Chino Hills La Sierra Trail

1.Where are you going?


    Chino Hills, CA is almost an hour East of Los Angeles and two towns west of Ontario,CA.  Chino Hills is in the hills of the Inland Empire. Not surprising, there are many trails that meander through this small city. A good route is Park atop Chino Hills Parkway, North of Grand Ave, at the top of the hill where the No Parking signs cease. From this point you have two choices: the Grand Ave Park Trial to the West or the La Sierra Dr. Trailhead to the East. If you take the Grand Trail, it connects with the Sunset Park Trail through Grand Ave Park, and then onto Ridgeview Dr. Trail. 

http://www.chinohills.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1978

2.Where did you stop? This is the stop. This is a hiking stop. However, you can grab lunch afterwards in Chino Hills, like Roscoes Famous Deli.

3.How long do I need to spend here? 1 hour

4. What you need to take?

            _x_Sunblock     __bug spray    __Parking $        _x_ a picnic lunch         __ snacks                    __camera         __Jacket          __Hair Tie/hats           __ Bathing suit     __Bag

__ Towels/blanket      __an appetite  __open mind   __ Patience      __ tent

            _x_ Hiking shoes          __sandals        _x_ Walking Shoes         __souvenir money      _x_good music              __ walking stick           __Baby Powder  

5.When should I go here?

__Summer       __Winter         __Spring          __Autumn       _x_ANYTIME __Don’t go

6.Who should come with me?

__Kids                        _x_Adventurous Adults           _x_Teens          __Drunks        _x_Dogs            __Boring Friends        __Artsy Friends            _x_Nature-minded        _x_Hikers         __Anyone up for a good time             __Everyone                 __Romantic partner    _x_Outdoorsy  __Indoorsy            __out-of-shape people                       __Tourists   ___ Horses

Definitely bring your dog if you can. They would love it.

7.What is there to do here?

_x_Explore        _x_Relax           __be amazed               __ be amused              _x_exercise              __History lesson                    _Cultural exposure            __family time

_x_One with nature      __Recreation               __Drink and Eat          __Party

            __Seclusion/escape     __People watch          __Old-timey town      __Antiquing

__Shop            _x_Walk around            __Tours          __Fairs/concerts                      __Farmers Markets    __Star gaze      __Get gas and leave            __Nothing good

 8.What is this place?

The trails in Chino Hills are very well maintained. This trail is a comfortable dirt trail loop. It is only 2 miles but, there are some trail off-shoots that you can take to add sights and miles to your hike. For example, the Monte Verde trial connects to the La Sierra trail at the 1.5 mile point. Take this trail to the south and south west back to Monte Verde St. It will lead to the Madrugada Trail. Both of those will add another 4 miles round trip to your hike. The Grand Ave. Park Trail is across the street and that can add 2-6 miles depending on how far you take that trail and if you connect it with the Sunset Park Trail. 

9. What was so fun about this place?

 It's a short trip to a great hike. You are near some big homes and you have something to look at. It is peaceful and quiet so you can enjoy being at nature. Some parts of the trail seem to hike old bits of Chino Hills farming kitsch, so there is some exploring to be done. There are other people on this trail and some with dogs. It isn't over crowded but you will feel safe.

 10. What makes this place unique?

It's close to home.

11. What should I do while I am here?

Hike. Walk or jog it.

12.This would make a good stop on the way to…

The Wetlands at the Water District, English Springs Park, Ayala Park

Chino Hills Trails-- Grand Ave Park Trail and Sunset Park Trail

1.Where are you going?


    Chino Hills, CA is almost an hour East of Los Angeles and two towns west of Ontario,CA.  Chino Hills is in the hills of the Inland Empire. Not surprising, there are many trails that meander through this small city. A good route is Park atop Chino Hills Parkway, North of Grand Ave, at the top of the hill where the No Parking signs cease. From this point you have two choices: the Grand Ave Park Trial to the West or the La Sierra Dr. Trailhead to the East. If you take the Grand Trail, it connects with the Sunset Park Trail through Grand Ave Park, and then onto Ridgeview Dr. Trail. 

http://www.chinohills.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1978

2.Where did you stop? This is the stop. This is a hiking stop. However, you can grab lunch afterwards in Chino Hills, like Roscoes Famous Deli.

3.How long do I need to spend here? 2-6 hours

4. What you need to take?

            _x_Sunblock     __bug spray    __Parking $        _x_ a picnic lunch         __ snacks                    __camera         __Jacket          __Hair Tie/hats           __ Bathing suit     __Bag

__ Towels/blanket      __an appetite  __open mind   __ Patience      __ tent

            _x_ Hiking shoes          __sandals        _x_ Walking Shoes         __souvenir money      _x_good music              __ walking stick           __Baby Powder  

5.When should I go here?

