Let's Hike The Sycamore Canyon Thompson Creek Loop

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Need to condition for a weekend hike but don't want to do anything gnarly? Good, come join us for a nice little mid-week conditioning hike on the Sycamore Canyon Thompson Creek Loop. We'll take the steep Sycamore Canyon Trail up from Higginbotham Park, hook a right down the East Pomello Drive fire road past the Girl Scout hut and then follow the picturesque Thompson Creek Trail back to our starting point.

Hike Details

This is a cool little hike with great views of the Claremont area located in the shadows of the Claremont Loop. I describe the entire hike in detail below, but here's the hike stats you need to know based on our exploratory hike there:

Mileage: 2.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 692 feet
Duration: 1.25 - 1.50 hours
Average Speed: 2.0 mph

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Sycamore Canyon Hiking Trail

The Sycamore Canyon Trail is a very short .8 mile trail with 578 feet elevation gain. Unlike most of the trails in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park, this portion of trail isn't a fire road. It's steep but there are several railroad tie steps and switchbacks along the way to help you up the hill. Steps or not this section of the hike is the toughest. It will get your heart pumping and probably make you huff and puff a little. If you can make it to the top, it's all downhill from there. :-)

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East Pomello Drive Fire Trail

The East Pomello Drive fire trail is located at the top of Sycamore Canyon making it a logical place to rest after climbing up. It's pretty much just a fire road that connects Thompson Creek with Johnson's Pasture, but it does offer nice views of Ontario and Cucamonga Peaks. We'll be taking the fire road down to the Thompson Creek Trail.

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Thompson Creek Trail

Once down the East Pomello Drive fire trail, we'll follow the Thompson Creek Bike Path westward for a nice leisurely stroll back to our starting point at Higginbotham Park. The Thompson Creek Trail is a paved bike path that runs from Mills Avenue to Towne Avenue.

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** Note, this is a dog friendly hike. Feel free to bring your leashed, socialized, furry friend!

NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO PLUS ONES FOR THIS HIKE. EVERYONE MUST SIGN UP ON THEIR OWN AND BE A MEMBER OF LAZY ASS HIKING.

DIRECTIONS: From the east, take the 210 West and exit Baseline Road. Go west (right) and head down Baseline to Indian Hill Blvd. Go north (right) on Indian Hill and turn left on Mt. Carmel - (the last street you reach before the parking lot on north Indian Hill and Mills). Follow the street until you see Higgenbotham Park on the right. Park on the street and walk across the park to the picnic table near the restroom. If you decide to park at Indian Hill and Mills parking lot, you will turn left at the paved walkway and walk toward the restrooms - about .2 miles.

**** Parking is free, no wilderness pass needed****

From the west, take the 210 East and exit Baseline Road. Go west (left) and head down Baseline to Indian Hill and go north. (right) The directions are now the same as from the east.

DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate depending on your fitness level. The trail starts out with a hefty climb and then goes downhill on a relatively flat path.

WHAT TO BRING: 1 - 1 1/2 liters of water, sunhat, sunscreen, trail shoes.

HEAVY RAIN OR STORMY WEATHER CANCELS THIS HIKE. PLEASE CHECK MEET UP SITE 24 HOURS BEFORE AND JUST PRIOR TO LEAVING IN THE MORNING FOR UPDATES.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY, DISCLAIMER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK: PLEASE READ BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR THIS EVENT

These organizers are not professional hikers or trained leaders and are not medically trained to handle emergencies. Please carry a personal medical emergency kit and any medications you need. Hiking is an inherently dangerous activity that can lead to serious injuries including but not limited to slip and fall injuries, fractures, rattlesnake bite, heat exhaustion, poison oak, ticks and frostbite. By participation in this event/hike you agree to not hold these organizers liable for any harm that may come to you, your guests, or your property. Always remember to let the event organizer know if you are leaving the group. Stay on the trail, never hike alone and use your own common sense.