Location: end of N Mills Road, Claremont CA
Miles: 5 mile loop
Duration: 2 hours for the average hiker; 3 for me
Elevation: 1800-3000
Level: 5 (according to LATH)
I've been on this hike 1.5 times. I say .5 because the first time I did not finish. I was so overwhelmed with the elevation that I decided to try again another day. I got to 1.5 miles and then turned around. I don't like to say that I quit because I rarely call it quits.. but I will say let's try again another day. And that's what I did. I came back two weeks later and completed it. :)
This is a tough hike for the beginner. It's not necessary painful or sore on your legs (if you've been working out) but the elevation brings my heart rate through the roof! I had to stop and catch my breath multiple times. A friendly hiker even stopped and practiced breathing techniques with me... I was a bit embarrassed but she was being helpful so thank you unknown hiker. The reviews say this is a great hike for a beginner. LIES!!! It is a great hike but maybe not the best (check the level) for beginners. When you first start the hike, you can go left towards Burbank Canyon or right towards Cobal Canyon. I like to go right because you get the shady area from the oak trees first while the rest of the hike is in the open. Cobal canyon is also more forgiving on the incline than Burbank. However, I think Burbank canyon is a steep incline for the first 1-2 miles while Cobal has an increasing incline for 3-4 miles. When I lose more weight, I'll try out the Burbank canyon and jog the way down. The last time I went, I hiked up Cobal and then jogged down the last mile.
There were quite a few hikers and bikers there. It was encouraging to see others my size hiking and doing well. I think because I really am a beginner my lungs haven't quite adjusted, but once they do, I'm sure I'll be able to hike this trail with minimal stops.
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