__Summer       __Winter         __Spring          __Autumn       _x_ANYTIME __Don’t go

6.Who should come with me?

__Kids                        _x_Adventurous Adults           _x_Teens          __Drunks        _x_Dogs            __Boring Friends        __Artsy Friends            _x_Nature-minded        _x_Hikers         __Anyone up for a good time             __Everyone                 __Romantic partner    _x_Outdoorsy  __Indoorsy            __out-of-shape people                       __Tourists   ___ Horses

Definitely bring your dog if you can. They would love it.

7.What is there to do here?

_x_Explore        _x_Relax           __be amazed               __ be amused              _x_exercise              __History lesson                    _Cultural exposure            __family time

_x_One with nature      __Recreation               __Drink and Eat          __Party

            __Seclusion/escape     __People watch          __Old-timey town      __Antiquing

__Shop            _x_Walk around            __Tours          __Fairs/concerts                      __Farmers Markets    __Star gaze      __Get gas and leave            __Nothing good

 8.What is this place?

The trails in Chino Hills are very well maintained. It is a comfortable walk, dirt access road feel. Some of the hill assents get intense. There are rattle snakes in Chino Hills. The whole hike will be filled with that distinct rattle sound. Walk in the middle of the trail.  The trails are beautiful and offer some gorgeous views of the Inland Empire. Don't let the snake thing deter you. Bring a friend, the louder you are, the less you will surprise a snake and give them a chance to slither away. 

9. What was so fun about this place?

 It's a short trip to a great hike. You are near some big homes and you have something to look at. It is peaceful and quiet so you can enjoy being at nature. Some parts of the trail seem to hike old bits of Chino Hills farming kitsch, so there is some exploring to be done. 

 10. What makes this place unique?

It's close to home.

11. What should I do while I am here?

Hike. Walk or jog it.

12.This would make a good stop on the way to…

The Wetlands at the Water District.

The Cove at Jarupa Aquatic Center

1.Where are you going?  The Cove at the Jarupa Aquatic Center near Riverside, CA

2.Where did you stop? This is the stop

3.How long do I need to spend here? 1-4 hours

4. What you need to take?

            _x_Sunblock     __bug spray    __Parking $        _x_ a picnic lunch         __ snacks                    __camera         __Jacket          __Hair Tie/hats           _x_ Bathing suit     __Bag

_x_ Towels/blanket      __an appetite  __open mind   _x_ Patience      __ tent

            __ Hiking shoes          __sandals        __ Walking Shoes         __souvenir money      __good music              __ walking stick           __Baby Powder  

5.When should I go here?

_x_Summer       __Winter         __Spring          __Autumn       __ANYTIME __Don’t go

 Show up early to get a lounge chair. This place gets crowded and even more crowded when the high school lets out.

6.Who should come with me?

_x_Kids                        __Adventurous Adults           _x_Teens          __Drunks        __Dogs            __Boring Friends        __Artsy Friends            __Nature-minded        __Hikers         _x_Anyone up for a good time             __Everyone                 __Romantic partner    __Outdoorsy  __Indoorsy            __out-of-shape people                       __Tourists   ___ Horses

7.What is there to do here?

__Explore        _x_Relax           __be amazed               __ be amused              __exercise        __History lesson                    _Cultural exposure            __family time

__One with nature      _x_Recreation               __Drink and Eat          __Party

            __Seclusion/escape     __People watch          __Old-timey town      __Antiquing

__Shop            __Walk around            __Tours          __Fairs/concerts                      __Farmers Markets    __Star gaze      __Get gas and leave            __Nothing good

 8.What is this place?

The Cove is a miniature water park. There are three water slides, one lazy river, and one kiddie pool complete with water playground.  That's all. It is situated on just a few acres. It's nice that it's small because you can keep an eye on your kids while you relax on your chair. But, it's small and it fills up quickly because Riverside County is a furnace during the summer.

9. What was so fun about this place?

It is filled with WATER!!! Who doesn't like going on water slides or laying in a lazy river.

 10. What makes this place unique?

It is the oasis in Riverside. It is close to home for all of the inland empire folks. If you are in from out of town and you've blown $500 at Disneyland, don't spend another $200 at Raging Rivers or Soak City. If all you want to do is get wet and see what the local color does, spend $50 here and beat the heat.

