The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Colton
Best mountain peaks around Colton offer diverse outdoor experiences, despite not featuring towering peaks like other parts of California. The region is characterized by prominent hills and natural reserves that provide significant elevation gains. These areas are popular destinations for hiking and mountain biking, allowing visitors to enjoy nature and panoramic views. The landscape includes transitional ecotone zones with varied flora and fauna.
Best mountain peaks around Colton
- The most popular mountain peaks is Old Man of Coniston summit,…
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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Brant Fell
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Swirl How
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Popular around Colton
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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 are the most prominent elevated areas and mountain peaks near Colton, California?
While Colton isn't known for towering peaks like the Sierra Nevada, the region features several prominent hills and natural reserves offering significant elevation gains and panoramic views. Key areas include Box Springs Mountain, Blue Mountain, and the South Hills Preserve.
What can I expect when visiting Box Springs Mountain?
Box Springs Mountain, the highest peak in its range at 3,083 feet (940 meters), is part of the 3,400-acre Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park. It offers miles of multi-use trails with varying difficulty, breathtaking views of Riverside and Moreno Valley, and a diverse ecotone zone. You can find picnic tables and restrooms at two parking areas. For more information, you can visit Wikipedia.
Are there challenging hikes at Box Springs Mountain?
Yes, Box Springs Mountain offers challenging hikes with rugged terrain. The popular Box Spring Peak trail is a 3.7-mile route involving a steady climb to the peak. Be aware that there is a lack of shade on hot days, so plan accordingly.
What makes Blue Mountain a unique destination near Colton?
Blue Mountain, near Grand Terrace, reaches 2,428 feet and is known for its distinctive rock formations and standing stones. In springtime, the mountain is covered in purple and blue lupine flowers, giving it its name. It's a popular spot for birding and mountain biking, offering scenic city views from its 3.8-mile moderately difficult trail.
What kind of trails can I find at the South Hills Preserve?
The South Hills Preserve in Loma Linda spans approximately 2,000 acres and features 22 identified trails ranging from easy to very difficult. These include moderate to steep trails, fire roads, and single tracks, suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian activities. Popular options include the Razor Ridge to Jedi Trail to Beaumont Trail Loop.
What wildlife might I encounter in the natural areas around Colton?
The natural reserves around Colton are home to diverse wildlife. At Box Springs Mountain, you might spot snakes, lizards, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, deer, and burros. The South Hills Preserve also hosts rabbits, deer, coyotes, and burros, with infrequent sightings of bobcats.
Are there family-friendly options for outdoor activities near Colton?
Yes, areas like Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park offer amenities such as picnic tables and restrooms at parking areas, making them suitable for friends and family. While some trails are challenging, others like the Two Trees Trail (2.7 miles) at Box Springs Mountain are easier and still offer panoramic views.
What are some tips for hiking in the mountain peaks and elevated areas around Colton?
It's recommended to visit in the early morning or evening, especially due to limited shade on many trails, particularly at Blue Mountain and Box Springs Mountain. Always bring plenty of water, and be aware of potential wildlife like rattlesnakes, especially in areas like the South Hills Preserve.
Can I go mountain biking near Colton's elevated areas?
Absolutely. Mountain biking is a popular activity in the region. Blue Mountain is known for its mountain biking opportunities, and the South Hills Preserve offers numerous trails, including fire roads and single tracks, suitable for mountain biking across various skill levels.
What kind of views can I expect from the mountain peaks around Colton?
The elevated areas around Colton offer impressive panoramic vistas. From Box Springs Mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Riverside and Moreno Valley. Blue Mountain provides scenic city views from along its trail and at the summit. The South Hills Preserve offers unblocked views of the San Bernardino Valley from certain areas.
What is the elevation of the highest points in the Colton area?
Box Springs Mountain is the highest peak in its range, reaching an elevation of 3,083 feet (940 meters). Blue Mountain has an elevation of 2,428 feet.
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