There's no doubt about it; San Dimas is a city full of scenic trails that will make your heart sing. With over 50 miles to explore with beautiful views and wildlife spotting - there isn't anything this small town can't offer!
The terrain varies from the flat ground up steep hills and dirt paths that test outbalance skills in addition to offering peace & quiet for those who want them (or not).
Whether you're looking at challenging routes where muscles are put on display or simply wishful thinking about finding "peace" somewhere other than home...San Dimas hiking trails have got you covered!
Continue reading to learn about the top trails in San Dimas that are perfect for all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts.
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Tips and Advice for Hiking in San Dimas
Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan on being out for a while. It's also important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and wear sunscreen!
If you're a beginner hiker or not too familiar with the area, be sure to go with someone who knows it well. This will help make sure you stay safe and have a great time.
Keep an eye out for snakes and other wildlife - especially if you're hiking with your dog. While they typically aren't harmful, it's always better to be aware and cautious.
If you're planning to hike in San Dimas on a day that has been raining or is expected to be rainy - do not go out. The ground will become extremely slippery and dangerous when wet, so stay safe by staying at home!
Now that we've given you a few tips, it's time to explore the best trails San Dimas has to offer!
Easy Hikes in San Dimas
- Michael D. Antonovich Trail
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| Image courtesy: LA County Department of Parks and Recreation |
Length: 6.02 miles • Elevation gain: 416 feet • Est: 2h 42m • Dog-friendly • Guide
The Michael D. Antonovich Trail is a great option for hikers looking to avoid the more strenuous trails in Walnut Creek Community Regional Park near San Dimas.
It’s an easy 6.02 miles walk with a little elevation gain that features beautiful views of ravines and grassland habitats, as well as historical sites along the trail.
The trailhead is in the northwest corner of the park and starts at an intersection with Leach Canyon Trail.
Besides views, hikers can expect to see abundant wildlife along this beautiful outdoor area’s trails, including deer, coyotes, and rabbits, to name a few! You may even spot some frogs hopping around after a rainstorm.
This trail is dog-friendly, but please be sure to keep your furry friend on a leash at all times.
So if you’re looking for an easy hike with great scenery and plenty of wildlife sightings, the Michael D. Antonovich Trail is a perfect option!
- Puddingstone Reservoir Lake View and Park Trail Loop
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| Late evening sunset with the sun kissing horizon at Puddingstone Reservoir Lake |
Length: 4.1 miles • Elevation gain: 341 feet • Est: 1h 53m • Dogs on leash • Guide
Located in Frank G Bonelli Regional Park near San Dimas, the Puddingstone Reservoir Lake View and Park Trail Loop is a great option for hikers looking to avoid crowded trails.
The loop is about four miles long with little elevation gain, making it perfect for family hikes or short day trips! It’s definitely one of the easier hikes in the area.
The trailhead is located near the entrance to Bonelli Park and follows Puddingstone Reservoir around before returning to the start.
Along the way, you’ll find a few benches and picnic tables, making it a great spot for lunch.
There are also restrooms near the trailhead if needed, but there is no water available anywhere along the route, so be sure to bring plenty with you! The park does allow dogs on leashes only, so plan on leaving your four-legged friends at home.
So if you’re looking for a nice hike that is away from the crowds, Puddingstone Reservoir Lake View and Park Trail Loop might be just what you are after!
- San Dimas Canyon Park Trail
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| Image courtesy: LA County Department of Parks and Recreation |
Length: 1.18 miles • Elevation gain: 206 feet • Est: 37m • Dogs on leash • Guide
San Dimas Canyon Park Trail is a beautiful outdoor area in Walnut Creek Community Regional Park near San Dimas.
The trailhead starts at the intersection of Leach Canyon and Lang Ranch Trails, but it’s best to start this hike by parking on Greenbank Avenue, where there are additional access points into the park.
Once you enter the park, continue on the wide trail until it splits. The left fork goes uphill to a beautiful canyon view, while the right fork descends into the canyon.
Both trails are about two miles long and offer an easy workout with great scenery. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as there is no potable water in the park, and temperatures can climb to over 100 degrees during the summer months.
