Twists and turns on the Schabarum Trail

Woodland on the Schabarum Trail

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.

Schabarum Trail: Amar Road to picnic area

• Location: Walnut Ranch Park, 20101 Amar Road, Walnut.  From the 10 freeway, take the Grand Ave. exit and go south for 2.7 miles.  Turn right on Amar Road, go 0.8 miles and turn right into the park.  From the 57/60 freeways, take the Grand Ave. exit and go north for 2.8 miles to Amar Road.  Turn left and drive 0.8 miles to the park entrance.
• Agency: Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation
• Distance: 3 miles
• Elevation gain: 600 feet
• Suggested time: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty rating: PG
• Best season:  October – June
• USGS topo map: “San Dimas”
• More information: here (mountain bike forum discussion page)
• Rating: 4

From the parking lot at Walnut Ranch Park, head right on Amar for a pleasant, if not all that inspiring, quarter mile walk on the sidewalk.  Look for the yellow sign indicating the Schabarum Trail on the right.

The trail ascends quickly, making a few switchbacks before entering a pleasant woodland (the only shade on the route).  The views of the Puente Hills get better as you climb out of the woodlands, making a few more switchbacks before threading a gap between two water tanks and arriving at a residential road.

At this point, the trail (now a bridle path) heads downhill on a few switchbacks that might remind some hikers of Lombard St. in San Francisco. The trail levels out and makes a slight ascent to a picnic area, where you can sit and enjoy views of the San Gabriels and the towns below.

You can continue your trip along the bridle trail, which continues past the picnic area, paralleling the housing tract above, but the picnic area makes a good turnaround point.