11. What should I do while I am here?

While you are here, relax. Take it in and have fun with the folks around you. When you have had enough sun, head out to Downtown Riverside for a pub crawl, or to stop in at one of the many historic buildings. Do both at Heroes Restaurant and Brewery.  Take a trip even more East to Perris, CA and visit the Train Museum (I'll review this place later). You can head south on the 15 to Tom's Farm too.
If you are in town for a few weeks, or if your dropping off the kid at grandma's for the summer, they offer swim lessons. My kid attended 5 sessions for swim and he always had wonderful instructors. Breanna was my favorite.

12.This would make a good stop on the way to…

Palm Springs, Riverside CA, Big Bear CA, Ontario CA, Chino CA, Pasadena CA

http://www.covewaterpark.org

Chino Hills State Park, Chino HIlls, CA

1.Where are you going? No where in Particular

2.Where did you stop? Chino Hills State Park, Off of the 71 freeway and Soquel Canyon

3.How long do I need to spend here?1-6 hours, depending on how many miles you want to put in,

4. What you need to take?

            _x_Sunblock     _x_bug spray  __Money    __ a picnic lunch      _x_ snacks                     __camera         __Jacket          _x_Hair Tie/hats           __ Bathing suit     __Bag

__ Towels/blanket      __an appetite  __open mind   __ Patience      __ tent

            _x_ Hiking shoes          __sandals        __ Baby Powder   __souvenir money      _x_good music              __ walking stick         

5.When should I go here?

__Summer       _x_Winter         _x_Spring          _x_Autumn       __ANYTIME __Don’t go

6.Who should come with me?

__Kids                        _x_Adventurous Adults           _x_Teens          __Drunks        _x_Dogs            __Boring Friends        __Artsy Friends            _x_Nature-minded        _x_Hikers         __Anyone up for a good time             __Everyone                 __Romantic partner    _x_Outdoorsy  __Indoorsy            __out-of-shape people                       __Tourists

7.What is there to do here?

_x_Explore        __Relax           __be amazed               __ be amused              __exercise        __History lesson                    _Cultural exposure            __family time

_x_One with nature      _x_Recreation               __Drink and Eat          __Party

            _x_Seclusion/escape     __People watch          __Old-timey town      __Antiquing

__Shop            __Walk around            __Tours          __Fairs/concerts       _x_Bike riding               __Farmers Markets    __Star gaze      __Get gas and leave            __Nothing good

8.What is this place?  

Chino Hills State Park is a wildlife area that show cases the Chaparral plants and animals in Southern California. There are beautiful rolling hills, winding trails (some maintained, some for horses and bikes), and creeks during the wet months. This park spans from the 91 north to Soquel Canyon and West from the 71 Freeway to Orange County. There are many different trails and different types of trails; definitely something for everyone. There are some camp sites but at this time, the State Park system is fixing up this park and the sites are closed for the summer. This is a wonderful park becuase it is local and after walking for one quarter mile, you find yourself away from the hectic world behind you. Cell transmission is lost and all you are left with is your music, the pat of your shoes on the path, and your jovial canine running partner. 

9. What was so fun about this place? 

The trails....miles and miles of trails. There are trails for bikes, hiking, and horses. Dirt bikes are not allowed, this is not an off road recreation site. I take my dog regularly during the wet months because i love running in the cold. We often see squirrels, coyotes, rabbits, frogs, birds, other hikers. I have a My Side of the Mountain moment every time I am am here. I love this place. 

 10. What makes this place unique?

This is park offers a wonderful opportunity to see what the real California Chaparral habitat. There are three entrances into the park and each section offers something completely different. What makes it unique is that there are miles and miles of trails for everyone. Mountain bikers will be in heaven.

11. What should I do while I am here?

Enjoy being outside and explore.

12.This would make a good stop on the way to…
It is the destination. Combine this stop with the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park. While you are out and about, stop at Roscoes Famous Deli at 14700 Pipeline Ave 91709. They have wonderful sandwiches and big beers (You know? Just what you are hankering for after huffing it around hills all morning). 

Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park-- Chino,CA

This place is so cool. Totally geared toward nature lovers. Imagine a place that FEELS secluded and natural but is right down the street. This is that place.

The Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park is at the Inland Empire Utility off El Prado Rd and Kimball at 6075 Kimball Avenue Chino, CA 91708. It is easily 20 minutes from ONT off the 71 freeway, just south of the Chino Prison (Yup, it's here). You can find a link to the CCWEP here --> http://chinocreekwetlandsandeducationalpark.blogspot.com

OK first things first. I have driven past here many many times and never bothered to stop. From the street, it looks like a small path for slow pokes or school trips. Finally, i had the dog with me and i figured we would check it out together. WAY MORE THAN A SMALL PATH. On the north side of the park is a Pipe Garden. There are placards that talk about water conservation and the natural areas in the Inland Empire. Nerd stuff (Being a super nerd on the inside, I was interested). The middle and south sides of the park create and arboretum. It is a large area with native plants and meandering walking paths. There were alcoves, bridges, lakes, ducks, more placards and everything conducive to creating a relaxing experience. I felt instantly at peace.

