5 Under 5: 5 Summer Hikes Under 5 Miles in the Pomona Area 

It’s officially summer break, meaning it is time to get outside and enjoy nature. We are all tired of being stuck inside all year long for classes and work, so what better time to get away from the screen and the desk and get back to the great outdoors! As an avid hiker myself, I find that going outside and walking is a great way to find motivation and energy to continue the week. I found that these 5 hikes in the Pomona area under 5 miles  are a great way to get out after a day at work, or just to get you outside and more connected to nature.  

These hikes range from easy to difficult. Here, you will find the best time to hike the trails, additional things you should know about the hikes, and a link to more information and a map for each. 

1. Redwoods Grove, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Brea

• 1.5 Miles, Easy  

• Known for being one of the only locations of Redwoods in southern California, this trail is a must-hike since it is conveniently close to campus. This hike is relatively flat, making it both dog and stroller friendly.  
• Best time to hike this trail: Since this is the easiest hike on the list, this is a great hike to do any time of day, any day of the week.  

• Additional things you should know about this hike: This trail is a part of Carbon Canyon Regional Park. The park charges a $3 entrance fee per car to enter the park during the week, and $5 fee on the weekends.  

 

2. Puddingstone Reservoir Lake View, Frank G Bonelli Regional Park, San Dimas

• 4.1 Miles, Easy 

• Just a ten-minute drive from CPP, Puddingstone Reservoir Lake View is the closest hike on the list to campus. On this hike, you will experience lake views, walk through tunnels, views of the local mountains, and potentially catch a glimpse of campus. The first few miles of the hike are paved and the last few are a wide dirt trail. This trail is both dog and horse friendly, so be prepared to make some new friends.  
• Best time to hike this trail:  Out of all the hikes on this list, this is one of the trails best suited to hike on the weekend. 
• Additional things you should know about this hike: This trail is part of Frank G Bonelli Regional Park which means you will need to pay a $10 fee to access it. Hit up other attractions in the park such as fishing, playgrounds, picnic areas, and even swimming in the summer to make the cost worth it.  

 

3. Helen McCoy Loop: Eucalyptus Trail, Chino Hills Community Park, Chino Hills

• 3.1 Miles, Moderate 

• This moderate trail in the Chino Hills area is highly recommended for any animal lover. Not only is the trail dog-friendly, but there is also a wide range of local wildlife including hawks, owls, frogs, and more rabbits than you could imagine. There are also a ton of livestock animals such as longhorn cattle, donkeys, horses, and more.  

• Best time to hike this trail: Any time is a great time to hike this trail, but I highly recommend hiking it in the evening because frogs come out of the local creek and start to croak. 
• Additional things you should know about this hike: Part of the hike is paved and walks through a residential area and the other part is unpaved and hilly. The best spot to park is on Village Center Dr right next to the backside of English Springs Park (which is also filled with animals like ducks, geese, and turtles). 

 

4. Etiwanda Falls Trail, North Etiwanda Preserve, Rancho Cucamonga

• 3.4 Miles, Moderate 

• This trail is one for those who do not mind an uphill hike to get to something even better. After an 803 ft elevation gain, you will reach the Etiwanda waterfall where you can play in the water and enjoy the shade of the trees. The falls are a perfect area to stop and have a snack or lunch before heading back down the trail.  
• Best time to hike this trail: Head out early in the morning around 8 or 9 a.m., because there is a steep incline to the falls and little to no shade. Go on a weekday because the falls will be packed with people on the weekends leading to scarce parking and little space to enjoy the falls.  
• Additional things you should know about this hike: In the picture above the trail starts where the valley ends, so do not underestimate the elevation gain. Bring lots of water, a hat, and maybe something to snack on, but also be aware that there are no bathrooms on the hike. Something else to note: dogs are not allowed on this hike. 

 

5. Poop Out Trail, Angeles National Forest, Glendora

• 4.9 Miles, Hard 

• Also known as Punk Out trail, this hike is the hardest in the series. Just shy of 5 miles, hikers will experience a 1,502 ft elevation gain workout with little shade. Benches, tire swings, and views of the Glendora valley are just some features you may see. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the LA city line on the horizon. 
• Best time to hike this trail: This is definitely a morning hike, as there is little shade and it can get very hot in the Angeles National Forest in summer. Hike any day of the week but do note that it gets busy on the weekend.  
• Additional things you should know about this trail: Head out early enough in the morning to catch the fog and low clouds. You will need an adventure pass to park since this trail is in a national forest. You can pick up an adventure pass at most local sports stores such as Big 5, or at a ranger station. Also note that this trail is dog-friendly but should only be hiked by dogs that are fit enough to cross and climb up some rockier terrain.  

 

Do you have any recommendations for more hikes under 5 miles in the Pomona area? Will you try out any of these trails this summer? Let us know on our social media @asicpp on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Happy hiking, and remember to leave it better than you found it! 

 

Story written by guest author Sarah Bolton