With September half gone, the annual love affair with the pumpkin has officially begun. Fans of the large orange gourd are indulging in pumpkin flavored everything, from tea to muffins to sausages. But the pumpkin craze isn’t just limited to food and decor. If you’re a fan of all things pumpkin, take a hike on southern California’s Pumpkin Rock Trail.
Located near Norco, the Pumpkin Rock Trail is a 3.2-mile loop with a mild incline that takes you up to 577 feet. It’s appropriate for all skill levels and is open from March through the end of October. Walkers and horseback riders frequent the trail, and dogs are welcome to make the trek as well.
It takes about an hour to traverse the full loop. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with an encounter with a local celebrity: the namesake Pumpkin Rock. About 15 feet tall, this large orb-shaped rock sports an especially bright coat of orange paint and a jaunty jack o’ lantern face. Each year around Halloween, the rock gets a fresh coat of paint to keep him ready for the next year’s visitors.
Before gaining its distinctive autumn coloring, the rock went by the rather undignified name of Elephant Butt Rock. The name comes from an especially large vertical crack running down its naturally grey backside. Now the yearly repainting is maintained by local artists, and the unveiling of the newest paint design is a big draw for both townsfolk and tourists.
The town of Norco is located near the base of Cleveland National Forest. Norco offers several hiking trails ranging from 1-15 miles long and varying in difficulty. Many are open to horses, as horseback riding is a popular activity here. Local wildlife includes mountain lions, coyotes, and bobcats, along with gray foxes and black-tailed jackrabbits. Pack your thermos of pumpkin spice coffee and head to the Pumpkin Rock Trail!
Related articles: 5 High Altitude Camping Destinations in California also Camper’s Guide: California’s Carrizo Plain National Monument
Featured Image from Kris Clifford/Shutter Stock
