Ridgeview/Pleasant Hill Loop (Chino Hills)

Posted January 13, 2013 by dlockeretz

View of the San Gabriels from the top of the Ridgeview Loop

San Gorgonio and San Jacinto from the Ridgeview Loop

Ridgeview/Pleasant hill Loop (Chino Hills)

Location: Veterans Park at the corner of Eucalyptus and Chino Hills Parkway, Chino Hills. From the 57/60 Freeways, take the Grand Avenue Exit and head east for 4.3 miles. Turn right on Chino Hills Parkway and go 1.1 miles. Turn right on Eucalyptus and then left into the parking lot. From the east, take the 60 Freeway to Phillips Ranch Road. Turn left and head south for 3.6 miles (Phlilips Ranch becomes Chino Hills Parkway). Turn right on Eucalpytus and left into the parking lot. From Corona, take the 71 Expressway to the Ramona/Chino Hills Parkway exit. Bear right on Ramona and make the first left on Chino Hills Parkway. Go 2.4 miles to Eucalpytus and turn left. Make the first left into the parking lot.
Agency: City of Chino Hills
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Best season: October – May
USGS topo map: Ontario
Recommended gear: sun hat
More information: City of Chino Hills trail map here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 5

0:00- Start of the trail at Veterans Park (click thumbnails to see the full sized versions)

If you don’t mind some pavement and power lines, this short loop in Chino Hills can be quite enjoyable, especially on a clear, cool day. There’s virtually no shade on the entire route, so plan accordingly. Scenery on this hike includes great views of Baldy, San Gorgonio, San Jacinto and even the remote Santa Rosa Mountains if visibility is good. Several trails cross the open space north of Eucalyptus Avenue, so it’s possible to do several different routes. The loop described here may sound intricate, but navigation could hardly be easier. Even if you get off course, civilization is never far away; it’s hard to get really lost here.

0:08 - Toyon berry bush before Calle Madrid (times are approximate) — 0:08 – Toyon berry bush before Calle Madrid (times are approximate)

From the west corner of Veterans Park, follow a bridle trail uphill. Stay straight at the first intersection and bear right at the next one (0.1 miles), climbing up to a ridge beneath some power lines. You descend into a residential area. Just before you get to Calle Madrid (0.4 miles), look for a toyon bush with bright red berries on the right.

0:11 - Bridle path on Eucalyptus — 0:11 – Bridle path on Eucalyptus

At Calle Madrid, head right, follow the street to Eucalyptus, and turn left. You can follow the bridle path on the south side of Eucalyptus, crossing at Ave. La Paz (0.6 miles.) There’s no traffic light or crosswalk, so be careful.

Continue heading west on Eucalyptus. Almost immediately, you’ll see an entrance into the open space. Follow an informal path downhill to a fire road, where you’ll head left and climb sharply.

0:15 - Trail access on Eucalyptus — 0:15 – Trail access on Eucalyptus

After about 100 feet of ascent, you’ll come to a split (0.8 miles from the start). Bear left and head downhill, soon coming to another split. Here, the two paths soon merge again so you can take either, although the right route is a little more scenic. The paths merge at 1.2 miles from the start.

0:29 - View of rolling hills from the beginning of the steep ascent — 0:29 – View of rolling hills from the beginning of the steep ascent

Now comes the hard part: a steep ascent, gaining 300 feet in 0.3 miles. The good news is that as you climb, the views are better and better; you can see all three of So Cal’s biggest mountain ranges when you stop and catch your breath.

0:40 - View of Baldy from near the top of the climb — 0:40 – View of Baldy from near the top of the hill

At 1.4 miles, bear right at the intersection. The grade lessens here and soon you find yourself at another T-junction. Bear right again and follow the ridge, heading west on a paved, disused service road. Take the second trail that branches off to the right and heads downhill (2.2 miles from the start.) At 2.4 miles, turn right and make a sharp descent to a four-way intersection. Stay straight, make a short climb and then another steep descent, bringing you to Ridgeview Drive. Turn right on Ridgeview, then left on Eucalyptus, and follow it back to Veterans Park.

0:54 - View of San Gorgoino (turn right on the fire road) — 0:54 – View of San Gorgoino (turn right on the fire road)

If you enjoyed this hike, make sure you check out other trails operated by the City of Chino Hills, such as the La Sierra Loop and the Grand Avenue Trail. The trails are accessible seven days a week, and unlike at Chino Hills State Park, dogs are allowed.

1:01 - Steep descent (be careful!) — 1:01 – Steep descent (be careful!)

Text and photography copyright 2013 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. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.