By Joey Caraway and Madison Slocum-Juarez, April 28, 2026
Hiking can help students experience the greater CPP area before leaving campus, including spots within the San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Ana Mountains and San José Hills.
According to the National Park Service, hiking benefits both physical and mental health by providing full-body workouts, stress relief and opportunities that bring people closer together. This makes these five hiking spots near CPP especially useful during the busy exam season.
“If my life is only academic, academic, academic, there’s no balance,” said Jade Kim, co-president of the Boots and Broncos Hiking Club and animal science pre-veterinarian student. “Being able to go out and explore and really touch the ground, … that brings balance to my life, and that creates an equilibrium that will help sustain me with my academics because my life isn’t always studying.”
With that in mind, here are five hiking spots near CPP to explore.
Michael D. Antonovich Trail
If hikers are looking for a well-shaded creekside hike to enjoy, try out the Michael D. Antonovich Trail, located within the San Gabriel Mountains. According to AllTrails, this 6.2-mile hike has about 429 feet of elevation change and features several branching paths that reconnect, offering hikers a different experience each time.
The trail is less than 15 minutes from CPP, meaning an escape to nature is a short car ride away.
Reviews from hikers on AllTrails note limited parking, encouraging hikers to arrive early to secure a spot, especially while the weather is tolerable. Reviews also mention up to 15 stream crossings that vary by season, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
”You have to make sure what you’re wearing, you’re comfortable in,” Kim said. “I think that’s the biggest thing that people might overlook.”
Puddingstone Reservoir Loop
About 10 minutes from CPP, Frank G. Bonelli Park spans 1,800 acres and offers recreational activities including boating, jet skiing, fishing, swimming and hiking. The park also includes RV camping, hot tubs, wedding facilities and horseback riding, according to its website.
The top-rated hike in the park is the Bonelli Park Loop, which is 6.8 miles long and has 534 feet of elevation gain, according to AllTrails. The hike is also described as a mix of paved paths and natural-surface single-track, with distance to the reservoir varying along the route.
Kim recommended the loop, highlighting its green flora and unpopulated nature along the nearly 5 miles she walked.
“It was long and steep at some parts but definitely worth it,” said Cade Thomas, treasurer of the Boots and Broncos Hiking Club and animal science student, noting the hike as one of his favorite trails near campus. “At one part of the hike, you get an incredible view of campus.”
Steep Canyon Trail
Steep Canyon Trail lives up to its name, featuring stairs on some of the steepest sections.
Reviews on AllTrails describe the hike as doable but with lots of incline. This shorter, hill-filled loop is 1.6 miles long with 475 feet of elevation change, according to AllTrails. The trail is about 11 minutes from CPP and can extend to 3.1 miles if connected to the Diamond Bar Loop.
Reviews highlight city views and seasonal yellow wildflowers. Dogs are allowed, but they must be leashed and hikers are encouraged to clean up after pets with many reviews mentioning a significant increase of dog waste on the route.
La Sierra Loop Trail
The La Sierra Loop offers an easygoing, well-marked hike with views of the Santa Ana mountains, despite being surrounded by residential buildings.
According to AllTrails, this loop is 2.1 miles long and has about 380 feet of balanced elevation changes with nearby street parking connected directly to the trailhead.
Reviews encourage staying hydrated, especially with the lack of shade on the trail. Some reviews also recommend going right once at the trail for an easier path to avoid 300 feet of elevation gain in the last 0.75 miles.
“I remember liking it because of how open and green it was.” said Jade Sanders, co-president of the Boots and Broncos Hiking Club and animal science pre-veterinarian student. “This one was really nice if you’re just looking to stroll around that area.”
Eagle Scout Trail
Get a bird’s eye view of Pomona on Eagle Scout Trail, a 3.3 mile out-and-back hike with 872 feet of elevation change, according to AllTrails. This hike is more challenging, consisting of steep inclines and narrow areas.
Some AllTrail reviews note the lack of shade and encourage arriving early to avoid the heat. Others mention parking difficulties, recommending surrounding residential neighborhoods such as Storrs Place, which offer free, trailside parking about 10 minutes from campus.
Despite these challenges, AllTrails says every hiker’s effort will be rewarded.
“I did this hike with my friends during sunset, which made for incredible views over the mountains, behind campus,” Thomas said.
Students seeking to explore even more hikes can join the Boots and Broncos Hiking Club on campus. This club offers opportunities to build community while exploring trails across Southern California.
To attract both new and experienced hikers, the club aims to organize at least one easy and one moderate hike each month.
“We want to be all-inclusive so whether or not they’re a beginner or advanced,” Sanders said. “They both have fun and are able to be in the club and do the hikes.”
