01
Easiest in-town option
Mary Vagle Nature Center & Jurupa Hills Trails
South Fontana • Urban-Edge Nature Preserve With Short Hill Trails • Best For Relaxed Walks And Families
A close-to-home network of ponds, dirt paths, and short climbs into the Jurupa Hills with surprising city and valley views.
If you want a quick dose of nature without leaving Fontana city limits, Mary Vagle is the go-to choice. Flat loops around the ponds are stroller-friendly, while the steeper Jurupa Hills paths give you a bit of a workout and sunset views over town. It’s ideal for casual evening walks, kid-friendly outings, and easing visitors into the local landscape.
02
Popular waterfall hike
Etiwanda Falls via North Etiwanda Preserve
North Rancho Cucamonga Foothills • Foothill Canyon Trail To Seasonal Waterfall • Best Waterfall Scenery Close To Town
A well-loved out-and-back hike that climbs a sun-exposed dirt road to a shaded waterfall and overlook above the Inland Empire.
Etiwanda Falls is a favorite weekend hike for Fontana locals willing to drive a short distance up the 210. The route is mostly straightforward, but the steady uphill and lack of shade make an early start and plenty of water a smart move. At the top, the falls and small picnic spots along the creek offer a cool payoff and a chance to linger before heading back down.
03
Classic mountain canyon hike
Icehouse Canyon Trail to Icehouse Saddle
Mount Baldy Village • Forest Canyon Trail With Steady Climb • Best Moderate Challenge With Big-Mountain Feel
A scenic climb along a creek and through pine forest to a high saddle with sweeping views into the Cucamonga Wilderness.
For hikers ready to graduate from foothill trails, Icehouse Canyon is a natural next step. The path weaves past old stone cabin ruins and a year-round stream before switchbacking up to the saddle, where you’ll get a panorama of surrounding peaks. It’s a solid half-day outing that feels alpine without requiring technical experience.
04
Iconic summit challenge
Mount Baldy via Devil's Backbone
San Gabriel Mountains High Country • Steep Alpine Route With Exposed Ridge Sections • Best For Experienced Hikers Chasing Views
A demanding route to the 10,064-foot summit of Mount Baldy, highlighted by a narrow ridgeline with dramatic drop-offs and far-reaching vistas.
If you ask serious local hikers for a must-do peak near Fontana, Mount Baldy usually tops the list. The climb is strenuous, the exposure along Devil’s Backbone can feel airy, and weather can change quickly, so it’s best reserved for prepared and fit hikers. On a clear day, the payoff is huge: views stretching from the Inland Empire to the desert and, on rare occasions, even out toward the ocean.
05
Short scenic outing
Bonita Falls in Lytle Creek
Lytle Creek Canyon • Creekside Walk To A Tall Waterfall • Best Quick Escape On Hot Days
A short, mostly flat trek up a rocky wash and along Lytle Creek to one of the taller waterfalls in the San Bernardino range.
Bonita Falls offers a lot of payoff for relatively little hiking, which makes it popular with casual hikers and mixed-experience groups. You’ll be walking on uneven rocks and sand rather than a manicured trail, so sturdy shoes help, especially when the creek is running. Go on a weekday or early in the morning if you want a quieter experience at the base of the falls.