Claremont Wilderness Route

Overview

Sunset Ridge is the high tower covered peak that stands directly over the city of Claremont. For locals Sunset Ridge is a classic hike or mountain bike ride that rewards one with grand views of the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Mountains. Just north of the summit is another overlooked peak known as Colver Peak 5511 feet. Colver Peak in honor of Charles Colver a long-time manager of the San Dimas Experimental Forest who has passed on. The true highpoint of the ridge is the better known Sunset Peak 5796 feet. All three together makes a really nice long hike. I will be adding more pictures.

Getting There

From the Baseline Exit on the 210 freeway head west towards Claremont. Go to the second lighted intersection at Mills Ave. Turn right onto Mills and head north towards the mountains with the towered summit of Sunset plainly seen. Go all the way to the Baldy Road junction. Go straight, on your immediate right there is the Wilderness Park overflow parking, continue straight to the upper parking lot and trailhead.

Route Description

From the Wilderness Park trailhead go through the gate and head up the fireroad to the first junction. Take the right fork signed Cobal. Head up this road to another junction at a water tank. Go to the left and head up to Cobal Saddle. Trailhead to Cobal Saddle is about 2 miles. From the saddle a rough firebreak ascends on the right. Take this firebreak all the way up to where it reaches the main Sunset Ridge fireroad in about .5 miles. Turn right onto the road and take it all the way to the summit towers about 3 miles. Colver is a short jaunt of about a mile rt from here.

The roundtrip is about 12-13 miles with 4000-4500 feet of gain.

Essential Gear

Just the usual hiking gear, trekking poles, sun protection, and maybe tick protection depending on the season.

External Links

For more information on the Claremont Wilderness Park

For current conditions Angeles National Forest.

Images

View Claremont Wilderness Route Image Gallery - 6 Images