Click on the buttons on the left to open the Hike Plan for each of the below sample routes:
Oak Glen
1.85 mile introduction hike for all abilities with the added bonus of apple pie at the end of the journey. Go to the Wildlife Conservancy website to research all of the other preserves this organization manages. They are a wonderful organization. Oak Glenn has every native plant to California planted along their trails including Redwoods and Sequoia trees.
Echo Mountain
This is one of my favorite hikes. It has flexibility so you can adapt it to your group's ability level. You can just do the first loop to the Echo Mountain lookout (5.8 mi) for a good beginner/ intermediate hike or add the second loop up to Inspiration Point to double the distance for a challenge (10.17 mi). On a clear day you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean. On the second loop keep an eye/ ear open for mountain bikers.
Mt. Baden Powell- 9,406'
This peak climb is the back range of the San Gabriel Mountains so plan for it in the spring/ summer. During the winter it is snowed in. If you like switchbacks and pine trees, this is the hike for you. This challenging 7.44 mile hike has great views from the peak and a monument to the founder of Boy Scouting. You will need a Wilderness Parking Pass for your car at the trailhead ($5 for the day is way better than the price of a ticket. You can purchase them at Big 5 Sporting Goods).
Whiting Ranch
This 6.53 mile hike begins in a strip mall parking lot and quickly disappears into a great hidden gem trail system. The trail plan takes you on a side quest up Billy Goat trail and through an oak tree valley. There are plenty of options to adapt the trail options to different capability levels if needed. Bonus is grabbing lunch at the Red Robin in the parking lot across the street from the trailhead after the hike.
Chino Hills State Park
Perfect 5.9 mile hike for working in new hiking boots. You can add additional trail options to the hike plan to make the hike longer if you choose. You can time your hike during the spring with the wildflowers to enhance the scenery.
Mount Baldy (Picture at the top of this page)- 10,064'
13.1 miles makes for a long day of hiking, but by taking the fire road versus the Ski Chalet trail option you can have a more gradual climb and return. The ski lodge offers a great midway point to top off water bottles and use a restroom. From the lodge to the peak is a challenge but the scenery along the trail is well worth it. Note the early start time on the Trail Plan. This ensures a reasonable parking space at the trailhead and gets you off the trail before the heat of the day makes the climb tougher.
Red Box Canyon (Backpacking Introduction Hike)
This is a reverse peak trail, meaning you go down to the campsite and get to climb back out to get to your car. 4.83 miles round trip makes this a great introduction to backpacking hike. Test out your pack, work in boots and have a forgiving distance to get back to your car if needed. The campsites are nice, shaded, have fire rings, and a creek with running water (always a good idea to call ahead and confirm with a Ranger that the water is flowing before depending on it). Make sure to purify the creek water before drinking it. If the Red Box campsite is full (first come first serve) you can keep hiking down the Gabrielino Trail another mile to the next campsite that is rarely busy. Although getting to the trailhead early can ensure a campsite and a parking space. You will need a Wilderness Parking Pass for your car at the trailhead ($5 for the day is way better than the price of a ticket. You can purchase them at Big 5 Sporting Goods).
San Jacinto (Backpacking)- 10,834' peak
This hike begins its journey by hopping the Palm Springs Arial Tramway. From the Mountain Station drop off point it is a 1.93 mile hike to the Round Valley campsite. From there you can make a day hike up to the peak and back (6 mile loop) . Making this hike a three day weekend makes this a practical trip for beginning backpackers. Round Valley requires a permit reservation and has a water source. Make sure to purify the water before drinking it.