The best walks and hikes around San Dimas
4.7
(32)
637
hikers
21
hikes
Hiking around San Dimas takes place in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The area's landscape is defined by rolling hills, rugged canyons, and the large Puddingstone Reservoir. Trails often follow creek beds and offer routes through regional parks with varied elevation.
Best hiking trails around San Dimas
- The most popular hiking route is the Michael D. Antonovich Trail β Walnut Creek Community Regional Park, a 4.8 mile (7.7 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 5 minutes to complete. This route follows a stream through a shaded canyon within the park.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Bonelli Trail loop around Puddingstone Reservoir β Claremont, California, a moderate 7.1 mile (11.4 km) path. The trail circles the reservoir, providing consistent water views.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the View of Puddingstone Reservoir loop from Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, a 5.8 mile (9.3 km) trail leading through Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, often completed in about 2 hours 25 minutes.
- Hiking around San Dimas is defined by canyon paths, reservoir loops, and trails through the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The network of routes provides options for both easy and moderate ability levels.
- The routes in San Dimas are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 600 hikers have used komoot to explore San Dimas's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
20
hikers
10.8km
02:49
80m
80m
Hike the 6.7-mile Bonelli Park Loop Trail around Puddingstone Reservoir, offering moderate terrain and scenic views of the lake and mountain
7
hikers
9.40km
02:32
110m
150m
The Michael D. Antonovich Trail offers a moderate 5.8-mile hike through shaded oak canyons with numerous stream crossings.
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6
hikers
25.3km
07:01
460m
460m
Hike the difficult 15.7-mile Bonelli Trail loop around Puddingstone Reservoir, offering diverse terrain and views of the San Gabriel Mountai
1
hikers
1.95km
00:35
60m
60m
Hike the easy 1.2-mile San Dimas Canyon Park Trail through oak woodlands and chaparral, enjoying views of San Dimas and unique cacti.
1
hikers
7.17km
01:58
110m
140m
Hike the easy 4.5-mile Bonelli Bluffs Loop, offering continuous views of Puddingstone Reservoir and the San Gabriel Mountains.
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Tips from the Community
You can cycle across the top of the dam, which was constructed in 1928 to help control flooding in the region. It stands at 147 feet high, and today supports a myriad of outdoor recreation activities on the reservoir.
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Hear a plane coming in for a landing? You're experiencing air traffic from Brackett Field Airport. This airport is over 100 years old; it was established in 1911 and is one of the oldest operating airports in the Los Angeles area. There are only two runways here, and this small airport is a hub for flight training schools, charter services, and recreational flying.
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You can cycle across the top of the dam, which was constructed in 1928 to help control flooding in the region. It stands at 147 feet high, and today supports a myriad of outdoor recreation activities on the reservoir.
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Great view of the Puddingstone Reservoir, a 250-acre man-made body of water. There is a road that runs along the perimeter of the reservoir and there is a spot to pull off the road to get a close up view of the water.
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Hear a plane coming in for a landing? You're experiencing air traffic from Brackett Field Airport. This airport is over 100 years old; it was established in 1911 and is one of the oldest operating airports in the Los Angeles area. There are only two runways here, and this small airport is a hub for flight training schools, charter services, and recreational flying.
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This reservoir plays several roles, such as providing water for agriculture, but also serving as a basin where you can swim, fish, and even sail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from in San Dimas?
Yes, there are nearly 40 designated hiking routes in the San Dimas area. The trails range from easy, family-friendly walks to more challenging climbs in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, offering a great variety for all skill levels.
What are the trails in San Dimas typically like?
Most trails wind through the region's rolling hills and canyons. Many routes, particularly in Walnut Creek Regional Park, follow streams and offer plenty of shade from oak trees, making them pleasant even on warmer days. Other trails circle the large Puddingstone Reservoir, providing consistent water views.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the area?
Absolutely. For a shorter, accessible outing, consider the Michael D. Antonovich Trail loop from Life Pacific University. It's a relatively flat and short walk, making it ideal for families or those looking for a gentle introduction to the area's trails.
Where can I find a good circular walk?
The View of Puddingstone Reservoir loop from Claremont is a great option for a circular hike. It offers rewarding scenery of the reservoir and the surrounding landscape without being overly strenuous.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in San Dimas?
Yes, many trails in the San Dimas area are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. Parks like San Dimas Canyon Park and Walnut Creek Community Regional Park are popular spots for local dog walkers. Always bring water for your pet, especially on warm days.
Where is the best place to park for hiking?
For trails in Walnut Creek Community Regional Park, the San Dimas Avenue Trailhead is a popular and highly-regarded starting point with free parking. For hikes in San Dimas Canyon Park, there is parking available within the park itself, which also serves as a good base for exploring its trails.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced hikers?
While most trails are easy to moderate, there are a couple of difficult routes for those seeking a challenge. These hikes typically involve steeper climbs into the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, offering more rugged terrain and rewarding views from higher elevations.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The natural areas around San Dimas are home to a variety of wildlife. You might see deer, coyotes, rabbits, and numerous bird species. The San Dimas Canyon Nature Center, located within San Dimas Canyon Park, is involved in rehabilitating local birds of prey, so you may be lucky enough to spot hawks or owls in that area.
Are there any waterfall hikes near San Dimas?
The trails in San Dimas primarily follow canyons and creek beds, which can have flowing water, especially after rain. However, there are no significant, named waterfalls directly on the main hiking routes within the immediate San Dimas area.
What do other hikers think of the trails around San Dimas?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the scenic canyon paths, the ample shade provided by trees along creeks, and the beautiful views of Puddingstone Reservoir.
Is there anything else to do at San Dimas Canyon Park besides hiking?
Yes, the park is a great spot for a full day out. It features picnic areas, a campground, and the San Dimas Canyon Nature Center, which has exhibits on local wildlife. For more details on park amenities and hours, you can visit the official park website: lacounty.gov.
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