Mt. Baldy from the view point

Oak tree on the Schabarum Trail

Schabarum Trail: Grand Avenue to Country Hollow Drive

• Location: West Covina, corner of Hillside Drive and Grand Avenue.  From I-10, take the Grand Avenue exit and turn right (south)  and go 1.2 miles.  Turn right on Hillside Drive and park where available.  From the 57/60 freeways, take the Grand Avenue exit and head northwest (left if you’re coming from the east, right if from the west) and go 4.3 miles.  Turn left on Hillside Drive and park where available.
• Agency: Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation
• Distance: 2.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 600 feet
• Suggested time: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty rating: PG
• Best season: Year-round (hot during the summer)
• USGS topo map: San Dimas
• Recommended gear: sunblock; sun hat
• More information:  Everytrail report here; story about the Schabarum Trail here
• Rating: 5

0:00 – Start of the hike, Hillside and Grand (click thumbnails to see the full sized version)

The Schabarum Trail is one of L.A.’s sneakiest, winding its way in and out of several neighborhoods and ranges of hills while laying below the radar of most hikers.  This stretch is easy to miss but if you are in the neighborhood, it’s a pleasant surprise; a conveniently located workout with some nice scenic variety.  On clear days, the views of the San Gabriels are great and you can also see from downtown L.A. to San Jacinto Peak.

0:03 – Schabarum Trail branches off (times are approximate)

From the corner of Hillside and Grand, turn right on Grand and follow the street for an uninspiring 0.1 miles. The trail then branches off (look for the sign) and immediately becomes more pleasant, leading into a canyon with a seasonal stream and the shade of oaks and black walnuts. You make a few switchbacks, climbing out of the canyon and up the hillside. There’s still a decent amount of shade as you make your way past the top of the canyon, and you get some good views to the north and east.

0:06 – Entering the canyon

At 0.9 miles the trail levels out and then begins a gradual descent, passing by the backs of some houses. At 1.2 miles you begin another ascent/ Just before reaching Country Hollow Drive, make a hairpin turn to the right and follow an informal trail up a hillside, where a short walk brings you to a spot where you can enjoy a great 180-degree view.

0:23 – Beginning of the descent at the saddle

From here, you can retrace your steps back to Grand Avenue, or if you prefer you can continue on the Schabarum Trail, which heads south and downhill toward Amar Road.

0:40 – Climbing the hill to the vista point

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.

0:45 – Looking west from the vista point