Claremont Hills is a wilderness area with few improvements. The terrain is steep and rugged with no sources of safe drinking water. Visitors are advised to wear proper clothing and shoes for a Wilderness area, to carry water, and to be aware of possible hazards including bears, rattlesnakes, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, bees, and poison oak.
Visitors to the park enter at their own risk. The City of Claremont is not responsible for any injuries resulting from use of the park.
- Park hours must be observed. No after-hours use is permitted. Park visitors in violation of the hours may be subject to a citation.
- No safe drinking water available beyond the park entrance. Do not drink from the streams.
- The Wilderness Park is subject to closure due to weather or hazardous conditions.
- Groups of 20 or more are required to obtain a permit prior to using the park.
- The cutting, pruning or injury of native vegetation or digging of any ground surface within the park is not permitted.
- Hunting, trapping, or harvesting of any living or dead thing is not permitted.
- The possession or use of firearms, air guns, bows and arrows, slingshots, or other weapons is not permitted.
- For your pet's protection, dogs must be kept on a leash of less than six feet in length at all times.
- In consideration of other visitors, please remove your dog's waste products from the roads and trails.
- Glass containers can start brush fires and are not permitted within the park.
- Fires of any kind including smoking, camp stoves, flammable liquids, or fireworks are not permitted in the park.
- Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted.
- Except for emergency and maintenance vehicles, no motor vehicles are permitted in the park.
- Please take all trash and litter out of the park with you when you leave.
- Stay on designated trails (along the fire roads) at all times.
- Practice trail etiquette. Bicyclists and hikers must yield to horses. Bicyclists yield to hikers.
- Bicyclists must maintain safe speeds at all times.
- Manual pedal bikes, class 1 e-bikes, and class 2 e-bikes are permitted.
- Class 3 e-bikes, surron-type cycles, and any other motorized conveyance device, including skateboards, scooters, ATVs, mini-bikes, and dirt bikes, are prohibited.
- Excessive noise is prohibited.
Trail Etiquette Standards
The Claremont Hills Wilderness Park welcomes over 450,000 visitors each year. As new ways to enjoy the trail emerge, it’s important to revisit trail etiquette to ensure both safe recreation and the preservation of the park’s natural state of beauty. Visitors must abide by the following laws:
- Yield to others
- Bicycle and e-bike operators must yield to pedestrians and equestrians.
- Pedestrians must yield to equestrians.
- All users must yield right-of-way to emergency and maintenance vehicles.
- Walk, run, or bike on the right side of the trail.
- Walk, run, or bike no more than 2 persons abreast.
- When passing others, pass on the left
- Bicycle and e-bike operators must use a bell and/or verbal announcement when passing others.
- Bicycle and e-bike operators must watch speed both going downhill and near curves.
- Keep dogs on a 6 ft. leash and close to you when hiking.
- No user shall wear a headset covering, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in, both ears.
By sharing the trail, following these simple rules, and being respectful of others, the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park will remain enjoyable for all. Visitors in violation of these rules may face citation or removal from the CHWP.
Wildlife Sightings
Animals such as bears, deer, bobcats, coyotes, and mountain lions become more active as the days become warmer. If you see any wildlife, remain calm, stand tall, back away slowly, and do not try to get closer or engage the animal. While hiking, make noise to alert all animals of your presence and keep dogs on a leash next to you.
Snakes are also more active between April and October. If you’re out on a hike, it is important to be cautious of your surroundings. Always look ahead of you and where you are stepping. Avoid going off trail into bushes and places where it is harder to see a snake. On very hot days, snakes hide under rocks and in holes, so be aware of where you place your hands and feet. If a snake bites you, it is important to stay calm. If bitten, try to identify the snake to know whether it is venomous or not. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
Stay safe by being aware of your surroundings and have a plan if an emergency arises. If you need assistance, please contact the Claremont Police Department at (909) 626-1296.
Heat Alert: Caring for Yourself & Your Pet When Hiking
Extreme heat has contributed to several cases of dehydration in hikers and dogs at the Wilderness Park. Extreme dehydration can lead to heatstroke and death for you and your dog. Before beginning a hike or other physical activity in the City’s parks, please take a few precautions:
- Make sure you and your pet are hydrated BEFORE beginning a hike.
- Take plenty of water with you (the Wilderness Park does not have water fountains or restrooms with water).
- Take water for yourself, as well as for your dog. The larger the dog, the more water you should bring
- Avoid strenuous activity during the peak heat hours (mid-day).
- Wear sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent exposure.
- Carry a cell phone for emergency purposes.
What is Heatstroke?
Heatstroke is the term used for elevated body temperature. When a dog's temperature exceeds 103º F, it is known as hyperthermia and is a dangerous and sometimes fatal condition.
The Warning Signs
- It is important to monitor your dog and know the signs of heatstroke so you can act quickly and effectively if your pet is in danger.
- The most common symptom is elevated breathing with excessive panting. Other signs include: drooling, dry or sticky gums, bruising or reddening of the gums, vomiting, diarrhea, or if your dog seems lethargic or disoriented. More extreme signs are loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, seizures or collapsing.
Act Quickly and Effectively
If your dog has these signs of heatstroke, the first step should be to call your veterinarian or a local emergency animal hospital and let them know you are on your way.
Ways to Help Your Pet
It's always important to monitor the temperature and outside conditions, especially during hot or humid weather. When outdoors with your pet, always identify sources of shade and water and make sure they have plenty of access. Remember to take frequent breaks to avoid excessive strenuous activity.