Sycamore Canyon Gale Mountain Tower Loop Hike

Need to work off the weekend calories but don't want to do anything too gnarly? Come join us for this semi-tough 4.3 mile loop hike up and down several lesser known trails within the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park. We'll SEE the Claremont Loop, but won't be hiking on it.

Distance: 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 850 feet
Duration: 1.5 - 2.0 hours

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We'll start on the very flat Thompson Creek Trail, head west to and then up the short but very steep Sycamore Canyon Trail where we will take a breather before continuing westerly on the Pomello fire road to the Johnson's Pasture trail.

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Then we'll follow the Johnson's Pasture trail about 0.7 mile to the Gale Mtwy trail and hike easterly up to the Gale Mountain Radio Tower.

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From there, we'll walk down the steep and somewhat slippery asphalt and dirt path to Thompson Creek Trail which we will follow westerly 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 8:30 pm to avoid citation by the Claremont PD.

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.