Chino Hills State Park has become one of my favorite places in Southern California, especially…read moreduring wildflower season. After only about a ten-minute hike, I was rewarded with incredible views of green rolling hills stretching toward snow-covered mountains in the distance. The contrast was stunning and felt more like something out of a painting than Orange County. What makes this park special is how quickly you can find yourself surrounded by open space and quiet. You don't need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it. Even short walks can lead to beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and some fantastic photography opportunities. This visit will always be particularly meaningful to me because I brought my Golden Retriever, Christy, with me. Looking back, it ended up being her last adventure before mobility issues began limiting her ability to get out and explore. I'm grateful we were able to share a day like this together while she was still able to enjoy the trails, the fresh air, and the sunshine. For me, Chino Hills State Park isn't just a beautiful place to hike. It's a place tied to one of my favorite memories with a very good dog. I'll always be thankful for that.

I remember coming here years ago for a super bloom. This place is HUGE! Cell service is also very…read morespotty. I met up with some friends here for our monthly hiking group excursion. The drive into the park and throughout can be a bit sketchy at parts because there are times when the road is so narrow, only one car can pass at a time. They have small turnouts, but it got interesting at some places. You also have to watch out for hikers that are parking down the road and walking into the park to avoid the entrance fee. The ranger at the entrance was very friendly and helpful. He handled the exchange for the $10 entrance fee. You can pay online with their QR Code, but I didn't have service, and they also charge you an additional $0.55 service fee for that service. There are restrooms right at the entrance. The facilities are well-kept and stocked, which we all appreciated. We parked near the Rolling M Ranch Campground. Looks like a decent camping area. They don't allow campfires though. There were campsites available. We started out hiking Ranger Ridge Trail, then swung down to Raptor Ridge Trail. Whew! My quads and calves were BURNING! Those are some steep climbs there! These particular trails are also very narrow with a ton of overgrowth. I was glad I wore long-sleeves, but should have worn pants because the brush tore my legs up a bit. There's also a ton of foxtails and they kept getting stuck in the top of our shoes. Ouch! When we swung back down to Telegraph Canyon Trail, that was wide enough for us all to walk together and had nice spots of shade. That trail was well maintained. There are a ton of hiking trails here. I'd be willing to keep coming back to explore more!

Hiking spot with steep inclines and views of the valley. You can park at Grand Avenue Park, which…read moreis where you'll access the trail. Dogs are allowed and we did see a lot of small children hiking. There are certain portions of the trail that seem near vertical, but that's what makes this an effective workout. The trail does branch off to other short trails, otherwise, it's a loop. The trail is clearly outlined, although there are some portions that have some overgrown mustard plants. There's very little shade, so wear a hat & sunscreen. There aren't any water stations or bathrooms on the trail, although you're close enough to the park should you need those things.

We really enjoyed Sunset Trail. You access the trail from Grand Avenue park. It is surrounded by…read morehousing and open hills. Certain hills are definitely a challenge and others are easily just a downhill cruise. Overall Sunset trail a little but over a mile and it is a great work out!

I went to the Diamond Bar Loop after work with a few friends for Earth Day, and it's the perfect…read moretrail for a beginner runner like me. *The Difficulty: We did the shortest trail which is a 1.5-mile loop that took us about 45 minutes of mixed light jogging and walking. It was very manageable and peaceful. Difficulty-wise, I'd call this a 1.5/5 or 2/5, great for families and casual walkers. As someone who doesn't normally run (and gets bored of a stationary, treadmill view), I felt challenged in a good way. Jogging this had my heart pumping without feeling like I was dying. My friend who hikes Mt. Baldy for fun was with us, and he actually uses this trail as part of his cardio, so it's also great for more seasoned trailgoers looking for something chill! *The Trail: The trailhead is very well maintained, no trash in sight. We saw a few locals and families walking and everyone was friendly. It never felt crowded though we did go on a Tuesday evening. Dogs are welcome as long as they're leashed. The views overlooking the city are nice and there's two small bridges, a few stair sections, and several scenic spots near the top for quick breaks or photos. If you want more distance, there are connecting paths to explore too. There's also shaded areas near the beginning and end. *Parking and Bathrooms: There's plenty of free parking which is always a plus. We didn't go inside this time, but a friend mentioned the bathrooms inside the Diamond Bar Cultural Center are clean. The center itself is beautiful from the outside and there's even a gazebo near the left-hand lot where a family was having a picnic. Whether you're a new runner, walking your dog, out with the family, or on a cute date, this local trail is a great and easygoing way to enjoy nature!

If your biker... a runner,.. jogger or hiker - this place will truly challenge you when it comes to…read morethe hills! They are brutal unforgiving and a blast once you conquer them! Great views... rest stops along the way... It stretches to around 2.5 loop to a 4 mile loop. My only complaint...a more ummm marked trail along the back stretches... beyond that, parking is easy and safe, and the area is clean and friendly.

My jam. I live across the street so this is a super convenient trail to do before work. It's about…read more3-4 miles and the incline is decent so you get a good workout. It's not busy like the Claremont Loop. They just put up no parking signs so I'm not sure where visitors are supposed to park. It was beautiful this spring due to all the rain. It's back to its desert looking self so don't come here for the scenery. Its cool at the top cause you can see all of the Six peaks but otherwise, lots of brown. There is no shade so I tend to go early morning or in the evening. There are also no bathrooms on the trail, so stop by the gas stations on Temple or Starbucks if you need it. There are a couple ways to go up. The one to the left is a bit steeper and has a rockier path involved. The other is the very obvious dirt trail to the right. The right trail is not as steep to start off with but also doesn't seem as "never-ending story" as the trail on the left. This is probably due to the fact that you can see where the trail is going. On the left trail, there's like 5-6 mini hills and you can't tell which one you're on until the top. The trail on the left will take you directly to the stone bench (only one on the trail). The trail on the right will take you to the fork in the trail that either leads you to the stone bench (left fork) or towards Diamond Bar (right fork). Check out AllTrails.com for a trail map. Most of the reviews are describing the left trail.

