in honor of Frank A. Miller (for his vision for the Mountain and for his ideals of International Friendship and World Peace)
1926 - 20,000 persons attended the Easter Sunrise Service
1934 - the Riverside Humane Society dedicated a plaque, installed on the Friendship Bridge, to Japanese Olympian Lt. Col. Shunzo Kido who saved his horse from death while competing in the 22 ½ mile equestrian endurance race in the 10th Olympiad