01
Best close-to-home escape
Schabarum-Skyline Trail
Puente Hills Above Hacienda Heights • Rolling Ridgeline Park-To-Park Route • Local Favorite For Everyday Miles
A nearby ridge trail with long views over the San Gabriel Valley and enough ups and downs to feel like a real hike without a long drive.
Starting from Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park, this trail quickly leaves the neighborhoods behind and threads along the Puente Hills with views that stretch from downtown LA to the San Gabriels on clear days. The footing is generally smooth singletrack and fire road, with open, sun-exposed sections, so early mornings and cooler days are ideal. It is an easy go-to when you want dirt under your shoes but only have a couple of hours.
02
Classic canyon outing
Sturtevant Falls Trail
San Gabriel Mountains Above Arcadia • Forested Creek-And-Waterfall Hike • Best For First-Time Mountain Visitors
A shaded canyon walk along a lively creek that rewards you with one of the prettiest waterfalls within an easy drive of Valinda.
From the Chantry Flat trailhead, the route drops into a cool, oak-lined canyon dotted with historic cabins and follows the water upstream to Sturtevant Falls. The grade is gentle enough for newer hikers, but the climb back out reminds you you are in the mountains. Go early on weekends and in warm months, as parking fills quickly and the canyon is popular for good reason.
03
Best shady canyon loop
Marshall Canyon Trail
Foothills Between La Verne And Claremont • Tree-Lined Multi-Use Canyon Path • Best For Mellow Half-Day Loops
A network of shaded trails and fire roads that lets you build anything from an easy out-and-back to a longer loop with steady but manageable climbing.
Marshall Canyon has a surprisingly tucked-away feel, with stretches of oak and sycamore providing cover from the sun and frequent creek crossings in wetter months. Equestrians and mountain bikers share the trail, but there is usually enough room to settle into your own pace. It is a great choice when you want more of a backcountry vibe without committing to a big drive or a full-day summit.
04
Best short summit challenge
Potato Mountain via Evey Canyon
Front Range Above Claremont • Steady Summit Climb With Wide-Open Views • Best For Sunset And City Lights
A straightforward climb that earns you a true summit feeling and sweeping views over the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley.
The route up Potato Mountain is all business, gaining elevation at a steady clip on a wide dirt road that turns into a rougher path near the top. It is a favorite training hike for locals because you can be up and down in a couple of hours but still feel like you accomplished something. On clear evenings, the summit is a spectacular place to watch the lights flicker on across the valley below.
05
Easiest family-friendly option
Thompson Creek Trail
Neighborhood Edge Of North Claremont • Wide Greenway With Partial Paving • Best For Relaxed Walks And Beginners
An easy, mostly level path that hugs the base of the foothills, perfect for casual strolls, jogging, or warming up before tackling steeper trails nearby.
Thompson Creek offers a low-stress way to stretch your legs outdoors, with foothill views, a mix of pavement and packed dirt, and enough length to make a walk feel worthwhile. Benches, dog stations, and frequent street access points make it very approachable if you are hiking with kids, pushing a stroller, or just easing back into regular movement. It is also a nice starting point before graduating to the steeper climbs in the Claremont Wilderness area.