Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary

Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 3520 East Washington Street in Colton, California, has been a cornerstone of compassionate service in the Inland Empire since its founding in 1925 by the visionary Hinze family. The name "Montecito," meaning "little mountain," originally depicted the property's topography, but today the memorial park has grown into a prominent landmark spanning more than 100 acres across both Colton and neighboring Loma Linda—making it the only cemetery in the country that straddles two cities. As a non-denominational funeral home, cemetery, and cremation service provider, Montecito Memorial Park welcomes all cultures and faiths, and its professional team—including Spanish- and Chinese-speaking staff—works closely with families to incorporate unique traditions into personalized funeral or memorial services.

The mortuary features two chapels for services of varying sizes. The Cypress Chapel, a Spanish-style landmark opened in the mid-1950s, accommodates up to 100 guests in pews and includes a hospitality room for catered events serving 60–70 people. For larger gatherings, the state-of-the-art Valley View Chapel, built in 2006 and spanning 13,000 square feet, seats 300 or more in pews and offers breathtaking views of the valley. Both chapels and hospitality rooms are simply decorated, allowing families the freedom to customize the space with photos, mementos, and memorabilia that celebrate the life of their loved one. For committal services, the courtyard outside the Valley View Mausoleum is available, equipped with a canopy and chairs.

The cemetery itself offers a serene setting with abundant trees, beautiful landscaping, and spectacular valley views. Burial options include traditional in-ground burial, mausoleum entombment, cremation gardens, private estates, and private mausoleums, as well as dual-depth sites and lawn crypts. One of the most tranquil areas is the Whispering Pines Cremation Garden, tucked at the back of the cemetery, featuring several beautiful waterfalls and options such as cremation niches, boulders, and a scattering ossuary. The Valley View Mausoleum is an outdoor oasis with a spectacular water fountain, while the historic Resthaven Mausoleum, built in 1930, boasts a stunning stained-glass interior. Montecito also honors military veterans with the Garden of Valor, which features a veterans monument, and the staff is experienced in conducting military funerals with honors, including participation in the homeless veterans burial program.

Beyond its physical facilities, Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary is part of the Dignity Memorial network, offering a 100% service guarantee, 24/7 availability, and various pre-planning options including low-interest prepaid cemetery property and funeral plans. The location is conveniently situated off Highways 215 and 10, near Redlands Boulevard and Barton Road, adjacent to Box Springs Mount Reserve Park. With a history spanning nearly a century and a commitment to quiet dignity and personalized care, Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary continues to serve families through one of life's most challenging times with compassion, professionalism, and respect.