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San Dimas, California

San Dimas, California, offers some of the top trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. One must-visit is the Michael D. Antonovich Trail, a moderate difficulty trail known for its creek crossings and diverse wildlife. The trail is a 6-mile loop, perfect for a day hike, and it features a waterfall and a variety of plant life. Another notable attraction is the Puddingstone Reservoir in Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park. It's a hotspot for fishing, boating, and jet skiing. Nearby, Raging Waters, California's largest water park, offers a fun-filled day of water slides and wave pools. If you're after a bit of history, the Pacific Railroad Museum gives insight into the region's rail past. San Dimas truly offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities in California.

Top Spots in and near San Dimas

  • La Verne, California

    Marshall Canyon Trail

    4.0
    5.99 mi / 722 ft gain
    For this adventure you can choose to start in a multiple of places; for the easiest parking use Oak Mesa Park located next to Oak Mesa Elementary School. From the parking lot cross the soccer field towards the bridge on the north east end of the school. Once across the bridge follow Los Robles ea...
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  • Claremont, California

    Claremont Wilderness Loop

    4.8
    5.03 mi / 1020 ft gain
    Drive to the top of Mills Ave in Claremont. There is a main parking area to the left and overflow parking a block south on the right. It costs $3 to park for 4hrs. As the name implies, the Wilderness Loop is a loop that connects to other trails in the Claremont Hills Wilderness. You can choose t...
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  • Azusa, California

    Fish Canyon Falls

    2.0
    4.08 mi / 801 ft gain
    This trail is currently closed! Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website. Follow Encanto Parkway towards the hills until you come to a junction with a sign labeled "trail" that points towards a parking lot to your right. Parking is free, though on weekends it may be difficult to find a spot...
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  • La Verne, California

    Cattle Canyon Trail

    6.7 mi / 1066 ft gain
    Within the San Gabriel Mountains from Highway 39 and along East Fork Road is Cattle Canyon. To go through Cattle Canyon, you can access the trail head just south of the Bridge to Nowhere trail head along East Fork Road right after it intersects with Glendora Mountain Road. There is a small parkin...
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  • La Verne, California

    Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail

    4.4
    9.65 mi / 1798 ft gain
    The trail on this 10-mile hike is predominately slow and steady, but can be a little rocky, so be prepared to scramble. When you’re fording the river, the water level can range from knee to chest high, especially in the wet months. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is helpful, but water shoe...
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  • Claremont, California

    Stoddard Peak Trail

    4.0
    5.93 mi / 1129 ft gain
    On the way to Mount Baldy and within the trail system of the San Gabriel mountain range is the Stoddard Peak Trail. The Stoddard Peak Trail, which is basically the old Barrett-Stoddard fire road, goes through the Stoddard Canyon into Stoddard Flat, and then eventually leads to Stoddard Peak. The ...
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  • Claremont, California

    Stoddard Canyon Falls (Baldy Slide Waterfall)

    0.74 mi / 174 ft gain
    Located near the Angeles National Forest, it's a short hike, approx. 0.75 miles roundtrip and just about anybody can go. To get there, input the intersection of Mt. Baldy Rd. and Barrett Stoddard Truck Trail into your GPS. This will bring you to a small dirt parking lot. The trailhead starts a...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Sunset Peak via South Trailhead

    4.0
    7.16 mi / 1493 ft gain
    In order to get to the Sunset Peak Trailhead, utilize Google Maps to take you to the location provided. There is very little parking (only a small pull off along Glendora Ridge Road), but this trail is rarely traveled, so there should be enough space regardless of the time you decide to hike! Jus...
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  • Monrovia, California

    Monrovia Falls

    3.7
    1.46 mi / 459 ft gain
    Monrovia Falls is closed indefinitely due to the Bobcat Fire and mudslides. Read more on the CityofMonrovia.org website. The Monrovia Falls are at the end of the main trail located in Monrovia Canyon Park. The park is easy to locate and has ample parking. Keep in mind you do have to pay a fee of...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Summit Mt. Baldy

