Description:
Noble Canyon Trail begins on the west side of Sunrise Highway and runs initially through pine and oak forest, changing elevation for about one mile until Filaree Flats becomes visible far below to the north. The trail tops out in another mile or so to yield vistas of Mt. San Jacinto and Mt. San Gorgonio. Now the trail descends and crosses a paved road (Pine Creek Road, an excellent remote camping area) four times, and then climbs around a chaparral ridge covered with white ceonothus in the spring. Descending again, the trail passes through a grassy area sporting abundant wildflowers in the spring and early summer.

At about 3 miles, the trail approaches Noble Creek and parallels it through pines, black oaks and live oaks until it emerges in a wider sunlit section of the canyon. The trail passes through shady water courses and riparian areas which offer magnificent colors in the fall, and cool shady resting spots in summer. Remains of an old gold mine, active in the 1880s, and foundations of two old cabins are still visible.

The trail crosses to the west side of the creek (NOT a water source for hikers unless purified) and switchbacks the remaining 3 miles to the lower-end trailhead and parking lot. This part of the trail is very exposed, dry and hot in the summer (and sometimes in spring and fall). Carry lots of water!

As you approach the tri-fork near the Pine Valley trailhead, take the first wide trail that goes left. It follows a dry creek and eventually winds over a ridge, then down to the trailhead. (Note: the third trail on the right leads to Pine Creek Road). If you are in the majority that have arranged a car shuttle for this hike, the west Noble Canyon Trailhead is located 1.2 miles N of Pine Valley on Old Highway 80, then 1.6 miles NE on Pine Creek Road and 0.2 miles on a spur to the parking lot.