Morning mist in Johnson Pasture

Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Johnson’s Pasture

• Location: North of Claremont.  From I-210, take the Baseline Exit and drive west.  Take a right on Mountain Avenue  (not the Mountain Avenue in Upland to the east), head up the hill and take a right on Via Santa Catarina.  Park at the end of Via Catarina and look for the trail leading away from the street to the north.
• Agency: City of Claremont
• Distance: 2.2 miles
• Elevation gain: 400 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG
• Suggested time: 1 hour
• Best season:  All year
• USGS topo maps: “Mt. Baldy”
• More information: Claremont Wildlands Conservancy information here; Yelp reviews here.
• Rating: 4

Like nearby Marshall Canyon and the Claremont Wilderness Area, the short trail through Johnson’s Pasture is a quick and easy way for Inland Empire residents to get out into nature without having to drive too far.  If you are a student at one of the nearby colleges, this is a great place to get some fresh air in between classes.

From Via Santa Catarina, head up a steep incline on the dirt road and pass a side road leading to some power lines.   After another quarter mile, a second trail branches off to the left.  Stay straight and continue north, soon passing by a grove of eucalyptus trees.   The trail curves to the east, taking in nice views of Claremont, Pomona, Chino and the other nearby cities.  On clear days, the Santa Ana Mountains and Puente Hills are visible.

Pass two more fire roads branching off to the left (the second leads to a vista point), and a third trail on the right leading to an antenna farm, and at 1.1 miles, arrive at the Claremont Hills Wilderness Loop, the end point for this hike.