Trails

Multi-Use Trails in the City of Highland have been established in the City's General Plan which is a long-range planning document that provides the City a framework for action and the direction in which to focus that action.

Trails and equestrian use have a strong tradition in Highland. In the early days of the City’s development, citrus crops were pulled by horses along an extensive system of trails. The proximity of mountains, rivers and open space has made equestrian, hiking and biking uses both popular and practical. The views afforded from area trails and bikeways are some of the finest in the region. An accessible trail system not only promotes exercise, but also links community facilities and neighborhoods together. Successful implementation of the Multi-Use Trails Master Plan depends on strong community support, careful planning and consistent funding. ^[1]

According to the previous City of Highland General Plan, an extensive system of informal trails was developed during the early agricultural period of Highland, mostly associated with equestrian transport routes. A formal trail system was initiated when the East Highland Ranch began construction in the early 1980s. In 1989, the City adopted the Conceptual East Highlands Equestrian Map. Realizing the importance of other non-equestrian users, a Community Trails Committee was established in 1990 to advise the City on the planning, acquisition, and maintenance of a Multi-Use Trails Master Plan. There are four multi-use trails located within the Project Area. The first is located along Orange Street/Boulder Avenue, passing through the middle of the Selected Lands. The second trail traverses east and west along Pole Line Road, just north of Plunge Creek and adjacent to the northern boundary of the Offered Lands, then traverses south along Cone Camp Road, along the eastern boundary of the Offered Lands. The third trail comes from Greenspot Road and passes through the District‘s Offered Lands for the core exchange, and connects to Opal Avenue in Redlands. The fourth trail is the Santa Ana River Trail.

3.5.5 Trails

There are currently no existing trails or developed recreational opportunities within the Project Area. Recreation on BLM Selected Lands and District Offered Lands primarily consists of dispersed, undeveloped, casual recreation activities. However, planned trails are located throughout the Wash Plan Area, including portions of the Selected and Offered Lands.

Local and regional trails in the vicinity of the Project Area include the Santa Ana River Trail and trails managed by the cities of Redlands and Highland. The Santa Ana River Trail is located approximately 1,800 feet from the southern border of the Project Area. Although not located on the Selected or Offered Lands, the trail will contribute to recreation opportunities within the regional area. Part of the Santa Ana River Corridor Trails System is expected to be constructed primarily on the top of levees already existing along the south side of the Santa Ana River within the City of Redlands.

The BLM Selected Lands are currently gated at access roads and are generally accessible to the public only with permission. No public access to the Selected Lands has been developed, nor are there any designated routes throughout the area. The BLM-managed Santa Ana River Wash ACEC is closed to motorized vehicle use; however, the area can be viewed from the haul roads used for casual recreation, such as hiking or jogging.

Access to existing trails within Offered Lands can be obtained by trail users with a Common Use Agreement from the District for legal access to trails that are used for flood control operations.