Overview
Johnson's Pasture is a local Claremont treasure. It was a old livestock ranching site that has recenty be bought by the city of Claremont after intense debate and funding allocation. This place really is the soul of this little Inland Valley Empire town. The route itself is more of a connector to many other trail options like Webb Canyon, Claremont Wilderness Park, and Marshal Canyon.
Trail Description From the parking area head up the road that has large No Hunting signs. Continue up this road as it gains steeply at first then levels off at the start of Johnson's Pasture Road (JPR). Continue on this road through the trees igoring all side trails. At the first two junctions keep straight, rightside. At the third junction stay to the left. At the fourth junction, Cobal Saddle, stay to the left and head up the road to high saddle. From the high saddle head downhill into broad low saddle and stay to the right of the first junction. You reached a covered rest stop. Continue pass heaading downhill again. At the junction with Marshall Canyon on the left continue straight reaching the saddle of Cobal Canyon.
Basically there is a lot of side trails and firebreaks that come and go on this route. There is a lot of fun to be had. As along as you follow this road, which bacially runs the crest of the hills you'll be alright.
Roundtrip out and back is around 5-6 miles with 800+ feet of elevation change.
Getting ThereTake the 210 Freeway to the Towne off ramp in Claremont. Go north on Towne to the Baseline intersection and turn right going east to the next lighted intersection. Turn right at this intersection, Mountain Ave., and head north up into the hill. Continue all the way up until Mountain ends, turn right on the last road. Go to the end of this road and park in front of the houses.
When to Bike & External LinksThe park hours are from sunrise to sundown. Mountain bikers and hikers are to stay on fireroads only. And there is no camping. In the past my friends and I have camp all over these hills. There are places to hide and camp just outside of the park boundaries. There is little supervision in these hills, so do so at your own risk. Also fires are definitely not safe anywhere or anytime in these hills.
For more information on the Claremont Wilderness Park.
For more information on efforts to preserve the Claremont Hills go to savejohnsonspasture.org.
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