The two canyons, Live Oak Canyon and San Timoteo Canyon, are filled with diverse habitats and landscapes. Rugged hills, deep side canyons, open fields, and tree-shaded creek-bottoms all result from a criss-cross of earthquake faults that run through the region. The two roads, Live Oak Canyon Road and San Timoteo Canyon Road, slither like snakes through each canyon, organically designed to snub up to the toes of the hills or parallel the creeks.
San Timoteo Nature Sanctuary – A 160-acre site owned by City of Redlands and managed through a conservation easement by Redlands Conservancy, San Tim boasts five miles of well-maintained natural-surface multi-use trails, three distinct habitat including a year-round creek, trailside rests and picnic area, and incredible bird watching. Accessible on Alessandro Road and Creekside Drive, and on San Timoteo Canyon Road.
Herngt ‘Aki’ Preserve – With nine miles of multi-use natural surface trails, stands of California live oaks, and rugged hills and canyons, the 341-acres of Herngt ‘Aki’ Preserve in Live Oak Canyon invite visitors to explore a historical natural landscape and find respite from the chaos of civilization. Accessible from Gateway Ranch trailhead and staging area, and Oakmont Park on South Lane and Sutherland in Redlands.
Saha’tapa Mesa – Spreading between the east ends of Live Oak and San Timoteo Canyons, Saha’tapa Mesa hosts 10 miles of natural surface multi-use trails, arroyos of spectacular springtime poppy fields, evidence of long-abandoned farming efforts, and the most amazing views in the entire Parklands. Much of the land is permanently conserved, but much of it is planned for residential, commercial, industrial and professional development. Accessible from Gateway Ranch staging and parking area on Live Oak Canyon Road.
Farms, Ranches and Citrus Groves – Dense groves of citrus trees, dusty arenas at working horse ranches, and neat rows of lush vegetables grace both canyons’ flat lands and gentle hillsides with family farms and ranches. Watch for Two Canyons Parklands roadside markers.