The San Dimas Canyon Park Trail is great for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike. The trails are well maintained by the Walnut Creek Community Regional Park staff, so be sure to pack out any garbage or recyclables you might generate.
This is a great place to spend an afternoon with friends and family, so be sure to check it out the next time you’re in the area.
- Cobalt Canyon Motorway
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| Image courtesy: LA County Department of Parks and Recreation |
Length: 4.28 miles • Elevation gain: 787 feet • Est:2h 37m • Dogs on leash • Guide
This old road is about twenty years old and was once used to service copper mines near Mount Baldy. Today if you like to hike or bike, trails lead up to this spot in San Dimas Canyon Park Trail.
If you like to hike or bike, you can access the road through San Dimas Canyon Park Trail.
The views from the top are worth the effort, as you can see down to Temecula.
Cobalt Canyon Motorway is a great place to take the family, as there are plenty of picnic tables and good views from various vantage points on top of the mountain.
This road offers some pretty incredible scenery that you won’t find anywhere else in Southern California, so pack up your camera and head out Highway 74 for an afternoon of fun.
Some people choose to hike this road, but cars are allowed, so it’s not a true hiking experience.
No matter how you get there, the views from Cobalt Canyon Motorway near San Dimas will be worth your time and effort.
- Bonelli Park Loop
Length: 1.8 miles • Elevation gain: 105 feet • Est: 48m • Dogs on leash • Guide
With the towering trees that offer shade, Bonelli Park Loop in San Dimas is a great spot for hiking.
The moderate hike is about two miles long, and it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll on a weekend afternoon.
The park loop meanders through the trees and past picturesque lakes, making it the perfect spot for a nature walk or run. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you make your way around; deer and rabbits are known to roam the park.
The paved path is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, making it a great option for families with little ones. And if you get tired along the way, there are plenty of benches where you can take a break and enjoy the view.
So next time you’re looking for something to do outdoors, head to Bonelli Park Loop for a relaxing afternoon of hiking.
- Walnut Creek Community Regional Park
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| Image courtesy: LA County Department of Parks and Recreation |
Walnut Creek Park is a great place for hiking in the San Dimas area. The park has several well-maintained trails that wind through the hills and canyons, providing plenty of opportunities for hikers to enjoy the beauty of nature.
The park also offers other amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and a dog park. Visitors can also enjoy the views of the surrounding hills and valleys from the park’s many scenic vistas.
In addition, the park has many rock climbing and repelling spots that provide some healthy outdoor recreation.
The park is open from 8 am to sunset, and the entrance fee is $5 per car for residents and $10 per car for out-of-town visitors.
Walnut Creek Park is a great place to spend a day outdoors with family or friends. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. So be sure to visit Walnut Creek Park the next time you’re in the San Dimas area!
- South Hills Park
There is also a small creek that runs through the park. The larger section consists of more hills, while the smaller side has fewer hills and is more wooded.
The trail surfaces are mostly dirt, with some rocks, roots, and asphalt climbing trails toward the back of the property at South Hills Elementary School. Be prepared to work up a sweat, but the views and exercise are worth it!
The park is open from 7 am to 10 pm. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. There is no drinking water so bring your own.
There are many signs posted that state the rules of the park, which include: No alcohol, no smoking, no fires, and staying on the trails.
The best time to enjoy this park is spring and fall. It gets hot very quickly during the summer months, and there is limited shade throughout the park. Also, the trails can be muddy (although that doesn’t stop many people from hiking).
Challenging Hikes in San Dimas
- San Dimas Canyon to Sunset Peak Radio Towers
Length: 17.8 miles • Elevation gain: 4219 feet • Est: 9h 44m • Dog-friendly • Guide
The hike to San Dimas Canyon to Sunset Peak Radio Towers is challenging, but it's well worth the effort. The trail starts in the San Dimas Canyon area of Angeles National Forest and winds its way up to the summit of Sunset Peak.
Along the way, you'll see some amazing views of the surrounding area.
