On the ridge to Glendora Mountain
Pine tree across from the parking area
Text and photography copyright 2011 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.
Glendora Mountain
- Location: Angeles National Forest north of Glendora. From the 210 freeway, take the Lone Hill exit and go north for 1.1 miles. Turn left on Foothill Blvd and go 0.5 miles. Turn right on Valley Center, go 0.8 miles and turn left on Sierra Madre, and take an immediate right on Glendora Mountain Road. Drive a total of 8.2 miles on Glendora Mountain Road and park in a turnout just past mile marker 6.51, on a saddle between two deep canyons, across the street from a big pine tree. According to the trip report listed (see link below), a National Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5 for a day or $30 for the year) is required, although there is no sign indicating that at the parking area.
- Agency: Angeles National Forest
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 300 feet
- Difficulty Rating: PG
- Suggested time: 1.5 hours
- Best season: Year round (Hot during the summer)
- USGS topo map: Glendora
- More information: here
- Rating: 7
Glendora Mountain offers a taste of the high country of the San Gabriels, without being too strenuous a hike, nor too remotely located. Not far as the crow flies from the edge of the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire communities, the hike is pleasantly quiet. The only noise comes from the occasional road traffic and from the Burro Canyon shooting range to the north.
From the parking lot, head back in the direction you came on Glendora Mountain Road, crossing the saddle. Traffic is very light, but obviously you should take care as you make your way along the road. Look for an obscure path heading uphill on the south (left) side of the road. The trail climbs parallel to the road, steeply at first, before leveling out and heading southwest toward Glendora Peak. This trail isn’t formally maintained and at times can be hard to follow, so your route may not be exact, but throughout the entire trip, Glendora Peak will be visible, and presumably, your Darwinian instinct will prevent you from venturing too close to either edge of the ridge.
The ridge divides two deep canyons, and on your right, you can see the Morris Reservoir far below. After the initial ascent, the ridge decends, goes over two more small bumps and finally makes its final climb to the rounded summit of Glendora Mountain (elevation 3,322 feet). From the peak, you get a nice view of the San Gabriel Valley, the canyons and the higher summits nearby, such as Smith Mountain to the west.
While your route back might not be exactly as the same step for step, due to the informal nature of the trail, you can use the road as your guide; you’ll probably be able to see your car for most of the way. Short as it is, with the variety of scenery and the challenging terrain, the hike to Glendora Mountain is a worthwhile trip for veterans and rookies alike.
