On the trail: Michael D Antonovich Trail

I wasn't one hundred percent sure whether or not I felt like posting about this trail, because even though we had a pleasant evening, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as a top pick for hiking in my area. But after thinking about it for a bit, I figured that not loving a hike is just as relevant to potential future hikers! So, here's a quick review of the Michael D Antonovich Trail!

Location: San Dimas
Length: 5ish mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: There's a small lot off of San Dimas Ave
Fee: None
Caution: Poison oak! 


First of all, if you're like me you are wondering who the hell is Michael D Antonovich, and why did they have to use his entire name? Michael D Antonovich is some old white politician (member of the LA County Board of Supervisors) and he is still alive. Why they used the entire name, I do not know. Weird start, I know.

So the trail head is at this little pull out on San Dimas Ave, right by the freeway. There is a pretty nice view (see above) facing out toward the trail, but behind you is the freeway, which makes it feel not very serene. There was also a lot of broken glass in the parking area. The trail itself begins with a bit of a steep ascent, after which it gets a little more quiet and it begins to feel somewhat hike-like.

The nice thing about this hike is that it varies quite a bit — there are more forested parts, there many stream crossings, and there is that nice initial view, and there are some open meadow-like parts as well, with little wildflowers and lot's of good grass for eating. 

Gross.

However, several parts of the stream are rather stagnant and pretty gross looking. If you normally let your dog off leash I would not recommend it on this trail for that reason, and for one other big reason — poison oak! There is lot's of it! I had to watch Koa pretty carefully because she likes to get in the bushes and sniff and nibble at random foliage, but there were many places where the trail was basically lined with poison oak. Dogs can occasionally react to poison oak (not that common, but I've seen it!) but the main thing you have to worry about are the oak oils getting on your own skin later, so if your dog has been tromping through the foliage in this area, I recommend rinsing with Tecnu when you get home.
The other small gripe I had with this trail was that there were a few places where I felt like nature was interrupted — places where big fences with No Trespassing signs popped up, one point where you have to cross a road and pass by this big security gate and through another parking lot, a few places with graffiti, etc. It felt a little bit more like a recreational city park than a wilderness park, as I encountered teenagers smoking pot, young couples hanging out, a photographer taking photos of a little girl dressed as a princess...

All in all, we definitely enjoyed our evening, and Koa was very excited to see a plethora of rambunctious squirrels and splashing ducks, but it probably won't be our new go-to destination.