Potato Mountain

Overview

Potato Mountain is a very important hiking destination for the locals of Claremont. For many it will be their first ascent of a peak. Potato Mountain stands as a sentinel over Claremont and it's Wilderness Park. Great views of the Inland Valley and the foothills of Claremont are to be seen. Potato Mountain is on the Lower Peaks List of the Sierra Club. There is over five different routes to the summit. Other nearby peaks are Windy Point, Sunset Ridge, Colver Peak, Frankish Peak, Stoddard Peak, and BM La Verne.

Getting There

Take the 210 Freeway to Basline offramp in Claremont. You want to head west on Baseline to the first light interesction, Padua Ave. Turn right onto Padua and go north, towards the mountains, for about 2 miles to the lighted Mount Baldy Road intersection. Go right onto Baldy Road and continue for about 1.5 miles reaching a series of turnouts just pass the San Antonio Dam.

Route

The main route used for Potato starts at the Evey Canyon fireroad trailhead. Hike through the closed gate on the left side. The fire road at first descends then climbs through oak woodland for 1.5 miles where it reaches a open chaparral saddle. Take the left road and ascend to the summit in about a mile. On the summit is a concrete water tank. It is a nice place to sit and watch the view.

Roundtrip is 5 miles, and elevation gain is 1200 feet.

Red Tape

You will need a permit from the Pomona College Biology Department. Call them at 909-607-2993 and they will mail you one. This permit though is only required for the begining of Evey Canyon Road, not the entire mountain. Locals have been hiking this route for decades without ever getting a permit. Use this information at your own discrepancy.

External Links

For more information on the Lower Peaks List of the Sierra Club.

For more information on the Claremont Wilderness Park

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Images

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