The Santa Rosa Plateau, located in Southwest Riverside County, California, is one of my all time favorite nearby locations. This ecological reserve features large expanses of rolling hills and oak trees - golden light and expansive vistas punctuated - during late winter and spring - with free flowing streams and the reflective beauty of the vernal pools. When I first discovered the Santa Rosa Plateau, it was certainly a wonderful surprise to find a bit of the central coast - the topography is more akin to Paso Robles - in Southern California.

www.riversidecountyparks.org/locations/nature-historic-centers/santa-rosa-plateau/