In present day Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Box Canyon marks what was once the only year-round route into California. The Southern Emigrant Trail became the first official road and wagon route in 1847. Pioneers had to use hand tools to carve along the canyon walls to create the trail. Today, a hike into the canyon will take you back to discover the rough terrain encountered by early settlers.
#167 Tharp's Log
Tharp's Log is a hollowed giant sequoia tree in Sequoia National Park. Led here by the Yokuts Native Americans, Hale Tharp was the first modern pioneer to discover the Giant Forest. He lived in this log 'cabin' in the summertime from 1861 to 1890, the year the park was established. Adjacent Log Meadow was the perfect spot for Tharp to raise his cattle. This National Register of Historic Places Landmark is a great mild hike for any visit to the park.
#133 Box Springs Mountain
Box Springs Mountain is a beautiful reserve in Riverside. With its many hiking trails and rolling green hills in the wintertime, the 3,000 foot park provides sweeping views of the Inland Empire and its surrounding mountains. The City of Riverside as well as University of California Riverside manages the 1,155 acre reserve. Early Pioneers used this mountain for its natural spring and surrounded the spring with a box from which it got its name.
