The best walks and hikes in South Hills Wilderness Area
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221
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33
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Hikes in South Hills Wilderness Area explore a semi-wilderness landscape of rolling hills and canyons within Glendora, Los Angeles County. The terrain is characterized by a mix of plant communities, including chaparral, coastal sage-scrub, and Southern Oak Woodland. The network of multi-use trails offers routes with varying elevation gains across the area's 248 acres.
Best hiking trails in South Hills Wilderness Area
- The most popular hiking route is Michael D. Antonovich Trail β Walnut Creek Community Regional Park, a 4.8 mile (7.7 km) trail that takes around 2 hours 5 minutes to complete. This moderate route follows a path with gradual elevation changes.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is View of the valley loop from Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, an easy 2.2 mile (3.5 km) path. The trail ascends to a hill that provides views over the surrounding area.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Michael D. Antonovich Trail loop from Life Pacific University, a 2.0 mile (3.2 km) trail leading through the regional park, often completed in about 55 minutes.
- Hiking in South Hills Wilderness Area is defined by rolling hills, canyons, and paths through chaparral and oak woodlands. The trail network provides options for different ability levels, from short, easy loops to more moderate routes with more elevation.
- The routes in South Hills Wilderness Area are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from 2 reviews. More than 160 hikers have used komoot to explore South Hills Wilderness Area's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
1
hikers
3.32km
00:57
70m
80m
Easy 2.1-mile loop in Glendora's South Hills Wilderness Park, offering varied terrain, panoramic views, and a Mediterranean ecosystem.
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hikers
9.40km
02:32
110m
150m
The Michael D. Antonovich Trail offers a moderate 5.8-mile hike through shaded oak canyons with numerous stream crossings.
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5.0
(1)
2
hikers
1.69km
00:47
270m
0m
Hike the easy 1.0-mile Open Door Trail in Angeles National Forest, gaining 889 feet for continuous views of the San Gabriel Valley.
12
hikers
7.73km
02:06
110m
110m
Hike the moderate 4.8-mile Antonovich Trail in Walnut Creek Community Regional Park, featuring shaded canyons and stream crossings.
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Sometimes there's a good-sized pool of water in this basin; most of the time, though, it's a boggy sort of wetland. Either way it's home to an interesting riparian, sage scrub and southern oak habitat.
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The Antonovich Trail is a short, charming, and easy hike that runs alongside a stream. The trail offers plenty of shade, rolling hills, and oak woodlands. Rocks are available to help cross the streams, but be cautious as they can be looseβwalking sticks are recommended.
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At the junction of Lower Monroe Trail, Mystic Canyon Trail, and Lower Monroe Truck Trail is a great view over Glendora down in the south below.
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Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park plays host to many trails, reservoirs, and recreation areas. The Big Dalton Canyon Road is a popular road for biking, though the pavement does eventually deteriorate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in the South Hills Wilderness Area?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome in the South Hills Wilderness Area, but they must be kept on a leash. For an off-leash experience, you can visit the large, fenced-off dog park located at South Hills City Park on Mauna Loa Ave, which also serves as a primary access point to the trails.
Where can I park to access the hiking trails?
The main access points with parking are at South Hills Park on Mauna Loa Avenue and near the underpass for the 210 Freeway on Bonnie Cove Avenue. South Hills Park is a popular starting point and offers ample parking.
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly hikes?
Yes, the area has several options for beginners. A great choice is the Michael D. Antonovich Trail loop from Life Pacific University, a gentle 2-mile (3.2 km) walk that takes about an hour. The half-mile South Hills Self-Guided Nature Trail is another excellent, very short option for an easy introduction to the local plant life.
What is the best time of year to hike in the South Hills?
Spring is a particularly beautiful time to hike, as the hills often come alive with a vibrant display of wildflowers like Angel Gilia and Dove Lupine. The cooler months from fall through spring are generally the most comfortable for hiking. Summer can be very hot and dry, so if you hike then, be sure to go early in the morning and bring plenty of water.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Absolutely. Many trails in the area can be combined to form loops. For a rewarding circular hike with great scenery, consider the View of Puddingstone Reservoir loop from Claremont. This moderate route offers changing perspectives as you complete the circuit.
Which trail offers the best panoramic views?
For expansive, 360-degree views of Glendora and the surrounding landscape, head for the South Hills Backbone Trail. This wide path runs along the main ridge of the wilderness area and connects to many of the other trails, making it a great route to aim for to get the best vantage points.
Are there any challenging or strenuous hikes in the area?
While the area is not known for extremely difficult climbs, you can find moderately challenging hikes with significant elevation gain. The View of the valley loop from Monrovia is a good example, ascending over 1,400 feet (445 m) and offering a solid workout with rewarding views.
Do I need a permit to hike in the South Hills Wilderness Area?
No, permits are not required for day hiking in the South Hills Wilderness Area. The trails are open to the public for activities like hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.
Are there any waterfalls on the trails?
The trails in the South Hills Wilderness Area are not known for waterfalls. The landscape is primarily characterized by rolling hills, canyons, and chaparral, which are quite dry for most of the year. You will not find any permanent waterfalls along the main routes.
How many trails are in the South Hills Wilderness Area?
There are approximately 15 designated multi-use trails within the 248-acre park. Komoot features over 15 routes mapped by the community, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate climbs, giving you plenty of options to explore.
Are bicycles or horses allowed on the trails?
Yes, the trails in the South Hills Wilderness Area are designated as multi-use, which means they are open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Always be aware of other trail users and yield the right-of-way as appropriate.
How does this area compare to the Big Dalton Wilderness Area?
Both offer great local hiking, but with different characteristics. The South Hills Wilderness Area is a semi-wilderness park known for its rolling hills and wide, exposed ridge trails with city views. Big Dalton Wilderness Area, located within Big Dalton Canyon, often feels more secluded with trails that follow a creek and wind through canyons, providing more shade and a slightly more rugged feel.
What do other hikers think of the trails here?
The trails are well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the accessible trailheads, the well-maintained paths, and the rewarding views over the San Gabriel Valley. The mix of easy and moderate routes makes it a popular spot for a quick escape into nature.
Most popular routes in South Hills Wilderness Area
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