#143 The Sycamore Canyon Park Trail

Passing through Sycamore Canyon.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

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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.

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#142 Steep Canyon - Grandview Loop

Passing along the oaks on the Grandview Trail.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

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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.

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#135 Pinkerton Hill

Gazing across from one summit to another.

Southern California Map

Driving Map.

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Hiking Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 33.95082°N, -117.382°W.

Summary

Not really much of a hiking location, being that it is in the middle of the city (and also in the middle of a memorial park), Pinkerton Hill marks a significant high point in Riverside.  However, since it is undeveloped, it makes a great spot to elevate to a nice natural city viewing platform. 

Cemetery Ridge.

Parking is in Olivewood Cemetery, or on nearby Dakota Avenue.  The hike quickly elevates to twin peaks on a short ridge.  One being Cemetery Ridge, and the higher one being Pinkerton Hill.  Visiting both takes little effort, but that little effort is rewarded with great views. 

Overlooking the 91 Freeway.

Admittedly, it is a little bit morbid hanging around a memorial park, but it is a nice leg stretcher when in the area.

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#133 Southridge Village Hill

South Ridge Village Hill is crowned with a cross.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

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Hiking Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 34.03937°N, -117.4763°W.

Summary

Southridge Village Hill is a short neighborhood hike with a big payoff from the top.  It is probably best to pair this with other short Jurupa Hills hikes to round out a hiking day. 

Heading up the slope.

However, if a short workout hike is on the docket, this is an efficient one.  The hike has a steady climb, culminating with a dramatic cross near the summit.  The actual summit provides a nice overlook over the cross and of the surrounding suburban cityscape. 

The summit cross.

Whether hiked on its own, or in combination with other local hikes, this makes for a great outing in the Inland Empire.

Summit views.

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#132 Mount Jurupa

Heading up Mount Jurupa.

Location of the hike.

Driving Map.

Overall Hiking Totals:

Hiking Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 34.0322°N, -117.4428°W.

Summary

The Jurupa Hills rise sharply above the bedroom communities of the Inland Empire.  For locals, this provides a great way to escape the pressures of life and little bit of outdoor exercise. 

A gallery of rock art.

For the rest of us, this is just another great place to enjoy a hiking opportunity.  The hike starts in Martin Tudor Regional Park, where a free parking lot is.  A trail leaves the parking lot going west.  While passing along the base of the peak, A very steep use trail shoots up its side.  This is where you suck it up and start climbing. 

Approaching the summit.

It is definitely steep, but a short climb toward the top.  Eventually the grade lessens while approaching the summit.  The top is wide and flat, most likely the result of some grading done years ago.  Meanwhile, it is a great viewing platform over the Inland Empire, and of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north. 

On the summit.

The descent needs to be taken slowly, since the steep grade can cause injuries if going too fast.  Otherwise, it is a quick out and back, featuring several "art inspired" decorated boulders along the way.

Inland Empire art.

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