Sunset from the exit of Galster Wilderness Park in West Covina

Outdoors

Hiking near West Covina

National forests, parks, lakes and recreation areas with hiking trails near West Covina, closest first.

Good to know: Carry more water than you think you need, check the managing agency’s page for trail closures and fire restrictions, and start early on hot days.

Within 30 miles (16)

8 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service

Angeles National Forest

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
  • Hiking
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback riding
  • Off-highway vehicles
  • Picnicking

12 mi south · US Army Corps of Engineers

Brea Dam

The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
  • Picnicking

12 mi southeast · US Army Corps of Engineers

Carbon Canyon Dam

Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.

  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing

18 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Coulter Group Campground

Nestled within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Coulter Group Campground offers a secluded forest setting ideal for family reunions, youth groups, scout troops, and other organized gatherings.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking

18 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Meadow Group Campground

Meadow Group Campground is located off State Highway 2 between the Manzanita Loop of the Chilao Campground and the Chilao Ranger Station, 26 miles north of the 210 Freeway in La Canada, California.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Ranger programs
  • Wildlife viewing

19 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Bandido Group Campground

Located along Santa Clara Divide Road in the Angeles National Forest, Bandido Group Campground sits among fragrant Jeffrey pines in the upper montane zone of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Mountain Biking

19 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake is open, however, campsites are no longer available for reservation on Recreation.gov. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking

19 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Deer Group Camp

Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Water sports

22 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Jackson Flats

Jackson Flats is a group camping facility located next to beautiful Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, which holds numerous nature programs, hikes and activities on Saturdays during the summer.

  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Hiking

25 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Appletree Campground

Nestled in a scenic canyon just off the Big Pines Highway, Apple Tree provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking

25 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Lake Campground

Lake Campground offers an excellent escape from the city, just a short drive northeast of the Los Angeles metro area.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking

25 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Lightning Point Group Campground

Lightning Point Campground sits at an elevation of 6,100 feet, about 25 miles southeast of Palmdale and roughly 35 miles north of the San Fernando Valley.

  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback riding
  • Mountain Biking

26 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Mountain Oak

Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking

26 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Peavine Campground

Just northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, Peavine provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking

26 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Table Mountain (Angeles)

Table Mountain, just a short journey northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, provides a beautiful escape from urban life. Campers will find hiking, mountain biking, birding and countless other recreation opportunities.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Scenic Drive
  • Wildlife viewing

29 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers

Hansen Dam

The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.

  • Boating
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Picnicking
  • Water sports
  • Wildlife viewing

30 to 75 miles (12)

39 mi east · USDA Forest Service

San Bernardino National Forest

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting

43 mi east · National Park Service

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities. It follows the historic route of the 1775-76 Spanish colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, CA.

  • Hiking
  • History
  • Horseback riding

44 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

El Mirage OHV Area

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Off-highway vehicles

44 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers

Mojave River Dam

San Bernardino County Parks manages this project in the high desert wilderness at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains. No permanent pool, but camping and picnicking facilities are available. Access to the Pacific Crest Trail.

  • Hiking

48 mi west · National Park Service

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding

49 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

Juniper Flats

Juniper Flats covers 101,272 acres of mixed public and private lands. Located between the Mojave Desert and the forests of the San Bernardino Mountains, Juniper Flats hosts a unique mixture of plants from both environments.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting
  • Nature education
  • Off-highway vehicles
  • Photography

68 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness

The Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 33,610 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.

  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Photography
  • Wilderness
  • Wildlife viewing

74 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

Barstow

The Ord Mountain Route Network is south of Barstow and links the Stoddard Valley and Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Areas, also known as Open Areas. Travel within the network is limited to posted open routes.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting
  • Nature education
  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing

74 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

Johnson Valley OHV Area

Click here for the latest information concerning upcoming military training and closures of the Shared Use Area. Overview Johnson Valley is a varied landscape for the off-highway vehicle driver.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting
  • Photography
  • Recreational Vehicles
  • Wildlife viewing

75 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

Harper Dry Lake

Harper Lake Subregion covers nearly 115,000 acres of mixed public and private lands.

  • Hiking
  • Nature education
  • Photography
  • Ranger programs
  • Wildlife viewing

75 mi east · Bureau of Land Management

San Gorgonio Wilderness

This wilderness is part of the eastern slope of the San Bernardino Mountains with topography rapidly changing from low, rolling foothills and canyons to steep, rugged mountains. Elevations range from 2,300 to 5,500 feet.

  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting
  • Photography
  • Wilderness
  • Wildlife viewing

75 mi east · Bureau of Land Management

Sand to Snow National Monument

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

  • Accessible Swimming
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Winter sports

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown West Covina. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

More outdoors near West Covina

Questions

Where is the closest place for hiking near West Covina?

Angeles National Forest (USDA Forest Service), about 8 miles northwest of West Covina as the crow flies. Next are Brea Dam (12 mi) and Carbon Canyon Dam (12 mi).

When is the best time for hiking near West Covina?

Based on West Covina’s average highs, October–June. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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