#154 South Park Peak & High View

Looking up toward High View.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

Overall Hiking Totals:

South Park Peak Hiking Map.

High View Hiking Map

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 34.0786°N, -116.3997°W.

Summary

This hike is one of the shorter ones, but worthy of its own write-up.  Much like the Warren Peak hike, this one starts at Black Rock Campground, although at a different trailhead. The trailhead sits at the end of South Park Road, in a relatively small parking area. 

Approaching the summit.

A single loop hike can be formed to summit both South Park Peak and the overlook known as High View.  I completed this one as an add-on hike to the area after completing the Warren Peak - Panorama Loop hike.  It was too convenient to ignore, especially when I had quite a bit more to give in my energy tank.

On the summit of South Park Peak.

I started the hike going north in a counterclockwise direction to reach South Park Peak.  The early steps after leaving the parking lot was the only point where there was a steep section (only a few steps), the rest of the way was easy going.  It wraps around the east slope of South Park Peak for some good views over the town of Yucca Valley.  On the summit sits a bench and a summit register.

A Joshua tree archway.

I looped down the west slope back to the parking area, where I continued on the Hi-View Nature Trail toward High View to form a second loop.  This too is a short and easy climb to a nice overlook of the area.  I again continued down the opposite slope, then eventually back to the parking area, which was visible the whole time.  Short and sweet, yet still there are a few other hikes in the area that can also be added on for the day.

View from High View.

Video:

Simulated Hikes:          South Park Peak:

High View:

#148 The "M" View

Getting a good view of the "M".

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

Overall Hiking Totals:

Hiking Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 33.95902°N, -117.2722°W.

Summary

While still being early in my 1,000 hike quest,  I felt the need to get as many as I could to get my numbers up.  In that process, I had an internal argument: Do I provide comprehensive hiking plans, or also count short hikes as appropriate destinations.  Although I mostly sided with the comprehensive choices, on certain days, I felt that short outings were hikes too.

Looking up at Box Springs Mountain.

Thus hiking days take into account your current frame of mind.  Therefore, in retrospect, I think I would have included this hike as part of the #76 hike (The M Hike).  This would have only added about an additional half mile to that hike.  With that being decided, If I become a published author of my hikes, I would consolidate this hike with hike #76.  That means that I get to gather a completely new hike to add to my list someday.

At the overlook above Moreno Valley.

Meanwhile, with the desire to complete a short hike with some sweat equity, this is a good option.  The trail goes on The M Trail for much of the way, but there are also side trails that I included this time around, thus making it seem like a completely different hike.

Viewing the "M" from the overlook.

It eventually breaks off from the M Trail and extends south to an overlook over Moreno Valley.  To the NW sits the "M" in a perfectly clear view.  It is definitely the highlight of the hike.  If choosing to make this the turnaround point, as I did on the day, I returned the same way, while taking in some of the lower overlooks that face the east.  Kind of mini hiking adventure, but well worth the effort!

One last look on the way back.

Video:

Simulated Hike:

#144 The Pantera Park Trail

Picking up the trail on the ridge.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

Overall Hiking Totals:

Hiking Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 34.01392°N, -117.7911°W.

Summary

Pantera Park turned out to be hike number three on the day, however, for visitors with limited time, this makes for a great short outing outside.  The hikes starts in bustling Pantera Park, where basketball courts and tennis courts are often full.  The hike begins in the parking lot and passes a dog park before accessing a trail that elevates toward a ridge.  A trail continues along the spine of the ridge toward the high point known as Pomona Benchmark.  Usually for me, the climbing of a peak at the end of the trail culminates a hike. 

Looking toward Pomona Benchmark.

However, in this case the peak is on private land, thus reaching it would be a case of trespassing.  There is a large fence near the end of the ridge trail that exemplifies that fact.  Some may ascend at their own risk.  It was tempting to me, but ultimately I never considered the risk to be worth it.  Instead, I turned around and headed back toward the water tank that sits above the park.  From there, I dropped down another pathway to form a small loop from the water tank back to the park.  This makes for a quick outing, but rather satisfying, since the hike passes through some open spaces preserved within the city limits.

Video:

Simulated Hike:

#143 The Sycamore Canyon Park Trail

Passing through Sycamore Canyon.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

Overall Hiking Totals:

Hiking Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 34.00563°N, -117.8089°W.

Summary

Sycamore Canyon is one of the three hikes I was able to highlight in Diamond Bar.  Since each are short, I did them all in one day in order to round out a nice hiking day.  This hike was the shortest of the three while also having its own distinctive personality. 

Pleasant Strolling.

It sits in a lush canyon with its rim ringed with homes.  However, once on foot on the canyon floor, it feels like a secluded canyon out in the wild.  Well, part of the time, anyway.  The trail parallels a creek in an oak woodland before elevating to a junction.  A sharp left leads to the top of the park high point. 

On the summit loop.

A small loop path encircles the high point while featuring some picnic tables.  The loop feels a bit like a victory stroll after completing the short climb. 

Returning to the canyon floor.

Afterwards, I returned into the canyon and spent a little extra time getting close up looks at the creek before concluding the hike and heading to the next destination on the day.

Checking out the creek.

Video:

Simulated Hike:

#142 Steep Canyon - Grandview Loop

Passing along the oaks on the Grandview Trail.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

Overall Hiking Totals:

Hiking Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 34.00632°N, -117.8051°W.

Summary

Whenever the hiking bug hits me, but the driving bug doesn't want to come along, I will opt for a nearby neighborhood hike.  Although I don't live in Diamond Bar, it is a short drive from home.  Fortunately, there is some preserved open space nearby all the housing developments that are well established for hiking.  Probably the best of all options is the Steep Canyon - Grandview Loop. 

Dropping into the canyon.

The hike has a few potential starting points, but the most reliable would be from the end of Steep Canyon Road, where a signed trailhead is.  The trail elevates a staircase and continues up a ridgeline.  It tops off at a highpoint before bending around above a neighborhood and arrives at Summitridge Park. 

Climbing out of the canyon.

The hike passes through the parking lot where it picks up the Grandview Trail.  This part of the trail drops into the canyon and passes along a shaded oak woodland before climbing back out below the ridgeline.  This forms a loop back to the trailhead.  The are feels a bit secluded and non-urban, despite being adjacent to the city itself.

Returning below the ridgeline.

Video:

Simulated Hike: