I had some things to attend to in Temecula this morning and since I was already halfway to Hemet, I decided to check Simpson Park off of my to-do list. What I had heard was the that place had a small but nice network of singletrack as well as some features that would require your “A”game. I have to say that this place more than lives up to that reputation. There were more trails there than I expected and the quality of the singletracks were outstanding. They were often a mix of buffed tread with frequent undulations and rock features. With great views of the snow-capped San Jacincto and San Bernardino Mountains coupled with green grass and Lake Perris in the distance this was a great place to spend and afternoon exploring.
There are at least several trails that leave the Simpson Park area and go to the east and west along the ridgeline that park is situated on. I did some exploring to the west of the park and found some really nice stuff.
I turned around once I had made my way out to the Ramona Cross about the Ramona Bowl in Hemet.
If you are looking for some techno-fun stuff make sure to check out the Lake View trail. There are many rock-rolling line options of varying degrees of difficulty with the easiest being “tricky”.
I have bumped this trail to the top of my trail reviews in progress stuff to do. Hemet can be blistering hot during the summer and I have a good feeling that these super nice trails will get sandy during the dry months so now is a really good time to check this place out.
Until I get my stuff together here are a couple of rambling bits of information:
- Pick up a trail map at the visitor center. There is also a big map by the restrooms.
- Climb the Crest Trail, it will take you out of the park. When you get to the top at a fireroad, take your first singletrack on your left (I think it is Canyon). You will soon be back in the park. Hit the Redtail trail.
- At the other end of the park, at the intersection of the Quail trail and Buck Brush, take a single track off to the south that rolls up onto a small ridge. Mucho fun as it take you west. Berms, jumps, and rollers are some of the stuff you will find out there.
- From the restroom at the far end of the park pickup the Lakeview trail by the highest elevation picnic table you can find. Take Lake View down, hang a right, go by the water tank and pick up Lichen. Follow it until you come to a junction go left, cross the road and pickup the Black Sage trail. Take that to Live Oak and Ribbonwood and head back to the parking area on the fireroad.
Getting there: Check out the Google Maps directions to get from Tecmecula to Simpson Park.
This place is cool so check it out while the conditions are great.
-Bill