Distance
5 Miles
Time
~3 Hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Season
All Year
Elevation Gain
839 Ft
Claremont Loop is a very popular hike nestled in the foothills of the LA National Forest, but only the locals really know about it. It features a nice overlook with multiple benches flanked by towering mountain ranges that make a person feel completely submerged in mother nature.
Claremont Loop is a moderately difficult 5-mile hike located in Claremont Hills Wilderness Park. The trail features an overlook that offers Claremont city views and as far as Catalina Island. Parking is $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends. Restrooms are located throughout the trail and in the parking lot.
Map of Claremont Loop
How to Get to Claremont Loop
Claremont Loop Address: Claremont Wilderness Park, Claremont, CA 91711.
Parking Rates
Weedays: $5, Weekends: $7
Park Hours
January 6:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
February 6:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
March 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
April 6:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
May 5:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
June 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
July 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
August 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
September 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
October 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
November 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
December 6:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Hiking the Claremont Loop
The hike begins past the gates. Keep in mind that the gates do close at different times depending on the month/week. There are also restrooms located right by the parking lot and gate.
We noticed a lot of signs warning hikers to keep an eye out for bears. This was in July.
At the first fork, you can take the left or right. The left side is more exposed to the sun and is less scenic, so we saved the nicer section of the trail for last.
The landscape, which includes oak trees, western sycamores, and buckwheat, is typical in the foothills from Pasadena to Rancho Cucamonga. (It gets drier as you drive out to either side of the LA Forest).
The entire trail consists of a dirt road with a gradual incline, making it suitable for small children and families.
Make sure to bring a hat because of the lack of shade on this trail.
Be aware of the poison oak! They’re found throughout the trail.
“Leaves of three, let it be!”
At the second fork, use the switchback on the right to keep heading up towards the mountains.
About 1 mile into the hike, we made it to the benches and the lookout.
Take a look at those ariel views! The sunsets are beautiful from this location.
This is the perfect spot to take in the views and mountains. I love that it’s shady!
We can see the Cleveland National Forest in the distance.
My favorite shot of the day! I love how the area looks so peaceful.
More benches. It’s a great spot to see the city lights glisten in the evening.
After taking in the views, we were ready to finish the last 2-2.5 miles left of the hike!
This last section was beautiful and quite shady.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed this hike! It was beautiful and the 5 miles felt a lot shorter than I thought they would.
Look Out for This Insect!
Tarantula Hawk
You can recognize them by their red wings, and because their long hind legs literally make them look like fairies flying around you.
They hold the title for the most painful wasp sting, and the most painful insect sting in North America, but luckily they rarely sting humans.
The tarantula hawk earns its name because it hunts and eats tarantulas.
The wasp paralyzes the spider by stinging it, then proceeds to drag it into its den where it lays an egg that hatches into a larva and devours the spider over the course of many weeks. The helpless spider remains alive throughout the entire time that it’s being eaten.