Angie Lopez-Yepes
Staff Writer
From the easy hiking trails, to children’s playgrounds and the open grassy areas, San Dimas Canyon Community Regional Park offers a fun and easy nature ground that has something for everyone.
When I entered the park, I immediately saw a sitting area and playground for children.
Because it was my first time there, I got lost trying to find the hiking site because there were many paths one could take while driving.
Luckily, I was able to get help from Macy Williams, resident of La Verne, who was in the car next to me and gladly explained to me where to go.
“I’ve been going here forever because I just love how peaceful I feel when I’m here,” Williams said.
On the extra drive to the main site, I saw horses, heard chickens and saw a place designated for horseback riding.
It was time to start the mini adventure I had planned with my dog, TJ, and it just felt like the perfect weather to be outside and enjoy the sun.
There weren’t as many people as I would have thought there would be, which I liked because I was able to socially distance myself.
As someone who loves taking hikes, this one was not difficult at all and is even perfect to take children and pets who are not used to rigorous trails.
“I remember when I first came here I thought it would be a [harder] hike, but it’s more of a fun place to take your kid,” Sheila Murillo, La Verne resident, said.
Murillo says she likes taking the mini hike trails with her daughter and then let her play on the playground.
However, there are people who prefer hikes to be miles long and harder than a casual walk.
“I Googled hikes near me and this one came out but it’s not really a hike” visitor Jason Wimberly said.
Wimberly is visiting from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to stay at his sister’s house for the rest of the month.
One of my favorite things I saw on the little hike were a group of bunnies just hopping across the path.
Once I was done hiking, I found a dog park that is somewhat secluded where I saw owners letting their dogs run freely.
“Normally at parks there’s no real area for dogs to roam free without the probability of a car passing by,” Zechary Evans of West Covina said.
Evans said he brings his dog every morning to let him run until he tires himself out.
It was fun to see the dogs just playing around and having the best time. As someone who never goes outside without my dog having a leash, I was hesitant to let her go play with the dogs because I did not want her to escape.
Somehow, I felt comfortable and safe enough to let go of the leash and it felt wonderful seeing my dog have fun and run until she was tired.
So, if you’re looking for a place where you can ride your horses, take your kids and dogs, or even have a peaceful walk with nature, visit the San Dimas Canyon Community Regional Park.
Angie Lopez-Yepes can be reached at angie.lopezyepes@laverne.edu.
Angie Lopez-Yepes
