Facility Overview
Parking Lot M is a dedicated open-air surface parking facility situated on the upper campus grounds of Crafton Hills College at 11711 Sand Canyon Road in Yucaipa, California. Nestled against the picturesque rolling foothills of the Crafton Hills preserve, this lot serves students, faculty, staff, and visitors attending campus activities and community events. Designed as an expansive, grade-level asphalt lot, Parking Lot M features generous drive aisles and standard perpendicular parking stalls. Because it is completely open-air without overhead height restrictions or low-hanging clearance structures, the lot effortlessly accommodates standard passenger cars, minivans, full-size pickup trucks, crossover SUVs, and high-clearance utility vans. Designated stalls for accessible parking are marked clearly near pedestrian walkways leading down to campus concourses.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Located on the scenic Crafton Hills College campus, Parking Lot M provides direct walking connectivity to key academic and recreational venues throughout the educational complex. Key destinations within short walking distance or a brief drive include:
- Crafton Hills College Campus Core: A quick 3 to 7-minute walk connects drivers to campus lecture halls, the Crafton Center, the College Library, and student services.
- Building 9 Gymnasium & Aquatic Center: Situated within an easy 5-minute stroll, offering convenient parking for intercollegiate athletic events, fitness classes, and swim meets.
- Crafton Hills Trailheads: Directly adjacent to local trail networks, making the lot a preferred launch point for hikers and nature enthusiasts exploring the regional ridge trails and scenic vistas overlooking the Yucaipa and San Bernardino valleys.
- Yucaipa Regional Park: Located just under 10 minutes away by car, featuring fishing lakes, disc golf, swimming complexes, and camping facilities.
- Downtown Yucaipa & Uptown Redlands: The Yucaipa Historic Uptown District is approximately 10 minutes to the east, while vibrant dining, microbreweries, and shopping in downtown Redlands are a convenient 10-minute drive down the hill.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress and egress are straightforward via Campus Drive and Sand Canyon Road. Drivers entering from Interstate 10 can take the Yucaipa Boulevard or Sand Canyon Road exits and head north into the foothills. The roadway climbs gently into the campus ring road, where clearly posted directional signage steers motorists directly into Lot M. Due to wide entrance aprons, traffic flows smoothly during peak morning class arrivals and clears rapidly after evening lectures. Regional transit users will find Omnitrans bus stops located on the lower campus loop, providing fixed-route public transportation to Redlands, San Bernardino, and surrounding Inland Empire transfer centers.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Spacious Surface Parking: Ample standard vehicle bays with clear stall line striping and wide access lanes.
- No Height Restrictions: Open-air configuration allows hassle-free entry for lifted trucks, roof-box-equipped crossovers, and tall vans.
- Accessible Parking: Designated ADA-compliant stalls featuring unobstructed access aisles and curb-cut ramp paths to campus pathways.
- Safety & Campus Security: Patrolled routinely by San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) Campus Police, supplemented by nighttime perimeter lighting and campus emergency call boxes.
- EV Charging Proximity: Level 2 ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations are positioned nearby on campus grounds for eco-friendly commuters.
- Electronic Permit Options: Daily and semester-long visitor permits can be obtained digitally via online parking portals or from on-campus permit dispensing kiosks.
Ideal For
- Students & College Faculty: Effortless parking access for morning, afternoon, and evening academic schedules.
- Campus Event & Game Attendees: Spectators attending athletic games at the gymnasium, pool, or campus arts presentations.
- Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts: Visitors setting out on day hikes across the Crafton Hills open space preserve.
- Local Community Members: Convenient access for weekend workshops, testing center appointments, and public events.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Parking regulations are strictly enforced across the Crafton Hills College campus while classes are in session. Daily visitors should remember to purchase a daily parking permit through the designated electronic kiosk or mobile parking portal before leaving their vehicle to avoid citations. During the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters, campus lots experience peak morning congestion between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM; arriving 15 to 20 minutes early ensures ample time to locate an ideal space and walk to your destination. Always double-check posted signs to ensure your stall is authorized for general student/visitor permits rather than reserved staff or district vehicle stalls.