Enjoy the San Bernardino mountains' western slopes at Southern California's largest historic apple ranch and wetlands conservancy. Bring your own lunch or savor the Preserve's Los Rios Rancho market and kitchen featuring BBQ sandwiches, BBQ pork, tri-tip, and apple pie. After lunch we will visit the Edward-Dean Museum a short drive from the Preserve.
Oak Glen Preserve Main Loop Trail: 39611 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen CA
- Trailhead Elevation: 5,000 ft.
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Total Trail Elevation: 350 ft.
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate (one steep uphill climb)
The Wildlands Conservancy’s 909-acre Oak Glen Preserve is the home of the Conservancy’s Southern California Montane Botanic Garden and includes the entire 114-year-old Los Rios Rancho Apple Farm. The Botanic Garden has excellent representations of montane habitats including ponds, streams, wetlands, oak and pine forests, chaparral and willow woodland (website click here).
Edward-Dean Museum ($10 Adults; Free with military I.D.): 9401 Oak Glen Road, Cherry Valley CA
Created by antiques collector Edward Eberle and landscape architect Dean Stout, the main structures were built in the 1950s and gifted to Riverside County in 1964. The museum is an historic home that is committed to preserving its collection of 16th to 19th century decorative arts. With 16 acres of stunning beauty and tranquility the museum is nestled in picturesque Cherry Valley (website click here).
What to bring:
Water (1 to 2 liters recommended), lunch/snacks, sun protection, and layered clothing. Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required. Money for lunch and ride share if applicable.
Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Please advise Hike Leader of any physical condition or concern for your safety and in consideration of the group experience.
Meet-up Thursday May 16 at 8:30 AM, PetsMart/Walmart parking at Ramon and Crossley (Map click here). OR, 9:30 AM at Oak Glen Preserve parking lot (Map click here). Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share.
Hike Leader: Pat M email click here
Photos from previous hike: click here
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.
