Valyermo, California
Valyermo, California, is a must-visit for outdoor adventures. The Big Rock Creek Trail is a top pick for hiking. This moderate difficulty trail offers scenic views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Mojave Desert. The trail is lined with unique rock formations and crosses several streams, making it a fun challenge for hikers. Nearby, the Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area is another must-visit. This area boasts unique geological formations and a variety of trails for all skill levels. For a more relaxed outdoor activity, the Valyermo Ranch offers horseback riding with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Make sure to check out these best trails and outdoor activities when in Valyermo, California.
Top Spots in and near Valyermo
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Palmdale, California
Camp at Chilao Campground
4.3While not as popular as shady Buckhorn Campground up the road, Chilao offers the better views and greater chances of scoring a peaceful and private campsite. There are two campsites located here (and two group camps down in the valley). Sites are first come, first serve, and cost $12 (bring exact...Read more -
Palmdale, California
Camp at Manzanita Loop in Chilao Campground
5.0Chilao Camp is located at an elevation of 5,300 feet, in the San Gabriel Mountains, and is divided into two different loops called the Manzanita and Pine.This specific adventure is for the Manzanita Loop, which is pretty much known as the more scenic loop, mainly because the area overlooks the Bi...Read more -
La Verne, California
Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail
4.49.65 mi / 1798 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Palmdale, California
Hike to Vetter Mountain and the Fire Lookout Tower
2.8 mi / 550 ft gainIf you're looking for an easy mountain to hike, and perhaps give the kids something interesting to learn about at the top, then Vetter Mountain may fit the bill. At 5,908', and with a trailhead at about 5,350', this 1.4 mile (one way) hike only climbs about 550' vertical. The trailhead is loca...Read more -
La Verne, California
Cattle Canyon Trail
6.7 mi / 1066 ft gainWithin 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...Read more -
Lancaster, California
Little Butte Trail
4.02.09 mi / 213 ft gainLittle Butte Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Llano, California.Read more -
Lancaster, California
Saddleback Butte State Park Loop
0.58 mi / 46 ft gainSaddleback Butte State Park is a state park in the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert. It’s oftentimes looked over, but you’d be surprised what you can find there. Definitely a place to stop. It is located east of Lancaster. It can get hot so make sure to bring lots of water and wear su...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) via the Ski Hut Trail
5.09.7 mi / 3990 ft gainMt. San Antonio, or Mt. Baldy as it is known locally, is one of the cans of the challenging "six-pack of peaks" in Southern California. For this one, start before the Manker campground and head up the fire road. This is known as the "Baldy Bowl or Ski-Hut Trail". You'll see some cabins on your l...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Summit Mt. Baldy
4.812.12 mi / 5958 ft gainLocated 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...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Cedar Glen Camp
4.88 mi / 1650 ft gainCedar 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...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon
4.611.13 mi / 4157 ft gainStart hiking early, before the sun rises so you can maximize the day out of the heat and to give yourself plenty of time for the hike. As you get to higher elevations, it will be a little cooler and there might be snow on the ground, so be sure to pack layers. This hike requires a permit. If yo...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Icehouse Saddle via Icehouse Canyon Trail
3.86.62 mi / 2562 ft gainThe hike is accessible in all seasons, but in winter there can be snow and ice so special equipment may be useful, but not required. In mid-January there were patches of ice on the trail but were easily crossed in boots and trainers. You can take the trail and end at Ice house Saddle or continue ...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon Trailhead
16.22 mi / 5610 ft gainWe started out at 8am on a Sunday, usually parking at Ice House Saddle can be tricky, I would advise going earlier. We headed out on our journey hiking up to the saddle, when you reach the switchbacks there is a fresh water spring, it's the last place you can get water...so stock up! We pressed o...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Sunset Peak via South Trailhead
4.07.16 mi / 1493 ft gainIn 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...Read more -
Claremont, California
Stoddard Canyon Falls (Baldy Slide Waterfall)
0.74 mi / 174 ft gainLocated 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...Read more -
Claremont, California
Stoddard Peak Trail
4.05.93 mi / 1129 ft gainOn 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 ...Read more
