5 Casinos in California You Can Find Near Famous Hiking Trails
There are many great California casinos that you can play at, but if you want to make your trip even more fun and adventurous, you can try hiking before you go. If you’re the outdoorsy type and you also like gambling, this article is for you.
Most land-based casinos in California are near some of the best hiking trails in the US because they are located within Indian reservations. We will give you five recommendations for the best California casinos and the respective hiking trails around them.
Pechanga Resort & Casino
The Pechanga Resort & Casino features top-class gambling facilities that span over 200,000 square feet, making it one of the biggest casinos on the West Coast. What’s more, Pechanga Casino was named the Best Casino in California, so we really don’t need to tell you more.
The Pechanga resort is the perfect place to relax and get away from the city, offering not only gambling, but also activities such as golf.
The resort is also close to many famous hiking trails; some of the best hiking trails which are less than 10 miles away are the Santa Margarita River Trail, the Monserate Mountain Trail, and the French Valley Wildlife Area. As the name suggests, the last hiking trail is home to vulnerable flora and fauna, so you should be mindful if you choose to go there.
Casino Address: 45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
Barona Casino & Resort
The Barona Casino & Resort is another great casino in California that offers every casino-style game that you can think of. In addition to that, Barona Casino & Resort is known for its fine dining and golf course.
In terms of hiking trails, you again have many options around the resort. There are two hiking trails, namely El Cajon Mountain Hiking Trail and Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, which are situated less than two miles away from the casino resort, so pack your hiking equipment and later indulge in some old-fashioned gambling.
Casino Address: 1932 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040
Thunder Valley Casino & Resort
The Thunder Valley Casino & Resort is based in Lincoln, CA and it’s one of the biggest land-based casinos in the state, having multiple floors filled with gambling machines and game tables. Thunder Valley Casino & Resort also often hosts events with famous singers and bands including Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kool & the Gang.
Once you get your entertainment and gambling fix, you should check out some of the many hiking trails around the resort. If you’re a beginner, we recommend Miner’s Ravine Trail and Stock Ranch Natural Preserve as they are shorter and less challenging than nearby trails like the American River Bike Trail.
Casino Address: 1200 Athens Ave, Lincoln, CA 95648
Pala Casino Spa Resort
Pala Casino Spa Resort has everything you’re looking for – great accommodation and fantastic gambling facilities that allow you to play all your favourite casino games, including video slots, jackpot slots, roulette and blackjack among others.
Pala is also home to many hiking trails that will lead you to some of the prettiest views in the area. We highly recommend the Wilderness Gardens Upper Meadow Camelia View. It takes a little bit over an hour to complete and it’s suitable for both hiking and walking. The trail is only closed in August due to extreme temperatures.
Casino Address: 11154 CA-76, Pala, CA 92059
Harrah’s Resort Southern California
Harrah’s Resort Southern California is part of the successful Harrah’s brand; you can find many Harrah’s casinos all around the US, but this one also happens to be situated in one of the most picturesque places in the country.
The casino resort is located in Valley Center and much like other Harrah’s casinos, it offers world-class gambling facilities and a wide range of casino games, including many types of poker such as Mississippi Poker, Six Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em and more.
The hiking trails around the resort only add on to the appeal. The resort even has its own trail, called the Nature Trail. The one-mile trail opens up to views of the majestic Palomar Mountain range and many local creeks. You can also spot birds like Stellar Jays, Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Willow Flycatchers and Black Phoebes.
If you want something more challenging, you can check out the trails at the nearby Palomar Mountain State Park.
Casino Address: 777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center, CA 92082