Sycamore Canyon Gale Mountain Loop Hike

Got air in the tires and gas in the tank? Good. Let's celebrate that by hiking up to the Gale Mountain Tower by way of Sycamore Canyon.

It's a surprisingly tough 4.3 mile loop hike on several lesser known trails within the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park. We'll be near the Claremont Loop, but won't be hiking on it.

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Distance: 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,030 feet
Duration: 1.5 - 2.0 hours

The hike starts with a relaxing 0.2 mile walk to Higginbotham Park on the Thompson Creek Trail . We'll take a quick restroom break if needed, and then cross through the gate toward Sycamore Canyon.

The Sycamore Canyon Trail is a short, steep and somwehat intense 0.8 mile climb up the hillside. This will be the toughest part of the hike. After we catch our breath, we'll continue westerly on the East Pomello trail to the Johnson's Pasture trail.

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The East Pomello trail is a wide and spacious fire trail, but we'll still gain elevation. Once we get to the Johnson's Pasture trail, we'll hook a right and hike another 0.7 mile to the Gale Mtwy trail. Which we will follow in a easterly direction up to the Gale Mountain Radio Tower.

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We'll take a break at the Gale Mountain summit and then head down the steep and somewhat slippery asphalt and dirt path to Thompson Creek Trail. We will then follow the Thompson Creek Trail in a westerly direction back to our starting point at the Indian Hill trailhead.

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

NO PLUS ONES: There will be no Plus Ones for this hike. Everyone must sign up on their own and be a member of Lazy Ass Hiking.

PROFILE PHOTO REQUIRED: A profile with a fully recognizable photo of yourself is required for membership in Lazy Ass Hiking. Those who attempt to circumvent this requirement by removing their photo after signing up or by displaying a profile photo of animals, trees, objects, landscapes, etc., will be placed on the waiting list or removed from the hike.

DIRECTIONS: From the 210 Freeway, exit at Baseline in Claremont and drive west. Proceed 1.5 miles and turn right on Indian Hill Blvd. Drive north on Indian Hill Blvd 0.5 miles to the Thompson Creek Equestrian & Bicycle Trail parking lot on your left at 2471 N. Indian Hill Blvd. The approximate GPS for the parking lot is: 34.129119, -117.720514.

DIFFICULTY: Moderate to strenuous depending on your fitness level. The trail starts out with a hefty climb and then levels out with a few more ups and downs.

WHAT TO BRING: 1.5 - 2 liters of water, sunhat, sunscreen, trail shoes.

RESTROOMS: There are restrooms at Higginbotham Park located just to the west of the Sycamore Canyon entrance gate.

RESTRICTIONS: Please note that this hike is subject to the posted park hours of the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park and all hikers must complete the hike before 8:00 pm during the month of August to avoid citation by the Claremont PD.

INCLEMENT WEATHER, INCLUDING EXCESSIVE HEAT, CANCELS THE HIKE. PLEASE CHECK THIS PAGE 24 HOURS BEFORE THE HIKE 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.