Nestled in a glen, situated at 5,024 feet, in the shadow of 8,700-foot Wilshire Peak, lies The Wildlands Conservancy’s 909-acre Oak Glen Preserve. The Preserve is the home of the Conservancy’s Southern California Montane Botanic Garden and Children’s Outdoor Discovery Center and includes the entire 114-year-old Los Rios Rancho Apple Farm. Wildlands acquired many of the prominent mountain peaks that were private inholdings in the National Forest including Wilshire Peak, Cedar Mountain, and Oak Glen Peak, which form the scenic backdrop of Oak Glen. The Botanic Garden has excellent representations of montane habitats including ponds, streams, wetlands, oak and pine forests, chaparral and willow woodland.
Each year, more than 600,000 visitors make the scenic drive to Oak Glen to picnic, hike, participate in environmental programs, and pick apples and enjoy homemade apple pie at Los Rios Rancho. The Wildlands Conservancy has entered a long-term lease with third and fourth generation Oak Glen Apple growers to operate the orchards, packing shed and bakery. The lessee, Riley Family Enterprises, celebrates working the land and log cabin living, and hosts a country music venue.
