Best attractions and places to see around Colton, California, center on its historical role as a transportation hub and its diverse natural landscapes. The region offers a mix of outdoor recreation, cultural sites, and family-friendly entertainment. Visitors can explore various trails, parks, and historical landmarks that reflect the city's past and present. Colton's location provides access to both natural preserves and community-focused attractions.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Brim Fell is often overlooked as just a small rise on the ridge between Coniston Old Man and Swirl How but there is nearly 20m of re-ascent from both. It is possible to reach Brim Fell directly from Goats Hause without visiting the Old Man but Brim Fell lacks other connecting ridges. It is a good place to stop and reflect before or after the crowds on Coniston Old Man.
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There has been much debate over which is the higher: Swirl How or Coniston Old Man? They have both been comprehensively measured and are both currently 802.4m (2633ft in old money). Both measurements are accepted by the OS but the current maps show Swirl How as 802m and the Old Man as 803m. Why does it matter? Only one can be a Marilyn while the other must be classed as a Hump though they could be twin peaks. Currently the view is Coniston Old Man remains as the Marilyn and Swirl How is only a Hump. So the Historic County Top of the County Palatine of Lancashire, Coniston Old Man remains the higher. Swirl How is a very fine hill with a much more interesting ridge structure than the Old Man. Approaches from all directions are rewarding and exciting and there is a good chance you can enjoy solitude by the summit cairn which doesn’t suffer the crowds the Old Man does. Enjoy!
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While the Old Man of Coniston gets most of the attention, possibly in part due to its location above Coniston village, it could be argued that Swirl How is the main summit in the range. It's pretty much the Old Man's equal in height (a 2018 survey showed they were virtually the same) and is more like the central hub from which the range's ridges splay out. However, it perhaps lacks the edge-of-mountain-country drama that the Old Man enjoys.
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Brim Fell is a Wainwright summit on the ridge between the Old Man of Coniston and Swirl How and it can easily be linked to both. It's relatively wide summit plateau removes immediate foreground interest from the panorama, yet the view to the northwest, beyond Grey Friar and towards the Scafell massif, is excellent.
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Colton offers several natural features and outdoor recreation opportunities. You can explore hiking trails at the South Hills Preserve, bike or walk along the Santa Ana River Trail, or discover over 15 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking at Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park. Reche Canyon also provides picturesque trails and panoramic views. For more structured outdoor activities, you can find various routes for easy hikes, gravel biking, and MTB trails in the area.
Yes, Colton is rich in history. You can visit the Colton Area Museum, housed in a historic Carnegie Library building, which showcases the city's past, including Native American artifacts and railroad memorabilia. The Colton Crossing, a historically significant railroad junction, highlights the city's identity as a transportation hub. Additionally, the Hermosa Cemetery is the burial site of Morgan Earp, and the Agua Mansa Cemetery marks the remains of a once-thriving historical community.
For family entertainment, Fiesta Village Family Fun Park near Colton is a popular choice, offering waterslides, a roller skating rink, carnival rides, mini-golf, go-karts, and an arcade. Local parks like Fleming Park and Cesar Chavez Municipal Park also provide playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, with Fleming Park often hosting events and free concerts during summer.
For walks and hikes with scenic views, consider the South Hills Preserve Trails, which offer varying difficulty levels. Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park provides over 15 miles of trails, including the popular Two Trees Trail, with excellent views. Reche Canyon is also known for its picturesque hiking trails and panoramic vistas. You can find more options for easy hikes around Colton.
Colton is known as 'Hub City' due to its historical importance as a transportation crossroads. The Colton Crossing, established in 1882, was once one of the busiest at-grade railroad crossings in the United States, deeply tying the city's identity to its railroad heritage. The Colton Area Museum also features railroad memorabilia, reflecting this significant aspect of its past.
Yes, Fleming Park in the heart of Colton offers a playground, sports fields, and picnic areas, and frequently hosts events and free concerts. Cesar Chavez Municipal Park also provides athletic fields, a skate park, and a swimming pool, catering to various recreational needs.
Absolutely. Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park features over 15 miles of trails suitable for mountain bikers. Additionally, komoot offers dedicated MTB Trails around Colton, providing various routes for different skill levels.
The Santa Ana River Trail runs directly by Colton and is an expansive trail offering excellent opportunities for hiking, running, and biking. It stretches significantly through Southern California, providing a great resource for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Colton Area Museum is housed in a historic Carnegie Library building from 1891 and showcases the city's history, including Native American artifacts and railroad memorabilia. It is currently undergoing renovations with a planned reopening in the fall. For current operating hours and reopening information, it's best to check local announcements.
Yes, the Hermosa Cemetery is historically significant as the burial site of Morgan Earp, associated with the famous Earp family and the Wild West. Virgil Earp, Colton's first marshal, also resided in the city. The Agua Mansa Cemetery is another historical landmark, being all that remains of a once-thriving community.
The Gonzales Community Center in Colton hosts a range of community events, including art exhibitions, dance classes, and cultural celebrations, fostering a strong community spirit. Fleming Park also frequently hosts events and free concerts during the summer months.
For easy walking paths, Fleming Park and Cesar Chavez Municipal Park offer accessible areas for strolls. The Santa Ana River Trail also provides a relatively flat and expansive path suitable for walking. You can also explore easy hikes around Colton for more options.


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