Purple mountain's majesty: Mt. Baldy from the Skyline Trail
View of Orange County from the Skyline 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.
Skyline Trail: Hacienda Road to Schabarum Park
- Location: La Habra Heights, on the corner of Skyline Drive and Hacienda Road. From the 60 freeway, take the Hacienda Road exit and head south for 2.8 miles. Take a left onto Skyline Drive and park on the curb.
- Agency: Habitat Authority
- Distance: 2.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 450 feet
- Suggested time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty rating: PG
- Best season: Year round
- USGS topo map: La Habra
- More information: trail map here
- Rating: 4
This short but enjoyable section of the Skyline Trail connects Hacienda Road to Schabarum Regional Park. If it weren’t for some power lines that obstruct the views of Baldy and the San Gabriels, it would be one of the better hikes in the Puente Hills. As it is, it provides a good workout with a lot of scenic variety.
From Skyline Drive, take the fire road uphill, staying right at the first intersection. You climb past a water tank and make your way around the side of the ridge to a junction, at the end of the residential street Punta del Este (another access point for this trail). A short spur to the right climbs a hill where you can get great views of Orange County and the South Bay.
The trail continues, making a gradual descent to a spot where nice views to the south open up. Then it climbs, passing by the power lines, before arriving in a wooded area where it meets up with the Schabarum Park trails. If you want to extend the hike, Schabarum’s network of trails gives you plenty of ways you can, but as a short before or after work hike, this little segment of the Skyline Trail definitely gets the job done.
