Scenic Drive: De Luz
Take a Scenic Drive Through De Luz
This is a new section I've created on my site for those who just want an enjoyable, scenic drive. Maybe you cannot physically hike or even walk, maybe you don't want to socialize. Maybe you just want to enjoy some music or a podcast in your car and take in all the beauty of a lovely, scenic drive. No matter your reason, this section is specifically for driving. 
The first spot I am featuring is De Luz, which connects San Diego County to Riverside County, or more specifically, it's a connecting point from Fallbrook to Temecula without taking the freeway. This development was prompted by local residents who sought better access between the two towns. 
De Luz, meaning "Of Light" in Spanish, is an unincorporated community located in both San Diego County and Riverside County. The region is also due west of Temecula, offering a scenic location in the heart of the area.
The community of De Luz was informally founded in the 1870s when homesteaders began establishing cattle farms. The origin of the name "De Luz" is disputed, with some suggesting it was a Spanish translation of a local rancher named Luce, while others believe it refers to a Californio named Jose de Luz. 
In the late 19th century, De Luz was briefly connected by train to the California Southern Railroad, which ran through the town. However, frequent washouts in Temecula Canyon caused costly repairs and limited train service. We have seen bits and pieces of the railroad while hiking along the Santa Margarita River.
The Surf Line, completed in 1888, reduced service, and train service to De Luz ultimately ceased in 1916. The town also has a history of flooding, with its post office destroyed during the 1916 flood, which also damaged the town's rail infrastructure. Following the flood, a much smaller post office was built on higher ground, operating until 1955. 
As with anywhere you may drive, please drive carefully. Just about every single thing out here is private property so don't expect to stop and hang out. Make sure you plug in the coordinates from point A to point B or you could get lost. There are a ton of roads connecting to each other out here making for some incredible back-country driving. Fill up your gas tank too. You most likely will not have cell service out here.
