Meadow below Gilman Peak in Chino Hills State Park

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.

Gilman Peak from Rim Crest

• Location: Yorba Linda.  From the 57 freeway, take Orangethorpe exit and head east for 4.2 miles.  Turn left on Kellogg, go 1.8 miles and turn right on Yorba Linda Blvd.  Go 0.3 miles and turn left on Fairmont.  Go 1.6 miles and turn left on Rim Crest.  Follow Rim Crest to its end and park on the corner of Blue Gum and Rim Crest.  From the Riverside area, take the 91 freeway to Yorba Linda Blvd.  Go northwest on Yorba Linda Blvd. for 2.4 miles, and turn right on Village Center.  Go a mile and turn left on Fairmont.  Go 0.3 miles and turn right on Rim Crest.
• Agency:  Chino Hills State Park
• Distance: 4 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Elevation gain, steepness)
• Suggested time: 2 hours
• Best season: November – May
• USGS topo map:  Yorba Linda
• Recommended gear: hiking poles
• More information: here
• Rating: 6

Gilman Peak (elevation 1,685) is the second highest point in Chino Hills State Park.  A popular approach is the seven-mile round trip route from Carbon Canyon (see here for more info).  The southern approach, from Rim Crest in Yorba Linda, is shorter – but steeper.

From the Rim Crest entrance, take the Easy Street trail in front of you. This single-track descends into a wooded canyon, meeting up with the Telegraph trail after about 0.3 miles. Go right on Telegraph for about 3/4 of a mile and you will notice a small, unsigned trail leading off to the left. This is the trail to Gilman Peak, and it comes just before Telegraph intersects with Little Canyon.

The Gilman trail starts off with a few steep switchbacks and then mellows out for a while, entering a meadow filled with flowers. From here you get great views of the southern part of the park, including the Telegraph and Easy Street trails. The path is overgrown by waist-high grass and is at times hard to follow. After curving to the right, along a ridge where the western part of the park can be seen, the trail makes a steep ascent to the flat top of Gilman Peak. Here you will be rewarded for your troubles with great views of the San Gabriel Valley, the rest of Chino Hills State Park and much of Orange County.