Alosta Canyon and South Hills Backbone Loop
Alosta Canyon and South Hills Backbone Loop
4.9
(1448)
5,034
hikers
00:57
3.32km
70m
Hiking
Easy 2.1-mile loop in Glendora's South Hills Wilderness Park, offering varied terrain, panoramic views, and a Mediterranean ecosystem.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions. Check ahead to confirm restricted segments are open to the public.
After 2.84 km for 465 m
Waypoints
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
1.95 km
847 m
516 m
Surfaces
1.62 km
832 m
569 m
155 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (300 m)
Lowest point (230 m)
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Weather
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Sunday 24 May
23°C
13°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
The South Hills Wilderness Park, where this loop is located, offers various access points. While specific parking details aren't provided, it's generally accessible for local residents. Look for designated parking areas near trailheads within the park.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails within the South Hills Wilderness Park, including the Alosta Canyon and South Hills Backbone Loop. Please ensure your dog remains on a leash at all times.
The trail is best enjoyed in winter or early spring. During these seasons, the hills are green, temperatures are pleasant, and the air is clearer, offering the best panoramic views. Spring also brings an array of wildflowers.
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees mentioned for accessing the trails within the South Hills Wilderness Park, making it freely accessible for hikers.
The loop features a varied terrain, including wide dirt roads (often called fire roads) and narrower, single-track paths. Sections like the South Hills Backbone Trail are wide and run along a ridge, while portions of the Alosta Canyon South Fork Trail can be steep with loose footing and switchbacks, sometimes shaded by oaks and sycamores. You'll also encounter open areas with scattered cactus.
While the overall loop is considered easy, its difficulty can vary. The main South Hills Backbone Trail offers pleasant strolls suitable for beginners. However, sections like the Alosta Canyon South Fork Trail are rated as having a 'hard overall physical rating' due to steepness and potentially loose footing. Climbing to 'Summit 1212' also involves a significant ascent.
Hikers can enjoy majestic live oaks and sycamores. From higher elevations, you'll get 360-degree views of Glendora, Charter Oak, the vast suburban sprawl, and nearby mountains. In winter, you might even see snow-capped high country. The trail also offers a glimpse into an impressive nursery operation below.
A notable landmark is Summit 1212, which offers expansive panoramic views and is marked by a cairn and survey control benchmarks. The trail system itself is part of a unique Mediterranean ecosystem.
Yes, the route is part of a network of trails within the South Hills Wilderness Park. It utilizes sections of the South Hills Backbone Trail and the Alosta Canyon Trail, and also intersects with the Walnut Trail and North Spur Trail.
During summer, it's best to hike at daybreak or in the early evening to avoid the heat, smog, and brown hillsides. Always carry plenty of water, as the trail can be exposed.
The South Hills Wilderness Park is a popular destination for a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. You'll commonly find hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders enjoying the network of well-maintained fire roads and narrow paths.