Stoddard Peak sits at 4624ft in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains. This peak is sandwiched between the low lying foothills of Upland and Claremont in the front, and the high rising mountains of Mt. Baldy in the back. Stoddard Peak’s location provides hikers with some spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding landscapes. This hike is 6-miles roundtrip, with 1204 ft of elevation gain, and a trail mix of fire road and cross country single track.
Getting There: Directions And GPS Track
- The trailhead for Stoddard Peak is located just off of Mt. Baldy Road at the Mt. Baldy Wilderness Preserve. Taking Mt. Baldy Road north towards Mt. Baldy Village, keep an eye out for Barrett Stoddard Road on the right (east) side of the street. Turn right on Barrett Stoddard Rd, and you will immediately see a parking area: Barrett Stoddard Truck Trail, Claremont, CA 91711
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- See track on Strava
Hike Profile
- Distance: 6.00 miles
- Elevation Gain:Â 1204 ft
- Minimum Elevation: 3720 ft
- Maximum Elevation:Â 4624 ft
- Time:Â 2-3 hours
- Difficulty:Â (2.5/5)
- Dog Friendly:Â Yes
- Permit Required: No
- Parking: Free parking in lot on Barrett Stoddard Road
- Weather: This hike can be very warm in the summer, but tends to be pleasant
- Trail Condition: This trail starts on a wide and well graded fire road. A use trail leads to the top of Stoddard Peak with high brush and loose rock.
- Cell Phone Reception: Slim to none
Do you have the appropriate gear for this hike? Don’t hike unprepared!
See my current hiking gear list.Â
Hike Map And Elevation Profile
Hike Description:
0.0 Miles (3779 ft)- Starting from the parking area on Barrett Stoddard Rd, walk towards the power station building and make your way downhill on the asphalt path.
Along the asphalt path you’ll see an abundance of “No Parking” signs and a “Private Driveway” notice. Although this road is driveable, make sure to park in the designated lot, as the people who live in the cabins along this road don’t want to deal with hikers clogging up their way in and out.
As you begin hiking uphill on the gravel road, you’ll see a fork up ahead. Stay left at the fork and continue on towards the cabins. Depending on the time of year and weather, you’ll see a few creek crossings that require some off road navigation.
After the first water crossing, you’ll see a few foundations and cabins. People do live here, so make sure to be quiet and respectful while passing through.
1.0 Miles (4045ft)-Â As you pass by the cabins and approach the 1-mile mark on this hike, you’ll see a closed gate. Pass by this gate and continue hiking uphill on the fire road.
The hike up until this point is well shaded with tree cover. As you continue on, the trail is far more exposed. You’ll notice this even more if you find yourself hiking towards noon or later in the day.
As you continue towards Stoddard Peak, you’ll find yourself hiking the slopes of Ontario Peak with views back towards Mt. Baldy, Lookout Mountain, and Sunset Peak.
2.5 Miles (4423ft)- As you approach the two and a half mile mark this hike, keep your eyes open for a side trail that leads to Stoddard Peak. You’ll be leaving the fire road behind for a cross country path through the brush.
It’s important to note that the peak you see ahead is one of two false summits on your way to Stoddard Peak.
For hikers that prefer wearing shorts, like me, you’ll quickly wish you had a pair of pants on as you make your way through the brush towards the top of the first false summit. Most of the brush on this use trail is pushed far enough back to hike comfortably, but there are a few spots you can catch yourself if you’re not paying close attention.
As you pop out from the thicket of brush, you’ll catch a glimpse of the second false summit up ahead. The brush is much shorter from this point on, and much easier to navigate.
The second false summit is a rocky outcrop that provides views towards Stoddard Peak, the Inland Empire, and the San Gabriel Mountains.
Continue on towards Stoddard Peak and be mindful of your footing as you descend the rocky outcrop. There are a few use trails that lead away from the false summit, and a few dead end without a clear path towards Stoddard Peak.
3.0 Miles (4624ft)- After 3 miles of hiking and half a mile of brush walking, you’ll be standing on Stoddard Peak. Look right from the use trail and spot the “V 12” summit post. At the base of that summit post, you’ll find a jar with a register.
Looking south, you’ll have views of Santiago Peak in the distance, with Potato Mountain in the foreground. You can also look back and around for views of Ontario Peak, Mt. Baldy, Sunset Peak, and more!
Once you’ve enjoyed enough time at the summit, you can return using the same route back to the trailhead parking area. Be sure to mind your footing as you ascend and descend the rocky outcrop on the second false summit, as it can be a little tricky if you’re not paying close attention.
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Great photos! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks!
Looks like a great hike. I like the wide open views and the fact that you can actually see the false summits. So many of my hikes here are through the dense forest, which is also nice, but always refreshing to get into the open.
It’s a fun one. I have to drive an hour or so to get to any mountains with that kind of tree cover. Most of the local hikes here are pretty exposed!
Hi Drew. Thanks for all the very useful info. I am planning a hike on Stoddard from the Wilderness Preserve, to Stoddard peak and then continue to Saphire in Rancho Cucamonga and shuttle back to the start.
How long is the trail and elevation gain from Stoddard to the Peak?
6 miles