Attractions and Places To See around Colton - Top 20
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.
Best attractions and places to see around Colton
- The most popular attractions is Old Man of Coniston summit, a summit that offers extensive views and historical remnants of quarrying. It is a popular fell with paths exploring high tarns and lofty ridges.
- Another must-see spot is Orrest Head, a viewpoint that provides a significant perspective of the Lakeland skyline. It is easily ascended and rewards visitors with a sublime viewpoint for relatively little effort.
- Visitors also love Brant Fell, a viewpoint with spectacular views from the summit. The hike is considered quite easy, offering a view over Windermere.
- Colton is known for its natural landscapes, historical sites, and family entertainment. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from hiking trails to museums and parks.
- The attractions around Colton are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1000 upvotes and over 500 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
Old Man of Coniston summit
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Brim Fell summit
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Orrest Head
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The effect of the view on the 23-year-old Wainwright must have been something indeed. He went on to explore the region at length and wrote seven classic guidebooks to the Lakeland Fells, which have become interwoven into the fabric of the place to such an extent that most of Cumbria's hills and mountains are now known as Wainwrights. But that's another story...
Orrest Head rewards the walker with this sublime viewpoint for relatively little effort. It is easily ascended from Windermere station and is within walking distance of Troutbeck Bridge and Bowness-on-Windermere too.
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Brant Fell
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Swirl How
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Brim Fell connects Coniston Old Man with Swirl How, the two main fells of the Coniston group. Its disadvantage is that it is very close to the Old Man, only a short walk away.
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To describe this mountain, here is a quote: "Although cruelly scarred and disfigured by the quarries, the Old Man has retained a dignified bearing and still lifts his proud and venerable head to the sky. His tears flow quietly into Low Water and Goats Water, two beautiful mountain tarns, whence they eventually... find their way to Coniston Water, bathing his ancient feet." Alfred Wainwright, "A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, Book Four: The Southern Fells"
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Coming to Swirl How from Great Carr is an easy affair; getting to it from Wetherlam is a different matter. If you come in from that direction, you are in for a good scramble on the 'Prison Band' section of the approach. To be honest, I would rather come up it than down it, as it looked like a fun scramble. There is a decent cairn on the top of Swirl How, and the views across to Wetherlam are great.
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Even though it is a 796-metre (2,612 ft) peak, Brim Fell is one of the easiest Wainwright tops to get to in the Lake District. It is on an easy undulating ridgeline, and the hard work has been done before you get here. It has a super cool stone cairn at the summit.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions and outdoor activities can I find around Colton?
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.
Are there any historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit in Colton?
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.
What family-friendly attractions are available near Colton?
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.
Where can I go for a walk or hike with scenic views near Colton?
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.
What is the significance of Colton's railroad history?
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.
Are there any parks in Colton for relaxation or sports?
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.
Can I find mountain biking trails around Colton?
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.
What is the Santa Ana River Trail and what activities can I do there?
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.
What is the Colton Area Museum and when can I visit?
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.
Are there any historical cemeteries in Colton with notable figures?
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.
What kind of community events or cultural activities are held in Colton?
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.
Where can I find easy walking paths suitable for all ages in Colton?
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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