In today’s Kim’s Adventure we visit Los Rios Rancho, Southern Californias largest apple farm since 1906. Since the apple trees were first planted in oak glen more than 100 years ago, it’s been a unique microcosm of Agriculture and entrepreneurial spirit. Nestled away in the San Bernardino Mountains at the heart of apple country, the five-mile scenic loop of 30+ ranches and farms are open year-round. Los Rios first began in 1906 when Howard L. Rivers, a grower from Pasadena, purchased 300 acres in Oak Glen to expand his operations to include apples. He planted the largest Apple Orchard in all of Southern California, and soon switched gears from wholesale to retail.
A sales barn and bakery were built, picnic areas developed, and cider operations enhances to make the most of a growing number of visitors. More than a half a century later in 1978 Dennis Riley decided it was time to get his wife and 3 sons out of the city and bought 12 acres in Oak Glen. Soon the Riley’s learned to care for several hundred heirloom apple trees, and in a few years opened their orchard up to the public. They had old fashioned hoe down dances, cider pressing, and apple picking for the hundreds of visitors ready to experience the orchard life.
In 1987 they purchased an adjoining 200 acres and Riley Farms was born, but due to a family disagreement in 2002 Devon and Shelli Riley left Riley’s Farm and took over the business operations at Los Rios Rancho. From Labor Day through Thanksgiving Los Rios Rancho offers special autumn activities. At the North side they have the wagon and tractor rides which takes you on a leisurely tour around the farm.
On the day that we went there was an option to ride on a bay of hay or a covered wagon with bench seats. They also prepared boxes filled with apples ready to be crushed into delicious apple cider. If you want to experience an activity from the old world, try your hands at some candle dipping. And for those of you with pretty good aim, there’s Tomahawk throwing but you must be at least 8 years old and up to participate. After you’ve had all that fun, fill up your empty bellies at the Doghouse for some delicious grubs. At the center of the Farm Fair, they’ve set up a giant tent filled with gifts and farm fresh items to purchase.
In 1995, The wildlands Conservancy purchased the ranch from the decedents of Howard L Rivers in an effort to save it from development and retain its rich history. They worked diligently to return some of the land to native habitat, develop and expand trails for visitors, and create an education program that focused on the wildland and animal life unique to Oak Glen. Today it’s known as the Oak Glen Preserve, a 909-acre parcel of land which holds the Montane Botanic Garden, children’s Outdoor Discovery Center and the 114-year-old Los Rios Rancho Apple Farm.
After leaving Oak Glen we wanted to make a quick stop to Snowline to grab a few of their famous apple donuts, but unfortunately, they were closed. That’s when we stumbled upon Oak Tree Mountain. Oak Tree Mountain was established 50 years ago as a small apple shed. This led to selling Apple Pies and Apple Cider and eventually grew into 14-acres of family fun in Oak Glen California. They’re Home to Apple Annies Restaurant, Milksmith Ice-Creamery, Hava Dog, Twisted Oak BBQ and more.
Address: 39611 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Website: https://losriosrancho.com/