The best walks and hikes around Upland

Yes, many trails in and around Upland are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. The Crum Woods loop from Swarthmore is a good option for a shorter walk with your canine companion. For a more extensive outing, the Pacific Electric Trail and the Euclid Avenue Bridle Path are both popular choices for dog walkers. Always remember to bring water for your pet and to clean up after them.

Upland offers several accessible trails perfect for families and beginners. The Hiking loop from Prospect Park is a gentle walk through local green spaces. Another excellent choice is the Euclid Avenue Bridle Path, a wide, tree-lined trail that is mostly flat and offers a pleasant, shaded experience. For a unique family outing, consider the California Botanic Garden in nearby Claremont, which has easy paths through beautiful native plant displays.

Yes, the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains near Upland are home to several beautiful waterfall hikes. Etiwanda Falls is a very popular local destination, known for its rewarding cascade. Further afield, you can also explore trails leading to Eaton Canyon Falls and Sturtevant Falls. These trails can be very popular, especially on weekends, so an early start is recommended. The water flow is best after recent rains in the winter and spring.

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the nearby San Gabriel Mountains offer strenuous ascents with significant elevation gain. The hike to Cucamonga Peak is a formidable local favorite, rewarding climbers with panoramic views. An even greater challenge is summiting Mount San Antonio, known as Mount Baldy, the highest peak in the range. These are demanding, full-day hikes that require excellent fitness and preparation, especially as snow and ice can be present in winter and spring.

Yes, there are several great loop trails. The Hidden ruins loop from Morton offers a varied walk with some interesting features. For a longer, more moderate loop, the John Heinz Lake & Wetlands Loop Trail — John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge provides a substantial circuit. Many trails in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park can also be combined to form loops of varying lengths and difficulties.

For any hike, it's essential to bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months as many trails are exposed to the sun. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are crucial for sun protection. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. It's also wise to pack snacks for energy, a basic first-aid kit, and a fully charged phone. For mountain hikes, bring layers of clothing as temperatures can change with elevation.

Several trailheads are highly regarded by local hikers. Claremont Hills Wilderness Park is a major hub, offering multiple trails with great views and facilities at the parking area. The trailhead for Potato Mountain is another popular starting point for a rewarding climb to a unique summit. For a shorter, scenic walk, the Joatngna Trailhead provides access to pleasant local paths.

The hike to Potato Mountain is generally considered moderate. The trail is about 4 miles roundtrip with a steady incline. The first half offers some shade, but the final climb to the summit is exposed to the sun. It's a popular workout hike that rewards you with great views of the surrounding landscape and the quirky, potato-decorated summit marker.

You can hike in the Upland area year-round, but the best seasons are typically fall, winter, and spring when temperatures are cooler. Spring is particularly beautiful, with green hillsides and blooming wildflowers. Summer can be very hot, especially on exposed trails, so if you hike then, it's best to go early in the morning. For high-elevation mountain trails like Mount Baldy, summer and early fall are ideal to avoid snow and ice.

The hiking routes around Upland are well-regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the variety, from the accessible urban paths like the Pacific Electric Trail to the challenging mountain ascents in the San Gabriels. The stunning panoramic views from peaks like Stoddard Peak and Potato Mountain are frequently mentioned as a major highlight.

Many of the trails in the foothills provide excellent vantage points for sunset. The trails in Claremont Hills Wilderness Park are a popular choice, as they offer westward-facing views over the valley. A hike up to a lower viewpoint on the way to Stoddard Peak or Potato Mountain can also provide a spectacular evening display. If you plan a sunset hike, always bring a headlamp or flashlight for a safe descent in the dark.

Yes, the Pacific Electric Trail is a 21-mile multi-use path that is paved and mostly flat through Upland, making it an excellent option for strollers and wheelchairs. It follows a historic railway corridor and passes through various parts of the city, with parks and rest areas along the way.