01
Best overall pick
Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Loop Trail
Foothills Above Claremont • Popular 5-Mile Foothill Loop With Big Views • Go-To After-Work And Weekend Hike
A well-marked loop that climbs quickly into the foothills for broad San Gabriel Valley views without committing to an all-day outing.
Locals know this simply as the Claremont Loop, a steady climb on wide dirt roads that rewards you with sweeping views toward Citrus, downtown LA, and the high San Gabriels on clear days. Expect a bit of a workout, especially on the steeper half, but the loop layout makes navigation simple for newer hikers. Parking lots fill fast on weekends, so aim for an early start or a sunset lap midweek.
02
Shadiest canyon option
Marshall Canyon Trail
La Verne Foothills • Wooded Canyon And Ridgeline Singletrack • Best For Warm Days And Longer Rambles
A winding mix of creekside shade and open ridge sections that feels surprisingly wild given how close it is to Citrus.
Marshall Canyon offers a network of trails where you can tailor your distance, from shorter out-and-backs to longer loops that climb into the oaks and pines above La Verne. The lower stretches follow a seasonal creek with plenty of shade, making it a smart call when the valley is baking. Watch for mountain bikes on weekends and pack good shoes, as sections can be rutted and dusty late in the season.
03
Most accessible from town
Michael D. Antonovich Trail
Between San Dimas And Glendora • Multi-Use Urban Edge Trail With Foothill Feel • Best For Casual Walkers And Runners
A gently rolling path that strings together neighborhoods, horse properties, and foothill views for an easy training route close to Citrus.
This multi-use corridor stays mostly mellow in grade, making it ideal if you want a longer walk or run without a big climb. You will share the path with equestrians and cyclists, but wide tread and clear sightlines keep things comfortable. Use it as a standalone outing or connect segments to build up mileage before tackling steeper San Gabriel trails.
04
Best lakefront hike
Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park Trails
Bonelli Park By Puddingstone Lake • Rolling Lakeview Paths And Parkland Routes • Best For Mixed Groups And Picnics
A network of easy-to-moderate trails circling Puddingstone Lake, with plenty of spots to stop, linger, and enjoy the water.
Bonelli's trails offer a softer introduction to hiking, with wide paths, modest hills, and constant glimpses of the lake to keep things interesting. You can stitch together shoreline sections and gentle ridges for anything from a short leg-stretcher to a several-mile loop. Because there are restrooms, picnic areas, and open lawns, it is a strong choice for families or groups with mixed interest in hiking.
05
Best wide-open scenery
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area Trails
San Gabriel River Basin In Irwindale • Flat Riverbed Paths With Mountain Backdrop • Best For Easy Strolls And Birding
A broad network of mostly flat dirt and paved paths with big-sky views toward the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains.
The loop around the reservoir and adjoining paths along the San Gabriel River offer an easy way to log miles without worrying about steep grades. On clear days the contrast between the wide gravel basin and the wall of mountains to the north feels dramatic, especially near sunrise and sunset. It is also a good spot to bring binoculars, as the mix of water and scrub habitat draws a variety of birds year-round.