The trail is well marked, and hikers will enjoy a variety of environments on this hike, including grassy hillsides, chaparral ecosystems, and rocky outcroppings.
As you get higher up in elevation, the vegetation will change drastically. Lower parts of the trail can feel dry and hot, while hikers are often near a shady summit by then!
Once you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with some amazing views of the Los Angeles skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains. It's definitely worth the effort!
So if you're looking for a challenging hike, be sure to check out the San Dimas Canyon to Sunset Peak Radio Towers hike. It's definitely worth the effort!
- Bonelli Perimeter Loop
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| Image courtesy: LA County Department of Parks and Recreation |
Length: 10 miles • Elevation gain: 1545 feet • Est: 5h 4m • Guide
Bonelli Perimeter Loop is a challenging hike near San Dimas. The hike features plenty of hills and elevation changes, so it's not for the faint of heart. However, the views from the top are worth the effort.
The loop begins at the Bonelli Park ranger station. From there, hikers can take either the Gold or Silver trails to begin the loop. The Gold Trail is a bit longer, but it's also more scenic.
The hike winds its way up and down hills, eventually leading to the San Dimas Dam. This is a good spot for a break, as it's one of the highest points on the hike. From here, hikers can take in the views of the surrounding area.
The hike continues, with hikers passing through a shaded area with good opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Bonelli Perimeter Loop is a great way to spend the day getting some fresh air and enjoying beautiful views of California's landscape.
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| Amazing landscape view of San Dimas, CA |
What to Pack for Hiking in San Dimas
When you're planning a hike in San Dimas, it's important to pack light and pack right. You want to be prepared with the essentials; we'll go over those below.
1. Water, Water, and Water!
There is nothing worse than being dehydrated on a hike. It's important to pack just the right amount of water for your day, usually about 1 liter of water per hour you plan to be hiking. It's important to stay hydrated throughout your hike, not just at the beginning.
2. Snacks:
It's also important to pack snacks for your hike. You'll want something that will give you energy but is also light and easy to carry with you. Energy bars are an easy choice.
3. Clothing:
When you're planning your clothing, it's important to think about the season in which you're going to be hiking. If it's in the winter months, you'll want clothes that are warmer and can protect you from the cold. Bring a pair of gloves or mittens too! It might also be good to wear a scarf, as it'll provide extra warmth.
In the summer months, you'll want to bring clothes that are light and breathable. You may also want to bring mosquito repellent if it's an option.
4. A Good Pair of Shoes:
When you go hiking in San Dimas, it's important to be smart about your shoes. You want to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes that are also appropriate for the season that you're in.
It's usually not a good idea to bring brand new hiking boots when you're going on a hike; always make sure that they've been broken in before you go out and about.
5. Flashlight:
This is especially important if you're planning on going out during the evening hours or even into the night. You'll want to bring a flashlight with you so that you don't trip over anything while balancing yourself and so that other hikers can see where you are.
6. First Aid Kit:
It's always a good idea to have a first aid kit with you when you're hiking, just in case something happens. It's important to know how to use the items in your first aid kit, just in case of an emergency.
7. Map and Compass:
If you're feeling lost or unsure where you are, it can be really helpful to have a map and compass with you. This will help you get back on track and find your way back to the main path or your car.
8. Sunscreen:
It's important to protect yourself from the sun while hiking, especially if you're going to be out for a long period. In addition to wearing light clothing, it's also important to wear sunscreen. You can even buy specific types that will protect you from bugs too!
9. Bug Spray:
If there are going to bug out when you're hiking, it's a good idea to bring bug spray with you as well. This will help to keep the bugs away and prevent any unwanted bites.
10. A Good Attitude:
Last but not least, it's important to have a good attitude when you're hiking. This means being patient, taking breaks when you need them, and staying positive. Remember that the hike is only as hard as you make it!
Conclusion
We hope you've enjoyed this recap of San Dimas hiking trails. If you live in the area or are visiting, these 9 hikes will give you a chance to explore our beautiful city and get your exercise at the same time!
Don't forget to share the post on social media when you're done hiking - who knows? You could end up inspiring someone else's next outdoor adventure!