Explore the Thompson Creek Trail &
Claremont Hills Wilderness Park
Located at the base of the San Gabriel mountains, this trail system and wilderness park are a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and birdwatchers. The trails and park exist partially on PVPA’s Marilee Scaff Thompson Creek Spreading Grounds, and are operated and maintained in conjunction with the City of Claremont. Over the years, PVPA has provided a land lease for the parking lot as well as land access for the bicycle peddle path.
What you’ll find
Native Habitat
If you access the park via the parking lot on our spreading grounds, you’ll notice a large kiosk with information and educational resources about the history and conservation of the area. The trails and park are home to important native plant and animal species, which PVPA is dedicated to preserving.
The park contains Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub, a threatened habitat within California. Endangered or threatened plant species within the area include Chorizanthe Parryi, (Hairy spineflower) and Berberis Nevinii (Nevin’s Barberry). PVPA regularly engages in weed abatement projects within the spreading grounds to eliminate invasive plant species and keep the native habitat healthy and intact.
Native habitat
Birdwatching
The wilderness park is a popular destination for local birding enthusiasts, providing an important habitat for many species. Exploring the area, you can catch a glimpse of species like Acorn Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, Red-tailed Hawk, California Quail, American Kestrel, Hooded Oriole (in the summer), Hermit Thrush, American Goldfinch, and Western Meadowlark.
Hiking & biking
The park consists of over 2,000 acres, with multiple trails to enjoy. Hikers and bikers will find easy to moderate trails that wind their way through patches of wildflowers and riparian habitat. While touring the area, you’ll be treated to incredible views of Mount Baldy and Mount San Antonio in the San Gabriels just to the north.
Trail Information and links from AllTrails
Claremont Hills Loop
Claremont Hills Loop is a 4.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October.
Johnson’s Pasture Trail
Johnson’s Pasture Trail is a 4.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Thompson Creek Trail
Thompson Creek Trail is a 4.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
Potato Mountain
Potato Mountain from Claremont Wilderness Park is a 9 mile heavily trafficked out and back that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October.
Gale Mountain Loop
Gale Mountain Loop is a 4.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round.
Cobal Canyon Fire Trail Loop
This trail is a 5.7 mile heavily trafficked loop featuring beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round.