Los Rios Ranchos in Oak Glen California

Funny how we miss the treasures that are right under our noses. My daughter and her family live in Yucaipa, CA. They moved into this area about four years ago. One day recently the Pastor from their church said to her, "Do you know how lucky your are to live so close to Oak Glen?"

Imagine the look on his face when my daughter's response was "Oak, what?"

And so it was on my visit to California this year, Oak Glen appeared on the list of places to take Mom. We made our way up the mountain to arrive in one of the most popular ranches in the area. The short drive up the mountain presented a scenic view of mountains, and homes decorated in an array of styles.

"Now this is living." says, Mikki, who is taking a break from her new life passion, Unique Parenting.


I especially liked the home decorated in the old west theme. I have always had a passion for covered wagons. Perhaps growing up on shows like Wagon Trail had a part in that.

We arrived at Los Rios Ranchos close to 4:00 pm and most of the trails were already closing for the day. So you can bet we will make at least one more trip up the mountain again before I return to Illinois.

Walking around this quaint apple orchard was quite exciting. I especially love the tall cedars I have only found in California. There is no place to compare. Since I grew up in the hills of WV my senses are delighted to see this old growth. So of course my camera goes a clicking before me.

The ranch store is all decked out ready for Christmas right now. But a stroll through the apple orchard will reveal the faint aroma of apples that filled these trees earlier in the season. You must try their free samples of "Apple Cider", the best I have tasted in a long time. You can bet we had to take a gallon home to serve with dinner after our trip.


A short walk up the trail reveals a small pond with a floating dock. I was lucky enough to capture one lone duck swimming in the reeds. I guess he missed the flight home for the night:)

The tall pines lining the path are something unique to southern California. The kids loved climbing the giant old Pine in front of the store. They ran so hard through the fields and up the trails, there was definitely no worry they would sleep well tonight.

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