California
Citrus State Historic Park - The moment you step out
of your car you are hit with the sweet smell of orange
blossoms and treated to a sight fast disappearing from
the Inland Empire. The park is situated on a hilltop
with views of mountains and some of the last remaining
orange groves in Riverside.
There
is an excellent visitor center with exhibits and movies
about the history of Citrus in California. Outside you
will find miles of trails to explore, a gazebo with
rose garden suitable for weddings and of course Orange
groves.
Your trip to California Citrus State Park should start
at the visitor center (only open on Wednesdays
and weekends) where you can view some impressive exhibits
and ask questions. From there you can drive down to
the lower section of the park or take a stroll through
the orange groves and take in the scenic vista of the
inland empire.
Please remember do not pick or remove fruit from California
State Parks. The terrain of the
park hilly, with elevations ranging from 920 to 1,060
feet above sea level. There are several paved trails
that get you up close to the orange trees. The Mockingbird
Canyon arroyo—a drainage tributary to the Santa
Ana River—bisects the park, abutting foothills
to the south.
Approximately one-third of the park remains unchanged.
The Gless Ranch fruit stand located at the entrance
to the park sells fresh citrus and juice
is a must stop entering or leaving California Citrus
State Historic Park.
