I recently went on this hike with my hubs after having it bookmarked for years. We parked at the North lot of the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park on Mills Ave because I knew our car would be safe there from vandalism- the Claremont park rangers are frequently patrolling the lots. I do NOT recommend parking on Mt. Baldy Rd- first, it is a no parking zone so you can get cited for a $50 ticket, second, tons of traffic accidents happen between pedestrians and vehicles all the time, and lastly, your car has a a very high likelihood of getting broken into. I highly recommend paying the $5 on weekdays or $7 on weekends and park in a safer lot for your own peace of mind.
Once you enter the loop, it will add 5 miles to your hike- bringing the total to around 9 miles. As you walk-in you'll come to a fork that splits to the left and right, labeled Burbank Canyon Mtn Way (left) and Cobal Canyon (right)- take Cobal Canyon. You can take Burbank, but it'll add more miles and time to your hike. You'll hike through a shaded area for around 0.50 miles, and after that, it'll be full sun, no shade for almost the rest of the way. Once your up about 1.5 miles, you'll see a yellow gate with a sign stating you're leaving the CHWP and entering Evey Canyon. It'll list Potato Mtn. You'll go through that gate. Then it's a steady incline and there are clear signs along the way to help you navigate. It is a rocky hike, and once you leave the loop, we had the trail pretty much to ourselves on a weekday. Once at the top, I was sad to see graffiti- next time I'm bringing spray paint to paint over it. The views made up for it though. I was able to see all the way to downtown LA and beyond. If it wasn't for the smog, I bet I could see all the way to Catalina Island. We didn't bring a potato. I wish I had brought a small picnic- like sandwiches to eat once you're up at the top. Of course, practice good hike etiquette- pack your trash out, never leave any garbage behind. The trail was pretty clean so I think many are following the etiquette.
Note: Wear a hat, whatever sun protection you want, sunblock, and bring plenty of water. Once you pass the gates at the loop, there is no water source. If you bring your dogs, bring lots of water for them as well. The park rangers have mentioned dogs have died in their Wilderness park due to careless owners not bringing enough water for their dogs- don't be that person- it'll be devastating for you and a sad way to go for your fur babies. Don't forget- it is way hotter for
your dogs to be lower to the ground, combined with fur, and no way to sweat. Truthfully, I don't recommend this hike for dogs. Please keep that in mind. I didn't bring my dogs because 9 miles is way too many miles for my Shibas in full sun, along with knowing there'll be rattlesnakes, tarantulas, bears, coyotes and mountain lions. If they were to get a snake bite, it wouldn't look good. The park rangers patrol just the Claremont portion. Potato Mtn is in the Angeles forest and a different jurisdiction- and the trail is not able to accommodate vehicles easily as some parts are too narrow- most like you'd have to be airlifted out.
Wear shoes with traction, as the trail is kind of rocky. I brought hiking sticks to help with the downhill. Weekends will def be busier. There is poison oak so try to keep your hands off any three leaf plants. If you mountain bike, this trail isn't for the novice biker. You'll reach some serious downhill speed. I saw one mountain biker and the hill was so rocky and steep at one point he was walking his bike up. I would hike it first to see if you think you can bike it. Since it is shared with hikers, they'd be in the way. I like mountain biking in designated mtn biking trails like in Moab, Utah.
Anyway, enough of my tips on safety. I heard what happens on these hikes so I want to make sure everyone stays safe and enjoy it the fullest. This is a fun trail that's marked well and is a relatively easier hike because of the steady incline. Still kicked my butt. I would say it is an intermediate level hike, def not a beginner hike. If you are out of shape, this hike will be hard. Don't listen to the reviews saying this hike is easy. Combine the hike with the usual SoCal heat and it'll be challenging. It is not a beginner's hike, the downhill is steep and will be hard for anyone with knee issues. Going up will burn the heck out of your booty. It is a good workout hike, but not for those who don't really workout. read more