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Reporter |
Summary: Development is still underway in this unique park, dedicated to the once vast Southern California citrus industry. The trail takes you through orange groves and irrigation works. Along the way you will see smudge pots (which were used for warming the groves during frosts), rusting farm machinery, original packing boxes, and a varietal garden featuring oranges, lemons, grapefruit, limes, kumquats, tangerines, and bizarre hybrids like the thumbnail sized mandrinquat. From the top of the knolls you can see Mounts San Antonio, San Bernardino, and San Gorgonio on clear days. (Smog is heaviest in the summertime.) Your walk ends on a flood-style irrigation work next to the historic Gage Canal. Before walking back to your car, take a few moments to check out the Visitor Center where many of the rangers who have worked in the citrus industry can tell you how the orchards were run and how they went broke in the end. Docents sometimes lead tours and give talks, too. Trailhead: From the 91 Freeway, turn off at Arlington Blvd. Proceed southeast (following the signs) to Dufferin Avenue. (There is a large display on the corner of Dufferin and Arlington. Make the first right into the park and turn left into the first parking lot. Start at the Gazebo where you can find maps of the park and, sometimes, a trail guide. (Lat:33.89884 Lon:-117.42379) Trail Guides for California Citrus SHP, Interpretative Trail: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: California Citrus State Historic Park, 909-637-8044 or 909-780-6222 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joel Sax, who has posted 51 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review January -- beautiful and clear view of surrounding mtns. Our twin 3-year olds had a blast. It is $4 for Day Use Fee to park (take Van Buren exit). Very nice picnic area! Relaxing hike, lots of artists out painting pics of palms along the trails. Gift shop specializes in Sunkist Gems fruit candy. Hiked this trail on 11/24/05. Super easy hike for our 3,6,and 7 year olds. I would'nt say the views were breath taking but the kids had fun walking the path. There's a nicely developed picnic area at the entrance. Note: the directions are all wrong. Exit Van Buren and head south, left on Dufferin, turn right into parking lot. This was a wonderful and easy family hike. Our two and four year olds had a great time. The visitors center is wonderful as are all the other buildings. This is a great place to preserve an important part of this region's history. The freeway exit is Van Buren, not Arlington. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Riverside County Hiking, Riverside County Trails, Riverside County Hikes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||