Claremont Wilderness Loop: A Comprehensive Review for Cycling Enthusiasts

Nestled in the college town of Claremont, within the Inland Valley Empire of Southern California, the Claremont Wilderness Loop stands as a versatile ride that effortlessly blends challenge and tranquility. Covering a distance of 5 miles and classified as an easy-level route, this loop trail grants mountain bikers access to the extension of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a plethora of riding experiences.

Getting There

Address: Accessible via the 210 Freeway, Baseline off-ramp in Claremont.Directions: Head west on Baseline to the second traffic light at Mills Ave. Turn right and continue north for about 2 miles to the Mount Baldy Road intersection. Proceed to the upper parking lot. An overflow parking area is also available.Alternate Starting Point: For those finding the trailhead elusive, consider starting at Lowell Brandt Park, easily accessed by exiting at Fruit from the 210 and continuing on Esperanza.

Trail Characteristics

Terrain and Alternatives

The loop is essentially a basic ride, but it does offer room for customization. Alternative routes that can be added include:

• Marshall Canyon via singletrack
• Potato Mountain via fireroad
• Webb Canyon featuring rugged downhill and freeride features

What to Expect

• Scenery: Predominantly shady and scenic, with an array of grassy hills crisscrossed by fireroads, illegal single tracks, and game paths.
• Trail Conditions: Generally good but can be challenging post-rain with muddy spots and water ruts. Expect stream crossings.
• Traffic: Shared with hikers and horseback riders; can get crowded, particularly on weekends.
• Caution: Riders have reported sightings of large brown bears, particularly in the lower wooded sections.

Rider Experiences

• The trail has been described as good for a first-time mountain biking experience, although novices may find themselves walking some steep sections.
• Mid-week visits seem to offer a more enjoyable experience, avoiding the weekend crowds.
• Riders have reported a fast but rocky descent that adds a thrill factor to the ride.
• Trail connects seamlessly with other popular routes like Potato Mountain and Marshall Canyon.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a newbie, the Claremont Wilderness Loop offers something for everyone—from challenging climbs to thrilling descents and opportunities for freeride features. The trail serves as a great solo or group ride and is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Southern California's outdoor landscape.To make the most of your ride:

• Opt for weekdays to avoid the crowd.
• Exercise caution due to potential wildlife encounters.
• Be courteous to other trail users, especially around blind spots.

For those who seek a bit more, the loop provides ample opportunities to extend your ride into a more challenging and longer experience. Gear up and hit this trail to find out why it stands out as a standard ride in Claremont.