Colton is a city situated in San Bernardino County, in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. It sits at an elevation of approximately 850 feet (259 meters) above sea level.
This moderate elevation places Colton in a transitional zone between the valley floor and the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. The city's topography contributes to its Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Its location along historic transportation corridors—including Route 66 and major rail lines—has historically made it a logistics hub, a role it continues to play today with major rail yards and freeway access (I-10, I-215).