I did this hike back in September and I thought it would be a great hike from what I saw on…read moreAllTrails. I was so disappointed with all the trash I saw on the trail. There was even a car motor dumped on the side of the trail, tons water bottles, and snack wrappers. We also saw what appeared to be a dead cat wrapped in a white sheet that was just dumped there. It gave us the creeps! It is a great workout with very intense inclines! I do not recommend it for smaller children. The trail is approximately 3.7 miles, out and back hike with an elevation gain of 938 feet. This would be a great trail if people would just pack out what they pack in. When we finally got to the end of the trail there was a very pretty view, but there were tons of energy drinks, beer bottles, cans, and broken glass everywhere. A very disappointing hike.

First time visitor not realizing I've been here years ago…read more Located in a hilly area of Claremont There are 2 parking lots pending trail Need to know license plate to register for parking 4 hours cost $9 but appear slightly cheaper during the weekdays Parked in 2nd parking lot and even at 630am it's a popular spot to probably beat the heat with joggers hikers groups families Dog friendly trail 2 bathrooms on trail and trash bins and benches along the way Upon entering trailhead can take left or right and it will loop Took the left route and first 3 miles steep but manageable with good hiking shoes, trekking shoes, shoes with good grip overall as it's primarily gravel dirt paths. Last 2 miles was more Downhill and flat. Completed in about 1.5 hours at a decent pace. There are half mile markers on the path in case keeping track It was a overcast day but was able to see the sunrise, the clouds over the hills, and greenery Weather was pleasant and not as humid or scorching hot Definitely bring a hat sunglasses and wear sunscreen. Didn't experience many bugs or see much wildlife but could be a possibility. At time of leaving park rangers are monitoring the parking lots to allow cars to come in as people are leaving Will be retuning back and hopefully next time complete the loop twice!

This 5 mile loop delivers exactly what you come for. Love the stunning views of the mountains and…read moresurrounding towns that make the trail worth every step. The trail is wide, well maintained, and honestly for any fitness level. Parking is convenient and plentiful, restrooms are clean, and there are benches along the way if you need a breather. Staff was friendly, and keep your eyes open for wildlife along the route.

I love this hiking trail. It is more secluded and peaceful…read more Very easy hike except the first part.

As I lay here in bed wide awake at 4am thanks to my screaming thighs & booty I thought it fitting…read moreto write my review. What an amazing workout! It was actually pretty tough if you follow the AllTrails trailhead hike because you start at the top, work your way around the loop then down onto the Thompson Creek Trail and back up the Sycamore Canyon steps. Who in the heck wants to go back up again to end your hike?! Not me! I'll tell you why... To back track... I parked at the top of Mountain in a residential area. I took the far left trailhead and hiked up a rocky slope. Absolutely the most beautiful views right away to see. I got to the top and started the loop. It's gorgeous! Nice wide pathways through a beautiful pasture of grass and trees. The sound of birds chirping away. This part of the hike was relatively peaceful and easy. Next comes the hike up to to the tower. Not too tough, but you can feel it in your legs. As you get to the top it's all down hill on a paved road and it's steep! By the time I got down to Thompson Creek Trail my legs were like jello. As I walked along Thompson Creek Trail which is peaceful and filled with people, I didbt realize what was in store for me next. All I knew was I went down down down and I had to go up up up again. As I turned into Sycamore Canyon trailhead I saw the stairs. I thought ok how hard can this be? It's dang hard when your legs are feeling like jello!! I had to take many a quick breaks to catch my breath and rest my weary legs. I didn't think I was going to make it back to my car. I thought they might have to airlift me out. But eventually I got to the top and enjoyed the city views and all the haze. Took a quick uncle rest on a bench and wandered back to my car. Let me tell you I am never starting at the top again! I mean really who does that? I'm paying the price this morning with extremely burning achy muscles. But was it worth it??? Without a frriggin doubt! Can't wait to give my legs some rest and do it all over again starting at the bottom!

I don't really consider this a hike but more of an uphill walk. I was able to get to the "top"…read more(where the wooden benches are) and back down the bottom in around 30 minutes. That's including occasional breaks for water and pictures. This is a great place to get some cardio in and really work out your booty! But if your not from the area I do not think it is worth the drive to do this trail. I happen to live in the neighborhood so I just walk from my house. The "trail" is dog friendly (not for small dogs though!) I have two yorkies and it was impossible to get them up the steps.

Great hike for smaller pups not too much yet enough to get the blood flowing.. Enjoyable for sureread more

this is a great little walk/hike - more like a walk than a strenuous hike really…read more but the views are pretty nice when you get up to the top. it's pretty quiet and not congested. there are a few spots to sit, i did see another person meditating on one. check it out

The park itself and cute and relaxing. It's not a playground, but there are several benches and a…read moreshort walk to the top. The top gives you a nice overview of the landscape and city far off in the back. It's not loud at all, the neighborhood is fairly quiet. The parking lot os very small with only 4 or 5 parking spots available. If your looking for the trail it actually begins half mile down the hill on the opposite side of the street. There's a road going slightly uphill and sign for the trail.