8th Annual Hike up Blue Mountain Set for March 8

The eighth annual hike up Blue Mountain is set for Sunday, March 8, beginning at 8 a.m. The annual hike is one of the premier events in Grand Terrace and this year, the event promises to be bigger than ever. In recent years, almost 1,000 local residents have taken part. Longtime residents will remember when Blue Mountain was open to hiking year-round. Sadly, this is no longer the case. One of the most accessible entrances has been closed for a number of years. Fortunately, for this annual event, the Friends of Blue Mountain group works with the landowner and others to open the gate so the public can enjoy this critical local asset. Friends of Blue Mountain will be collecting donations and selling t-shirts at the event to raise funds to meet its land acquisition goals so it can open Blue Mountain year-round. In the future, the group hopes to establish a 500 acre wilderness park to connect with Box Springs Park in Riverside. The gate to the mountain, located at the corner of Honey Hill Drive and Palm Avenue, will be open promptly at 8 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. Hikers must start the walk by 10:45 a.m., so arrive early to avoid missing out. The hike offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy nature on your doorstep, including some great views of local landmarks including the City of Riverside, Mount San Gorgonio, and Mount Baldy. If the views are not enough to get you up Blue Mountain, an inspirational talk will be given at the top. Pastor Wright, formerly of Highgrove Methodist Church, will be delivering an address at the top at 9:30 a.m. for those who would like to partake. Bring the entire family for this rare opportunity to hike the city’s most recognizable landmark. Friendly pets are welcome too, so long as they are kept on their leashes at all times. There will be water and some snacks available, but please bring your own just in case. Please also bring sunscreen, a hat, and be sure to wear suitable hiking gear. Let’s make this year’s hike unforgettable by helping Friends of Blue Mountain reach its goals.