I had never hiked to San Juan Hill from the Casino Ridge Staging area. It appeared to be a shorter, and steeper way to the peak, within Chino Hills State Park.
It was a warm spring day, when I drove over to Yorba Linda. I had not explored the southern side of Chico Hills. Water Canyon, and Scully Ridge were places I was planning to explore.
The Casino Ridge parking lot was empty on a weekday. It is located in an upscale suburban neighborhood of Yorba Linda, along the hillside.
The hike begins alongside the road, on an fenced equestrian trail. Eventually the trail criss crosses over to the opposite side of the street, and continues up a steeply pitched hill with a 25% grade.
As you head up the hill, you can see the outlines of a trail on the next ridgeline, which is now covered in grass.
My guess is this is the trail to up into the Water Canyon section of Chino Hills.
Off to my left is a big gaping canyon.
I start to glimpse the rolling foothills of Chino Hills, and Gilman Peak off to the left.
The trail remains relatively wide, as it climbs, before meeting up with South Ridge trail, which is the main trail through Chino Hills on the Yorba Linda side.
Now the trail is actually a fire road.
I can spot the peaks in the San Gabriels and the Angeles Forest, especially Mount Baldy, which is covered in snow.
As I veer right along South Ridge Trail, towards San Juan Hills, I begin to notice bright patches of Orange in the distance.
Poppy season has come early. They seem to be blooming on west facing hillsides.
As I hiked and sometimes jogged onward to San Juan Hill, there were 360 degree views all around me.
That’s one reason I enjoy hikes like this in Chino Hills, are the views.. Not only is it lush and green, with wildflowers starting to bloom, I can see mountains, and foothills all around me.
The trail is empty, peaceful, and quiet. I pass one person on a bike, and another walking. All in all, it is mostly empty here, on a sunny winter weekday afternoon in January.
Eventually I reach the skinny singletrack leading up to San Juan Hills, with its weather antennas.
It’s hard to believe this hill was named by USGS all the way back in 1886.
I decide to hike down the other side, before making a left on South Ridge Trail, to head back into civilization the way I came.
I would not stop running, until I reached my car, for the next 2.25 miles. The entire hike took me 1.5 hours, far less, since it was mostly running.
I made it to another peak, and felt very blessed to have places like this, just out my back door.
At 4.5 miles, it was a good workout, had beautiful scenery, and was a great opportunity to do a bit of trail running.
I love visiting a wide open space, or wilderness, where I can take time to myself. This is where I get to take time to appreciate the things great and small, which make life worth living. That’s why I love hiking, and why I love places like Chino Hills.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2023 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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