The Michael D Antonovich Trail is a short and level hike featuring lots of shade and stream crossings. Located right off of the 57 Freeway in San Dimas, this hike is surrounded by densely populated suburbs. Despite the fact that you can see a few houses and ranches while hiking, the seclusion of this trail can make you feel a world away. In it’s entirety, the Michael D Antonovich Trail is 6.5 miles long with a mere 440ft of elevation gain. A perfect outing for those days when you want to get outside for a hike, but don’t want to burn your legs down on steep uphill climbs.
Directions And GPS Tracks:
- To hike the Michael D Antonovich Trail drive to S San Dimas Ave, San Dimas, CA 91773. Parking for this hike is in a small dirt pullout that only fits about 15 vehicles.
- Download GPX
Key Points:
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 440 ft
- Minimum Elevation: 573 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 907 ft
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: (1/5)
- Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
- Permit Required: No
- Season: Limited space near trailhead
- Trail Condition: Many stream crossings
- Cell Phone Reception: Very good
Make sure to hike with the right gear. See my current hiking gear list.
Hike Map And Elevation Profile:
Hike Description:
0.0 Miles- From the trailhead on S San Dimas Ave, the out-and-back Antonovich Trail begins with a semi steep downhill before leveling out for the rest of the hike. Since there are so many stream crossings, at times you may have to leave the main trail and look upstream to find suitable places to cross. This is especially the case this year with the rains we’ve received. In summer or in drought years, the stream crossings aren’t much of an issue.
Make sure you bring shoes that provide good traction on smooth and wet rock. You may also want to bring trekking poles for extra balance and support while rock hopping over streams. There are four crossings in the first .5 miles.
0.9 Miles- The trail crosses the road that leads to the Buddhist Tzu Chi foundation.
Just after the road for the Tzu Chi Foundation the trail passes through a staging are for horses. This is a popular area for equestrians. Pass through the staging area to the trail on the other side and follow the trail that now runs creekside.
1.2 Miles- You’ll reach the junction for the South Spur Antonovich Trial. You can take either trail and end up back on the correct path. I like to take a right here to continue hiking on flat land past a few horse stables. Taking a left has more of an uphill climb that I like to save for the return hike. At 1.7 miles, you’ll meet back up with the South Spur Trail.
1.9 Miles- You’ll come across another side trail option, this time for the Antonovich Oak Loop Trail. This loop has a nice little climb to it that gives hikers nice views of the San Gabriels in the north. You can also skip this loop and just continue hiking on the main Antonovich Trail.
2.3 Miles- When you finish the Oak Loop Trail, you’ll be right back where you started and can continue on the main Antonovich Trail. You’ll cross another stream and then pass through another staging area. The trail picks up on the far side of the staging area.
After the staging area the trail is hard to describe, but easy to follow. There are a few sections were the trail forks only to meet back up again shortly after. Just continue heading southwest on the designated trails.
2.8 Miles- You’ll pass under the bridge for E Puente St.
3.3 Miles- You’ll cross over the Suzanne Ellen Fetters Bridge. This is the end of the hike for this guide, and a good point to turn around and hike back the way you arrived. The trail continues on for another quarter mile into residential properties from here, and it is not worth the extra effort.
Thanks for the nice hike report, Drew. Much appreciated. I’ve been wanting to do this trail for awhile and now all the more after reading your guide,
No problem, James! I’m glad you found this one useful. I always see this trail while driving on the 57 and have finally gotten around to hiking it. You’ll really enjoy it with all of the rain we’ve had. The stream crossings are a lot of fun.
I must concur that the place to turn around is there by the bridge. You can’t get much further downstream without having to walk in the stream. The official map shows it continuing on and eventually following the concrete channel, but that seems feasible only for horses.