The best MTB trails around Charter Oak

Sometimes there's a good-sized pool of water in this basin; most of the time, though, it's a boggy sort of wetland. Either way it's home to an interesting riparian, sage scrub and southern oak habitat.

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.

The Palmer Evey Trail is a straightforward trail in the San Bernadino Mountains. If you want to get up to Potato Peak, there is a short spur trail to take you to the peak.

The Lower Monroe Truck Trail has a mix of terrain, starting with a flat, rocky doubletrack section that transitions into a gradual, twisty eight-mile climb up to Glendora Mountain Road. It starts with a 1.7-mile rock garden creek section; the trail features intermittent tree cover and narrows to singletrack in spots. After a sharp right turn, the trail climbs steadily for 6.2 miles, mostly exposed, with great views of the San Gabriel Valley at the 3.3-mile plateau, a popular rest point. At the top, a gate marks the turnaround for the fast-paced, twisting descent. Riders navigate rocky and rutted sections with trail-hugging vegetation, so gloves and water are essential. Be ready for the occasional pedestrian encounters, a cowbell comes in handy.

At the junction of Lower Monroe Trail, Mystic Canyon Trail, and Lower Monroe Truck Trail is a great view over Glendora down in the south below.

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.

The Marshall Canyon Trail is in La Verne, CA, starts at Oak Mesa Park and features 1,310 feet of climbing, reaching a max elevation of 2,424 feet. Known for its oak tree cover and lush terrain, it’s often referred to as "Sherwood Forest" due to its green, shady environment. The lower section is relatively flat, with more climbing occurring deeper into the canyon. For mountain bikers, there are many variations off the main trail that can add both milage and elevation to your ride. Adding the Claremont Loop, for example, can extend the ride by 4-5 miles and 800 vertical feet. The trail and surrounding area provides a refreshing NorCal feel, with shaded trails and a creek, contrasting with the typically hot and dry surrounding hills.

Dedicated trail-goers will take a potato to the summit to leave as an offering to the potato gods. Check out the summit book, and the echo beneath the metal plate on the top of the tank!