01
Best waterfall payoff
Bonita Falls Trail
Lower Lytle Creek Canyon • Short Waterfall Hike Up A Rocky Wash • Most Popular First-Time Outing
A quick, rocky walk to one of the Inland Empire’s most photogenic seasonal waterfalls.
Bonita Falls is the go-to hike when someone says they want a short effort with a big reward, thanks to its tall cascade tucked above the creek. Expect a mostly unmarked route up a boulder-filled wash, some graffiti near the falls, and weekend crowds—so go early if you want quieter time and easier parking.
02
Classic creek canyon
Third Stream Crossing via Middle Fork Trail
Middle Fork Lytle Creek • Shaded Creekside Canyon Trail • Best For Moderate Half-Day Hikes
A longer, more immersive Lytle Creek canyon hike with frequent stream access and mountain views.
Starting from the Middle Fork trailhead, this route winds gradually up the canyon with a mix of pine shade, open slopes, and multiple creek crossings. It’s a solid choice when you want to stretch your legs for several hours without committing to a full summit push, and it stays scenic even if you turn around early at one of the crossings.
03
Steep local workout
Old CC Spur Trail via Big Tree Truck Trail
Above North Lytle Creek • Steep Forested Climb On An Old Road And Singletrack • Quieter Option For Strong Hikers
A lesser-traveled climb that trades crowds for steady elevation gain and big-slope views.
Reaching the old CC Spur from the Big Tree area gives you a sustained uphill workout with a mix of old road grade and narrower trail. The scenery opens up quickly, with views back toward Lytle Creek and the surrounding peaks, and the relative solitude makes it a good pick when popular canyon trails feel too busy.
04
Big peak adventure
Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon
Icehouse Canyon Near Mount Baldy • High-Elevation Summit Trek • Best Big-Mountain Objective
A demanding ascent to a 9,000-foot-class summit with sweeping views over the Inland Empire and neighboring peaks.
From the Icehouse Canyon trailhead, you’ll pass historic cabins and a lively creek before climbing through pines and firs to the Icehouse Saddle and then up Cucamonga Peak. The final summit ridge delivers classic postcard views, but the distance, elevation gain, and altitude make it a full-day outing best saved for clear, stable weather and reasonably fit hikers.
05
Iconic SoCal summit
Mount Baldy via Devil's Backbone
Mount Baldy Ski Area • Rugged Ridge Hike With Lift-Assisted Option • Most Dramatic Ridgeline Experience
A high, airy ridge route to Mount Baldy’s broad summit, with optional ski lift assistance to trim the climb.
Starting from the ski area, many hikers ride the lifts and then follow the Devil’s Backbone, a narrow but well-used ridge that links high stations to the summit cone. When conditions are good, you’re rewarded with panoramic views that stretch from the deserts to the ocean, but the exposure, altitude, and weather can be serious, so this is one to tackle with good preparation and respect for the mountains.