North Etiwnda Preserve
- Location: North of Rancho Cucamonga. From I-210, take the Day Creek Blvd. exit and drive a mile north to Wilson. Go right on Wilson, drive half a mile and turn left on Etiwanda. Park in the dirt lot at the end of the street.
- Agency: San Bernardino County Special Districts/North Etiwanda Preserve
- Distance: 4.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 700 feet
- Difficulty Rating: PG
- Suggested time: 2 hours
- Best season: October – May
- USGS topo map: Cucamonga Peak
- Recommended gear: Sun Hat
; Sunblock
- More information: Everytrail report here
- Rating: 5
The North Etiwanda Preserve, located just beyond the edges of Rancho Cucamonga’s residential neighborhoods, is perhaps best known for Etiwanda Falls. However, the preserve also features several additional miles of trails that are worth exploring. It might not be on many hikers’ bucket lists, but the mix of historical interest, biological diversity and mountain and city views make it a worthwhile destination. Interpretive plaques describe the history of the area (including the origin of the name Etiwanda–see below), from the days of missionaries attempting to “civilize” the Tongvas and other indigenous peoples of the area to the Ranchero era to the white settlers of the late 19th century. The plaques also describe how, thanks to runoff from the nearby mountains high above, the land–despite its barren appearance–not only has a long history of agriculture, but also is home to several different ecosystems. While the waterfall is the park’s main draw, the preserve’s other trails often get less traffic and provide a decent amount of solitude, especially considering the proximity of civilization. The downside is that the route is almost entirely exposed and can get quite hot during the summer, although breezes coming down from the mountains help make things more comfortable. Make sure you pick a day when visibility is at least decent.
From the parking area, follow the trail into the preserve. After about half a mile, you reach a junction. A short spur on the right leads to a picnic area. The route in front of you leads a mile and a half to Etiwanda Falls (if you have time and energy, you can easily incorporate the waterfall into your hike). To complete the loop described here, head left.
Your ascent continues into a burn area (likely from the Etiwanda Fire of earlier this year) that now resembles the post-Springs Fire landscape of Point Mugu State Park. At about a mile, you cross a creek bed and reach a spur leading to the remains of a settler’s cabin. The trail continues to a junction with a connector where you’ll bear left, reaching a T-intersection (1.7 miles from the start). Here, you can complete the loop by leading left but if you have time, turn right and head farther into Dry Canyon. At 0.4 miles, the road ends by the stream. With nice views of Cucamonga and Etiwanda Peak above and the flat expanse of the Inland Empire below, this makes a good rest spot before beginning your descent. (It may be possible to progress farther up canyon to see the antique pumping station, but as of this writing, jumbles of boulders and logs make it difficult).
Back at the junction, continue downhill toward a picnic area where two pines provide shade. Plaques point out landmarks in each direction including the peaks of the San Bernardino, San Jacinto and Santa Ana ranges.
Shortly past the picnic area, a viewing platform allows you to see the bog in the center of the preserve. Continuing downhill, you reach a power line access road. Turn left and follow it back to the parking lot.
And as for the name Etiwanda? It was named by the Chaffey Brothers, who moved to the area from Ontario, Canada (hence the name of the nearby city of Ontario). Etiwanda was an Indian chief who lived in the Great Lakes area.
Text and photography copyright 2014 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.
