Shadow Rock Park

A Glimpse of Nature Meets Community Fun

Tucked away at the base of a cliff in Jurupa Valley, California sits Shadow Rock Park - a 20-acre recreational space within the Shadow Rock residential community. We discovered this gem offers that perfect blend of natural scenery and modern amenities that makes for an ideal outdoor escape.

What makes this park truly unique is its position beneath the morning shadow of the Jensen Quarry, a rock-climbing hotspot that's well-known throughout Southern California. You can see how this inspired the park's designers, who incorporated climbing themes throughout the play areas - a nice touch that connects the park to its surroundings.

The cliff face and rock formations here are quite impressive. If you're looking for a wonderful Instagram moment, visit at sunset when the sports field lights illuminate the landscape. On clear days, take a hike on the surrounding trails for some rewarding views of the town below.

Get Moving or Just Relax

Whether you're looking to break a sweat or just unwind, Shadow Rock offers options for both. The lighted turf sports fields are meant for a pickup game or organized sports, while the basketball court lets you practice your jump shot whenever the mood strikes.

Dog parents, rejoice! The park features separate small and large dog parks with comfortable benches where you can sit while your four-legged friend socializes. These areas are typically uncrowded and well-kept, but be prepared for a bit of a walk from the main parking lot to reach them.

If you're planning a get-together, the plaza area and picnic spots provide perfect settings for outdoor meals and gatherings. You'll discover barbecue grills ready for use and plenty of trash cans nearby - always a thoughtful addition. Some picnic areas can even be reserved for special events.

The park's walking/jogging trail offers a pleasant mix of cement sidewalks and compact dirt paths that loop around the entire park. It's meant for a morning jog or an evening stroll to take in the scenery.

Playground Paradise

A highlight is the large, modern playground that embraces the rock climbing theme. We were impressed by the variety of climbing challenges and play equipment.

Kids can explore upper and lower sloped play surfaces with ropes and slides, conquer the elevated spire climbing structure, or experience the thrill of the popular zip line. There's also a shaded all-inclusive play structure, swings, and even a kid-sized rock-climbing wall that ties in beautifully with the park's natural backdrop. The soft surfaces in many areas are a thoughtful safety feature for inevitable tumbles.

The playground cleverly separates areas for different age groups, however it does seem to favor bigger kids with somewhat limited options for the tiniest visitors. Compared to other parks in the area, the play equipment here feels refreshingly modern and unique.

The Practical Stuff

You'll come across clean, well-maintained restrooms near the playground area - a detail that shouldn't be underestimated when planning a day out. They're consistently kept clean and stocked with the essentials.

Staying hydrated is easy thanks to the water station on site, and the inclusion of accessible equipment for children with special needs makes this a park that welcomes everyone.

One thing to note: while the landscaping is beautiful, the trees are still growing, so shade is somewhat limited. On hot California days, you might want to bring a portable canopy or umbrella for some relief from the sun.

Shadow Rock Park opened in March 2023 and welcomes visitors daily from 7AM to 9PM. Just keep in mind that the parking lot may close a bit earlier, around 8:30PM, so plan your evening visits accordingly.