Eagle Scout Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back hike with 1043 ft of elevation gain. Located between the 57 and 71 freeways, many Southern California residents have probably driven past this hike without even knowing it exists. As soon as you start to gain elevation from the trailhead, you’ll have views of Cal Poly Pomona, Diamond Bar, and the rest of the Inland Empire to the east.
Getting There: Directions And GPS Track
- The trailhead for Eagle Scout Trail is located at the intersection of W Mission Blvd and Appian Way. The trailhead is in between the 57 and 71 freeways and can be accessed by either one. As you approach the trailhead on W Mission Blvd, you’ll want to park in the dirt area parallel to W Mission Blvd near the trailhead. : 400 Appian Way Pomona, CA 91766
- Download GPX
- See track on Strava
Hike Profile
- Distance: 3.22 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1043 ft
- Minimum Elevation: 880 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 1380 ft
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: (1.5/5)
- Dog Friendly: Yes, but lots of broken beer bottles and trash at lookouts
- Permit Required: No
- Parking: Free parking located along W Mission Blvd
- Weather: This hike can be very warm in the summer and is fully exposed with no shade. This hike is best completed at dusk or dawn on hot days, and at anytime in the cooler months.
- Trail Condition: Mostly wide and well graded fire road. There are a few steep ridge single track options for the adventurous. Be mindful of the broken beer bottles, spray paint, and trash.
- Cell Phone Reception: Very good
Do you have the appropriate gear for this hike? Don’t hike unprepared!
See my current hiking gear list.
Hike Map And Elevation Profile
Hike Description:
0.0 Miles- Starting from the dirt parking strip along W Mission Blvd, look east and follow the dirt fireroad heading southeast towards the hills.
The fireroad starts to gain ground pretty quickly, but the smooth grade and level surface makes for an easy going start to Eagle Scout Trail. Make sure to stop and look back every now and again to see Cal Poly Pomona and the surrounding cities.
As you continue climbing up the fireroad, you’ll see a hill to your left with a single track use-trail towards the summit. This is an optional detour for hikers seeking a more demanding physical challenge. If you prefer to keep things level and easy, stick to the fire road.
For this guide, I’m going to cover the ridge route. You can see in the overhead map photo below how both options lead back to the same trail.
0.25 Miles- The single track ridge route leaves the fire road behind and heads uphill with a furious pace. Make sure you’re wearing trail shoes with great traction here, as the underfoot surface is steep and loose.
As you head up the steeper ridge route, you can look down and view the easier fire road option you could have taken. Hopefully you won’t be regretting your decision for the tougher route!
0.4 Miles- You’ll know you’ve reached the end of your climb when you see a small bench looking out towards the city. Take some time to enjoy the views. Many hikers call it a day here, but we’re going to continue on.
Looking east from the bench, you’ll see the main fireroad on a hill in the near distance. Head downhill from the bench and begin hiking uphill on the fireroad.
The middle stretch of this hike is an uneventful stroll along this fireroad while you gradually lose elevation. You’ll get to enjoy some really nice views of Pomona to the north and Diamond Bar to the south.
1.3 Miles- You’ll reach the end of the downhill stretch of Eagle Scout Trail when you see two water reservoirs on the right hand side of the trail. Continue past the reservoirs towards the hill up ahead.
1.4 Miles- Just after passing the water reservoirs, you’ll dip down and cross Storrs Pl road. Be very careful with your footing here as the trail is very steep on the up and down. Continue hiking uphill to reach the final viewpoint of this hike.
1.5 Miles- The turnaround point of this hike is a dead end hill that looks over the 71 freeway with views of Pomona and the Inland Empire. The viewpoint has been defaced with graffiti and is littered with trash and broken glass, so watch your steps (and your dogs) and be careful.
From this point, you can turn around and return to the trailhead on the same route that you arrived. Make sure to turn left before the large hill with a bench so that you can hike down the fireroad and won’t have to venture down on the steep single track section.
2.6 Miles- As I just mentioned, keep an eye out for the junction in the photo below and hang a left to stay on the fireroad and avoid having to hike downhill on the steep stretch of singletrack.
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Excellent photos! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks!
Gotta love those urban hikes, cluttered w/ broken beer bottles, cans, trash and graffiti. I remember the obscene graffiti carved into the trees in Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. a few years ago. (self edited -additional comments about the slobs that disrespect natural trails, etc.removed by author).
The closer to densely populated areas, the worse it gets. Sadly, these individuals have been finding ways to destroy trails far from the cities, too.
That is hill ridge above my house. Live by the east end the trail. Where the overlook is above the 71 looking over Pomona Valley/ IE that spot of trees could be private land that is not marked or the cops go scare people from the spot when people where I live call it in. The dirtroad up from Mission Blvd. is new only the last couple years. The rest trail network has been there for decades. The hill ridge is a bird pervserve. Also hillside tends to catch fire every few years why the cops the are called to stop fires from happening. The trees are endangered, below the dirt road/trail and native to SoCal inland hills on the steep northeast facing slope. The bench area above mission is where people launch model airplanes from. Sticky clay mud for day or two after rains so stay off to let dry to leaves massive footprint or bike tire tracks behind, so stay off till dry.
Great info, Kenneth. Much appreciated.
The City of Pomona added no parking signs along Mission Blvd at the trailhead. I am disappointed, I love this trail, especially the views.
Checked this area out today. The city (in their infinite wisdom) has posted “No Parking” signs along the south side of Mission across from Appian Way so you better be quick on your feet across Mission Ave’s 60 MPH traffic. I don’t know about the other end off Storrs Place.
Thanks for the udpate, Ken!