As seen in the Nobody Hikes in L.A. Guidebook!
Pond at the Oak Glen Preserve
Yucaipa Ridge from the Oak Glen Preserve
Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
Oak Glen Preserve
- Location: East of Yucaipa in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. From I-10 in Yucaipa, take the Live Oak/Oak Glen exit and go east on Oak Glen road for 11.3 miles. The preserve is on the right side of the road, at 39611 Oak Glen Road. From Palm Springs and the east, take I-10 to Beaumont Ave (CA route 79), head north (right). Beaumont Avenue becomes Oak Glen Road and the preserve is on the left, 9.5 miles from the freeway.
- Agency: Wildlands Conservancy
- Distance: 2 miles
- Elevation gain: 300 feet
- Difficulty Rating: G
- Suggested time: 1 hour
- Best season: Year round (Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00am-4:30pm)
- USGS topo map: Forest Falls
- More information: here; trip reports here.
- Rating: 7
Just when you think you’ve seen it all in So-Cal, you come across the Oak Glen Preserve. I myself first visited it after a somewhat disappointing hike farther up in the mountains. Finding this unique little spot was certainly a pleasant surprise.
Located just under a mile above sea level, the preserve features several apple orchards (yes, you can pick the apples–and sample some home-made pie after you’re done hiking), and nice views both of the San Bernardinos to the north and the San Jacintos to the south.
From the parking lot, take the dirt road to the California Trees trail, which passes through a grove of evergreens. The trail crosses the road again and passes the first of two small ponds. On the far side of the pond, a short spur to the right leads to a second pond, while the left trail heads into the wooded canyon. Interpretive plaques identify the variety of plants and trees.
At a junction, you can head farther south by staying right, which leads to a short loop at the bottom end of the preserve, or you can head left and walk along a boardwalk through some marshlands. The trail joins the dirt road that leads back to the parking lot.
The Oak Glen Preserve is located less than an hour from Riverside, Palm Springs or San Bernardino, and with a wide variety of activities happening nearby in the town of Oak Glen, this can be a good day trip from L.A. or Orange County, or at least a nice little stop on the way to or from Big Bear. Come for the hikes…stay for the pie!
