Riverside Mountains

The Riverside Mountains form a rugged range in Riverside County that combines steep ridgelines with gradual slopes extending outward. The landscape rises to approximately 2200 feet at its peak, with the Colorado River running along its eastern edge.

The Bureau of Land Management established this area as protected wilderness in 1994 to preserve its natural geological features. This designation safeguarded the desert landscape and its ecological characteristics for the future.

Native American tribes inhabited the region surrounding the Riverside Mountains, utilizing the Colorado River and mountain resources for sustenance.

Visitors can explore the area using marked trails that wind through the terrain. Arriving early in the day is helpful, and bring plenty of water since the landscape is exposed and can become very hot during warmer months.

The range displays an unusual north-south orientation of its rock formations, which sets it apart from the typical east-west patterns seen in other North American mountain chains. This geological feature makes the landscape scientifically interesting for visitors interested in earth sciences.

Location: Riverside County

GPS coordinates: 34.02310,-114.54100

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:41