The big letter C is located on the eastern edge of Riverside, above the UCR campus, on the slopes of Box Springs Mountains.
Years ago, the hike up to the big letter C used to be an enjoyable nature experience. Expansive views, beautiful rock formations, a variety of local plants (flowers in the spring), and wildlife: rabbits, coyotes, lizards and snakes. With some luck, you could catch a glimpse of a deer or a bobcat. Even Riverside itself looks kind of nice from up there.
Not anymore. The trail has been completely vandalized by UCR students, mostly by members of UCR fraternities. See for yourself (click on images to enlarge).
At the trailhead, a welcome sign:
What used to be beautiful rocks:
Losers that sign themselves Theta or Theta Xi:
That's a tiny sample; they left over 90 taggings along the trail (Thursday night Nov. 25 or Friday Nov. 26, 2009)
"... Since its inception, Lambda Phi Epsilon's goals have been to exemplify the highest standards of Academic Performance, Social Experience, Community Service, and most importantly Brotherhood among its members ...."
Pi Alpha Phi Fraternity (April 26-27, 2008):
"... Pi Alpha Phi is devoted to Philanthropy. The Fraternity is committed to its responsibility to serve others and encourages participation in activities for the betterment of the community. ..."
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, a.k.a. Pikes:
... "dedicated to developing men of integrity, intellect, and high moral character. ..."
Lambda (April 18-19, 2008):
Kappa:
Iota:
Eta and Zeta:
Other fraternities:
A typical scenery around the C:
A 1-week worth of graffiti ...