Pros:
An enjoyable oldie with some unusual holes.
A lot of my observations in this review have almost as many exceptions as their rules. This is an old course that appears to have seen consistent, piecemeal changes, resulting in varied holes, equipment, and surroundings. For all of that, though, it's not an uncohesive play, and I do have a certain image that comes to mind when thinking of the course as a whole.
-Basics: Numbered concrete tees, numbered DISCatchers. Lacking tee signs aren't a giant issue on a par-54 course.
-Maintenance: San Bernardino does a good job here. I've seen many old courses in total disrepair, but Yucaipa's equipment is in above-average condition.
-Loop: First 9 are easy to follow and drop you where you started. Back 9 also form a loop.
-Course Features: Parts of the course are a bit dry, but other sections have nice terrain to work with. Massive downhills (5) and (13), a lake in play on four holes, uphills through what are pretty thick woods for SoCal. On the more ambiguous side, a large drainage river behind a line of bushes comes into play on several holes, which adds challenge but isn't the most pleasing aesthetic.
-Shot Shaping/Gameplay: A varied par-54 layout with straightforward challenges and quirky shapes. A swath of holes are basic park-with-road shots, where you just need to land between a service road and tree line. An equal swath are varied and strange holes using the steep hills, lake, and thickish trees. A couple throw steeply downhill straight towards the water, one is a tiny peninsula green at 300', and the latter part of the course dares you to defy the low ceiling with a roller, despite the lake being present. The course's age shows in its quirkiness and unorthodox shaping; ut that is balanced by a very moderate balance of straightforward birdie opportunities.
Cons:
Some foolish non-integrations with other park activities, plus the downsides of a totally quirky layout.
-Park Hazards: First of all, a park road winds through or right next to at least 8 of the fairways. Then you have very high water risk on (5)-(6), one throwing steeply downhill 200' with water 230' away and the other a 300' water carry to a peninsula green. Add to this a plethora of fishers, walkers, and picnickers (even on a weekday) and you have plenty of opportunities for disaster.
-Weird Lines: Some holes aren't super believable. (4) is a 3-foot ceiling for 320', turning right. (14) is a very sharp left turn around a massive tree - I think the ideal line is roller, but there's a lake on the right. Others are very odd, like the aforementioned (5).
-No Tee Signs: self-explanatory.
-Square Tees: a few of the tees were poured square. These are wide enough but not nearly long enough.
-Parking: There's a per vehicle fee to enter the park. Alternately, the neighborhood across the street has plenty of street parking 1/4 mile away from the first tee. The guard let me walk in to the park without paying a fee.
Other Thoughts:
Overall, Yucaipa was a charming and enjoyable play. At times it was boring or frustrating, but some old course charm, maintenance, and great terrain made up for its downsides. I'd be happy to play here again knowing where you can attack the course and where to cut your losses. It's a Good course worth a stop.
~Similar Courses: Mt Airy Forest (Cincinnati, OH); Fort Yargo State Park (Winder, GA); Indian Creek Camp (Liberty, TN).