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South Ridge Trail to San Juan Hill Peak


Highlights:

Grassy Hills, Wildlife Corridor, City Views, Aerobic Uphill Workout
Near:Yorba Linda, CA
Scenery:
Distance:6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1000 ft
Hike Time:3 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: A hiker traveling the South Ridge Trail to San Juan Hill Peak will attain an unparalleled view of grassy hills (usually lush and green in the winter and spring but dry and "lushless" in the summer and autumn), telephone and power lines, housetops, and infamous Southern California smog looming in the basin below as he/she climbs along an uphill and somewhat eroded fire road. This hike is virtually shadeless, and temps. are often nearly 100 F in the summer and early autumn-regardless of the season, bring LOTS of water. Beware also of speeding bicyclists. To reach the peak, travel east (go right when facing the trail sign) along the South Ridge Trail from where it intersects the Easy Street Trail north of Rimcrest Dr., and continue to climb past the Little Canyon Trail and various trails which wind generally north and south. At about 2.8-2.9 miles, look for a small dirt path to the right that travels to the summit of San Juan Hill, 1786.' Retrace your steps to return.
Trailhead: From the 91 (Artesia) Freeway, exit at Imperial Highway (CA-90), and travel north for 1.6 miles to Kellogg Drive.Turn right and travel northeast for about 1.1 miles to Yorba Linda Blvd-turn right, and continue east for about .27 miles to Fairmont Blvd. Turn left at Fairmont Blvd. and travel 1.6 miles to Rim Crest Drive-turn left. The trailhead is located at the north end of Rim Crest Drive within Chino Hills State Park, and is signed. Free parking is available along the east side Rim Crest Drive near the trailhead (be sure to check signs for the hours and days when parking along Rim Crest Drive is permitted). (Lat:33.90913 Lon:-117.78097)
Trail Guides for South Ridge Trail to San Juan Hill Peak:
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter,
User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Chino Hills State Park-(909) 780-6222
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Patricia Barnes, who has posted  23 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Squall on 10/23/2009
San Juan Hill!! What?! What?!HSFL

Reviewed by Lois on 11/11/2008
Hiked on Sunday 11/09/2009 at 1pm. Temp was 68 with a stiff breeze from the coast. I loved it. Great cardio workout- Up and Down both out and back. Trail was firm and smooth. Keep an eye our for Mountain Bikers. Fantastic views of Orange and Riverside Counties. Only wildlife were a couple of Ravens soaring about the canyon rims. 55 minutes out/ 50 back.

Reviewed by KC on 1/13/2008
I hiked this trail yesterday 1/12/08. Overall a great day to hike...the temperture was upper 60's and a slight breeze. Would not want to hike this in the summer, very little shade.I saw a few other hikers and mountain bikers. Trail is in good condition, although a little muddy from the rains last weekend.

Reviewed by MP on 9/10/2006
I've hiked this trail a few times, but only because it's the closest to my home with a decent elevation gain. The trail is well kept and the views are pretty nice, but it's extremely dry and there isn't much more to see except for the power lines that cross the Chino Hills. There are no trees on this trail, so don't expect any shade. Bring lots of sunscreen.

Reviewed by HaloHiker on 7/28/2005
I just wanted to mention something about parking on Rim Crest Drive. You CANNOT park near the park before 8:00 am. So if you're looking for an early morning hike, this is not the one to do. There is little shade on this trail, so I'd recommend waiting until the weather is cooler, since you cannot start early.

Reviewed by Da Hui hikers on 1/22/2004
Hiked this on 1/4/04. This hike is in Chino Hills State Park. This is the south entrance to the park. Parking is only allowed on right side of rim crest dr. as left side needs parking permit in this residential community. parking free. Very good trail on a clear day! At San Juan peak, 360 degree view of area and appears to be the highest peak in area. Definitely hike this in cool months and not in summer! Lots of hills going up and down on this trail. trail is used by many bikers on this fire road but enjoyable on a day hike.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Orange County Hiking, Orange County Trails, Orange County Hikes

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