Claremont is the perfect place to find a range of outdoor sports and recreational activities for enthusiasts of all ages. In fact, you’ll discover numerous adventures right outside the doorstep of your hotel. Nearby adventuring can be accessed in minutes. Claremont is surrounded by natural beauty and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor sports and recreational activities like hiking, golfing, horseback riding, and skiing (all within driving distance).
With Claremont as your base of operations, plan day trips to hike the majestic San Gabriel Mountains in the summer or ski some of the state’s best snow in winter. Explore the vast wilderness preserves in and around the city. Take challenging or leisurely bicycle rides along meandering trails or even around the village. Golf a new course or test your horseback riding skills. Remember, incorporating any sports and recreational activities into your traveling routine can help improve your overall fitness while allowing you to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Here are some popular options for outdoor activities you can enjoy in and around Claremont!
Hiking and Scenic Tours
Explore the scenic trails in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park, less than ten minutes from Claremont Village. It offers a variety of trails for different skill levels, including the five-mile Claremont Hills Loop, along with smaller trails, like the 4.5-mile Sycamore Canyon Trail. In addition to eyeing foothills drenched in green and magnificent mountain tops—plus Spring wildflowers—hikers will find stunning views stretching to Downtown L.A., Catalina Island, and the Inland Empire basin. Many trails are mountain bike friendly and dog-friendly—on a leash.
You can also hike the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, including popular trails like the challenging 8.5-mile loop known as Icehouse Canyon, located in a beautiful wooded stream-driven section of the forest. Potato Mountain is a 9.0-mile out-and-back trail near Claremont and is considered a moderately challenging route. This area is very popular for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Willing to take a 30-minute drive? A turn onto Mt. Baldy Rd. will take you on a journey into the canyons, ending at the Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts, allowing you to ascend to the highest peak in L.A. County. Depending on the season, you can hike, mountain bike, zip line, or partake in fun snow activities. And afterward, you can dine while ogling amazing vistas at the Top of the Notch Restaurant & Bar.
Skiing
Speaking of Mt. Baldy, many long-time Southern Californians will tell you it’s the best skiing anywhere after a hearty snowfall. In addition to Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts, you can drive around the mountain to the popular Mountain High Resort.
Spend the night in Claremont to get ahead of the crowds and return for an extra night to unwind and take that well-deserved massage. Who needs to rush when relaxation awaits?
Bicycling
Just looking to ride around beautiful Claremont Village? Honored as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, Claremont’s streets are ideal for bicycling. There are plenty of beautiful, quiet tree-lined streets with majestic views of historic homes to ride through. Take advantage of the many parks in Claremont for a relaxing picnic. Memorial Park, Wheeler Park, and Blaisdell Park are popular choices with ample green spaces and picnic facilities. The town’s college campuses also have gorgeous buildings, lawns, and gardens to admire. So grab your picnic lunch from The Cheese Cave or Wolfe’s Kitchen and Deli and pedal to check out some green areas and campus art installations. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
After you’ve conquered the trails in the local foothills, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, it’s time to try your pedals at something a little more serious. If you’re looking for a challenge, tackle the AMGEN Tour of California’s route to Mt. Baldy. Start at the Claremont Depot and head north…and start climbing! Usually occurring in May, the 75.6-mile penultimate stage has over 11,000 feet of climbing with 10%+ ramps. Whether you’re an amateur or pro cyclist, you’ll definitely deserve that prohibition-era cocktail from The Whisper House afterward.
Mountain Biking
If mountain biking is more your thing, there are numerous trails and degrees of challenges, starting right inside Claremont at the foothills (at Claremont Hills Wilderness Park) or deeper into the Angeles National Forest. There are also lifts up to more mountain biking trails on Mt. Baldy.
Horseback Riding
If you yearn for an equine experience, the beauty of Claremont’s canyons and hills on horseback is unsurpassed. Several equestrian centers in the area offer guided trail rides and lessons.
At the Marshall Canyon Equestrian Center, just north of the city, you’ll find pony rides for youngsters and guided trail rides into the nearby canyons full of wildflowers, streams, birds and other wildlife. When the horses are spirited and their riders energetic, the romantic fantasy of riding into the sunset is only a hop, trot and gallop away. Equestrian facilities nearby include Fred Palmer Equestrian Center and Sycamore Canyon Equestrian Center.
Golf
If a relaxing round of golf is what you’re after, you’ll love that a multi-day golf adventure can be accessed from Claremont in all directions. Play a round of golf at one of the local golf courses and enjoy the picturesque views while working on your swing.
Popular public courses within eight miles of Claremont include Marshall Canyon Golf Course in La Verne, Canyon Golf Course, Sierra Lake Golf Course in Fontana, Upland Hills Country Club, Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills and the San Dimas Canyon and Mountain Meadows Golf Course next to the Pomona Fairplex.
Private courses offering visitors reciprocal privileges include Sierra La Verne Country Club, Red Hill Country Club and Glendora Country Club.
Rock Climbing
Head to nearby Stoddard Peak or the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains for rock climbing adventures. These areas offer a range of climbing routes suitable for different skill levels.
Outdoor Yoga and Fitness
Join outdoor yoga or fitness classes in various parks and green spaces in Claremont. It’s a great way to stay active while enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings. Claremont Yoga serves the local communities and offers a variety of classes 7 days a week. From beginning to advanced, you’ll find in-studio, outdoor and online classes, including a Friday Night Candlelight Flow & Chill, Kundalini & Gong, Tai Chi and Family Yoga in the park. Feeling like a little beer with your yoga? Try Yoga on Tap at Claremont Craft Ales every 2nd and 4th Sunday.
The California Botanic Garden also offers a peaceful, gentle flow to reconnect you with the beauty of nature as you connect with your mind and body. Yoga in nature brings mindfulness and awareness beyond oneself, increasing flexibility and improving balance and strength.
Remember to follow any regulations or guidelines for each activity and respect the environment and other participants. Stay hydrated, wear appropriate safety gear, and explore Claremont’s outdoor sports and recreational opportunities! Asking locals for recommendations is a fantastic way to discover hidden gems and get insider tips.
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