11 Mile Claremont Loop Potato Mountain Traverse

Come join us for a rather grueling 11 mile hike around the Claremont Hills Wilderness Loop with a side trip traverse to the nearby Potato Mountain thrown in. If you've done either the Claremont Loop or the Potato Mountain hike before and still wanted more of a workout, this combination hike with about 1900 feet of elevation gain is for you. As usual, this is a NO PLUS ONES hike.

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We'll be taking the Cobal Canyon Motorway to the junction with the Cobal Canyon Fire Road and then follow the fire road to the junction with Evey Canyon. From there, we'll take the Palmer Evey Mtwy on up to the summit of Potato Mountain where we will take a break and have a snack. Once we're rested up, we'll head back down to the Claremont Loop and complete the entire loop, making this a long, somewhat grueling hike.

WE WILL MEET AT THE ENTRANCE GATE LOCATED AT THE END OF MILLS RD AT 8:45 AM AND START THE HIKE BY 9:00 AM SHARP. PLEASE ARRIVE A FEW MINUTES EARLY TO GET AND PAY FOR A PARKING SPACE AND MEET THE GROUP. THE PARKING FEE IS $3.00.

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The hike should take about 4-5 hours to complete. And though it will be a slower paced hike, you must be prepared to hike by yourself and KNOW the route should you get separated from the group.

Hike Details

LENGTH: 11.0 MILES

DURATION: 5 hours

ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS: 1900 feet

For additional information about the Claremont Loop portion of this hike, feel free to check out my blog at lazyasshiking.com, titled Claremont Hills Wilderness Trail (http://www.lazy-ass-hiking.com/hike-descriptions/claremont-hills-wilderness-trail-claremont-loop-hike/). Just remember that the blog post refers to just the Claremont Loop whereas WE will hiking the Loop with Potato Mountain added in.

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NOTE: PARKING IS AN ISSUE. BE PREPARED TO PAY $3 TO PARK IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE END OF MILLS AVE UNLESS YOU HAPPEN TO BE A CLAREMONT RESIDENT AND HAVE A PARKING PERMIT. JUST FIND YOUR BEST SPOT AND MEET AT THE TRAILHEAD.

What To Bring: Regardless of the weather, be sure to bring plenty of water, a minimum of 2 to 3 liters, trail shoes, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a sunhat and a light lunch or energy snack.

Directions: From the East, take 210 West and exit Baseline. Turn west (right) on Baseline to Mills Ave. Go north, (right) on Mills to the parking lot at the end. From the west, take 210 east to Baseline. Go left on Baseline to Mills. Turn right on Mills to the parking lot at the end. There is also an overflow parking lot located at the corner of Mills Ave and Mt. Baldy Rd.

NO PLUS ONE'S: We require that each participant sign up for this event separately so we know who's coming and so each participant is fully aware of the event description and liability waiver. If you have someone you'd like to bring, just have them join the group and RSVP. Please don't ask if you can bring a Plus One. If you do, I will just direct you back to this paragraph.

Rain or a fire danger closure cancels. Please check this page 24 hours before the event for updates.

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WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

By joining and/or participating in this and any Lazy Ass Hiking event or activity you agree to be fully responsible for your own safety and behavior and to hold the organizers and participants harmless from any loss, damage or liability that may occur during this event or while in transit to and from the event. You are responsible to know your limits and determine whether you are in adequate physical shape to complete the hike or not. In addition, you understand and accept that hiking is an inherently dangerous activity that can lead to serious injury or death and that the organizers are not professional hikers or trained leaders and are not medically trained to handle emergencies.