Let me tell you about one place in particular that really resonated with me. Follow the path south and east. It will take you to a crystal clear pond filled with water grasses, lazy fish, and friendly blue-billed ducks. The south corner of the pond has a bridge situated on it. It is covered and has the most perfect breeze flow through and around it.  Sitting on the bridge, i was wrapped up in heaven. The birds were singing their melodies to the ducks. The ducks were lazily paddling along in the water. Bobbing for fish that seemed naturally subservient to the inevitable. The grass in the water was still and calm and you could see every blade, every leave, every living soul amidst it. Transported to a mellow, comforting corner of my own little world, all the stress and depression of real life melted away.  This was heaven.

But i digress...

This would be a wonderful place to take a small group of active adults, college kids, science groups. This is great for all ages and all fitness abilities.
Go ANY time of year. I went on a stormy summer day.
Take your dog or not.
Go to relax!!! or to work out.

Need to know:
Spend an hour or two
Parking is free
Entry is free

Need to BRING:
Use mosquito repellent
Use sun screen

Julian, CA

Julian,ca is in the mountain just East of San Diego. Julian is a former mining town that now capitalizes in it's rich history and Apple orchards. The end of summer brings about Apple Days (or something along those lines) where you can go out for the end of season apple picking and apple pie galore!

The weather is beautiful here all year. Bring your family and your dogs. Kids love seeing the horse drawn carriages go up and down the main 1/2 mile drag, gold panning or wandering through the toy shop or candy store. Adults live the olde timey feel. The shops are eclectic mountain shops selling stones, clothing, jewelry, art, books, and food. Stop at the visitor center for local info on mine tours, rafting outings, apple picking, numerous camp grounds and local Indian traditions.

Two must stops: Julian Pie Company and the book store at the north side of town. The pie company has amazing desserts, cookies and pies. The book store reminds one's sole why books should be in print. The smell and texture of the printed word overcomes you. I remember the first book i bought here. You will too! And if you want your kids to find a love of books too, share this experience with them too.

This is a no expense destination. You don't have to pay for parking and you never feel obligated to buy anything. Bring a sack lunch and you are good.

Now, there are three main ways to get here from the inland empire, google it and take a different route to and from. All of the drives are beautiful and offer different views. Going through temecula on the 79 will take you through rolling pastures and along the Pacific Crest Trail. Through Rainbow, CA and Pala, you see mountain ruggedness and mysterious trails. Most impressive, are the orange groves. Stop at a stand and grab fresh fruit in your way up too. The other direct route is by taking the 15 to the 8 to the 79n. Coming in through this route, you see open forest and drive hair pin turns and switch backs but the vistas a beautiful. One will also pass lake cuiyamaca (i know hat spelling in wayyyyy off). You can stop here and paddle boat, fish or camp.

Necessities: sack lunch, sun screen, sun glasses, $ for gold panning or apple picking.

Tom's Farm--corona,CA

Tom's farm is a great place to take the kids and old folks alike. Dogs are welcome in the grounds but not in stores. There is a fruit and candy store, a cheese and wine store, an antique and furniture store, and two restaurants. During the summer they have carnival games and year round they have train rides, pond, and magic shows.

We usually spend an hour here, so keep it as a stop on a longer trip to San Diego or Julian, CA.

We always stop here in road trips for: a loaf of fresh baked French bread, a block of cheese and two coke bottles. Under ten bucks and we now have the best road snacks.  One can expect to spend between 5 and 50 bucks here per stop. The fruit stand offers many local fresh fruit options, so if you live in the area , make this your weekly or by weekly stop for fruits and veggies and support your local traditions.

For a "no expense" trip, bring a sleeve of saltines and sit by the pond and feed ducks. There is a sign that asks you to NOT do this but no one cares and no one abides by it. The kids can run around and look at the different games around the train track. Take a stroll through the furniture store and let the kids play on the sofas. If you aren't here to load up on snacks and supplies, you will really see eveythig here is to see in 20 minutes.

Best time to go would be Saturdays through our the year, bikes come on Saturdays and they are a good bunch. Sometimes the random car show will appear. Summer nights are always alive here too. Want quiet time? Winter mornings with a tall hit chocolate by the pond is heavenly.

Necessities: $ for good or games,