    4.8
    12.12 mi / 5958 ft gain
    Located only an hour’s drive from Los Angeles is the top of highest mountain in LA County—at 10,064 feet. Bear Flat Trail (also called the Old Mt. Baldy Trail) offers some of the finest scenery and most rewarding views in the San Gabriel Mountains high country. With nearly 6000 ft of elevation g...
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  • Azusa, California

    Smith Mountain Trail

    6.69 mi / 3189 ft gain
    Smith Mountain Trail is an awesome day hike located near Glendora, California. This out-and-back trail offers great views of the Los Angeles National Forest and the potential for continuation to Bear Creek for even more variety of scenery. Smith Mountain is a moderately strenuous hike with an el...
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  • Azusa, California

    Lewis Falls

    1 mi / 732 ft gain
    Located deep in the Angeles National Forest above Azusa, this short but at times challenging hike rewards you with a beautiful fifty-foot waterfall. The base of the waterfall is only a foot at its deepest, so I wouldn't rush to bring a bathing suit with you. Protected by the heavy forestry around...
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  • Arcadia, California

    Hermit Falls Trail

    4.8
    2.49 mi / 1014 ft gain
    Note: Hermit Falls is Temporarily Closed From Roberts Camp, many hikers will head to Sturtevant Falls, which is an amazing 60-foot waterfall. But, if you choose to head in the opposite direction on First Water Trail, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh water swimming hole at this 35-foot tumbling wa...
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  • Arcadia, California

    Sturtevant Falls

    4.6
    1.61 mi / 423 ft gain
    This trail is currently closed. Visit the Forest Service website for updates.  As you head down to Roberts Camp, a historic set of historic cabins, you’ll head out on a steep, paved road for approximately 0.6 miles. Once you reach the camp, head over the bridge and keep an eye out for the sign f...
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  • Arcadia, California

    Mt. Wilson Loop from Chantry Flat

    5.0
    12.74 mi / 4852 ft gain
    Mt. Wilson is one of the more difficult mountains in the San Gabriel to hike, making this adventure Intermediate. While 5,700 feet doesn't seem that tall, the mountain has a prominence of almost 5,300 feet, meaning that hike is steeper and longer than some of the other popular mountains that star...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Cedar Glen Camp

    4.88 mi / 1650 ft gain
    Cedar Glen Camp is a great beginner backpacking trip just outside of Los Angeles, California. Starting from the Icehouse Trailhead (also used for Cucamonga Peak), head out on the Icehouse Canyon Trail from the parking area. The trail will intersect with the Chapman Trail, at which point, you'll t...
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Camping and Lodging in San Dimas

Jackson Flats
Azusa, California

Jackson Flats

Meadow Group Campground
Palmdale, California

Meadow Group Campground

Coulter Group Campground
Palmdale, California

Coulter Group Campground

Bandido Group Campground
Pearblossom, California

Bandido Group Campground

Lake Campground
Valyermo, California

Lake Campground

Mountain Oak
Valyermo, California

Mountain Oak

Guides, Insights and Stories from San Dimas

Cooking with Coleman: Camp stove tacos with Paulina Dao and the City Project

Cooking with Coleman: Camp stove tacos with Paulina Dao and the City Project

The Outbound Collective

The Best Post-Adventure Food

The Best Post-Adventure Food

Aaron Rickel Jones

Reservation Permits Needed To Reopen Trails Responsibly, Says Steve Gerhardt

Reservation Permits Needed To Reopen Trails Responsibly, Says Steve Gerhardt

Aaron Rickel Jones

The Mountains Are Calling, and I Let It Go to Voicemail

The Mountains Are Calling, and I Let It Go to Voicemail

Aaron Rickel Jones

Cub House Birthday Ride

Cub House Birthday Ride

Aaron Rickel Jones

The Dawn Mine Loop Trail (or how to train for backpacking last minute)

The Dawn Mine Loop Trail (or how to train for backpacking last minute)

Aaron Rickel Jones