Harford Springs Reserve Update
In the aftermath of the Gavilan Fire, Harford Springs Reserve has undergone significant restoration efforts, ensuring it remains a cherished natural haven for the community. RivCoParks has worked diligently to restore and improve the reserve, completing several miles of trail maintenance, weed abatement, and removing hazardous dead trees to ensure safe passage for hikers and riders alike. New signage has been installed, along with a fresh horse stepover, and smooth wire fencing has been added where new openings appeared. The reserve also saw the removal of burned round rail fencing and old horse stepovers, making way for these improvements.
Additionally, RivCoParks held three successful volunteer events, during which volunteers removed approximately 70 bags of invasive stinknet, helping to preserve the native ecosystem. To ensure greater accessibility for all, we've installed an ADA-compliant portapotty, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the reserve.
Through these efforts, the reserve is recovering thanks to the hard work and commitment of our staff, volunteers, and the community.
If you are interested in volunteering or our Adopt-A-Trail program, please click here or email [email protected] for more information.
After Restoration Period / Prior to Restoration Period.
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Location
21470 Gavilan Road, Perris, Ca 92570
(near Piedres Road entrance)
Reserve Hours
Reserve
7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday - Sunday
Reserve Fees
- $5 Per Vehicle
- $2 Per Pet
Reserve Trail Map
General Park Rules
RULES APPLICABLE TO DISTRICT REGIONAL PARKS
The following rules apply to all regional parks in Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space
District. For rules specific to each park, please refer to the corresponding section for each park.
1. All local, state, and federal laws shall be enforced in all District Regional Parks. County of
Riverside Ordinance 328 shall be enforced in all District Regional Parks.
2. The posted speed limit shall be observed.
3. Vehicles must remain on park roads and/or designated parking spaces.
4. Child/youth is defined as age 12 and under, children under the age of 2 are granted free
entry into the parks.
5. All pet fees are per animal. Maximum three (3) dogs/horses total.
6. Service dogs are exempt from the pet fee and the maximum limit of three (3) dogs/horses.
7. Dogs must be controlled and on a leash at all times no longer than six (6) feet in length.
8. Never leave pets unattended. Pets must be kept inside RV or tent overnight.
9. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up waste generated from their pet(s).
10. Hunting and use of firearms is prohibited in the park.
11. Never disturb or attempt to handle wildlife.
12. Fireworks are prohibited.
13. No off-road vehicles allowed. Street legal vehicles only.
14. Remote controlled flying objects, drones, bow and arrows/archery are not permitted unless
authorized in advance by Director or his/her Designee.
15. Do not remove or damage flowers, rocks, plants, animals, artifacts, and other park features.
16. No attaching, tying, nailing, or screwing of items to the trees. Tampering with these items is a
violation of County Ordinance 328.
17. Amplified music is not permitted unless authorized in advance by the District. Small radios are
permitted except during hours 10pm – 6am so long as the noise does not disturb the peace and
quiet of the campground or neighboring sites.
18. Know before you go! Guests are encouraged to check the website or call the park in advance of
their visit to see if there are temporary rules in place (i.e. campfire restrictions, water
conservation and water use restrictions due to statewide drought, etc.)
19. Notify Park Ranger immediately of any emergency, damage, or other problems arise
Harford Springs WildFire History
Harford Springs Reserve, known for its beautiful native wildflowers and stunning juniper trees, faced a significant setback in July 2023 when the Gavilan Fire ravaged the area. The fire destroyed much of the reserve, including native shrubs, wildflowers, and juniper trees (as well as rare plant species), also damaging essential infrastructure. There is now serious risk of invasive plant species spreading due to increased human activity from visitors such as hikers, equestrians, and vehicles. This threat is heightened due to the loss of the native plant cover, leaving habitats vulnerable.
Two examples of a notable invasive species threat are stinknet and Sahara mustard, which pose a significant risk to our community. To safeguard the recovery of the habitat, RivCo Parks is actively working to mitigate the impacts of stinknet, Sahara mustard, and other invasive species by treating and removing plants and their seeds. Trail and fencing repairs continue to occur due to unauthorized access which negatively impacts ecosystem recovery. Off-trail activities readily move these invasive plants further into the reserve. This occurs via seeds becoming stuck in shoes, hooves, tires, and fur for example. Invasive species can readily displace native species and greatly reduce biodiversity of an area and we want to maintain our rare species as well as our wildflowers for future generations to enjoy. Our efforts are aimed at preserving the diverse range of native and rare plants and animals that make Harford Springs Reserve unique.
You can learn more about the invasive species threat posed by stinknet and Sahara mustard in our community by referring to these resources:
Stinknet: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/natural-area-pests/stinknet/
Sahara Mustard: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/natural-area-pests/sahara-mustard/
If you are interested in volunteering or our Adopt-A-Trail program, please click here or email [email protected] for more information.
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