🥔⛰️ SPUDTACULAR SUMMIT STAMPEDE — POTATO MOUNTAIN MASH-UP!!! ⛰️🥾🎉
DATE: Sunday, April 20, 2025
TIME: 8:00 AM Meet-Up — HIKE STARTS PROMPTLY AT 8:15 AM
MEETUP LOCATION: POTATO MOUNTAIN TRAILHEAD PARKING, Claremont, California
📍 Coordinates: 34.16335° N, 117.68247° W
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TRAIL DETAILS:
🥾 Distance: 4.3 miles (Out & Back)
⏱️ Estimated Duration: 2 hours 27 minutes
📈 Elevation Gain: 1,145 ft
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate
🔁 Type: Out and Back
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HIKE OVERVIEW:
We’ll kick off with a steady incline up a wide, dirt fire road that winds through the scenic foothills of Claremont. Expect exposed stretches, pockets of shade, sweeping valley views, and a few heart-pumping sections to keep things interesting. This trail is well-trafficked and usually buzzing with hikers, runners, and furry trail buddies.
The path is non-technical and beginner-friendly, though the elevation gain will give you a solid workout. Along the way, you might spot wildflowers, birds, and even a painted rock or two.
At the summit, you’ll reach the quirky and beloved Potato Shrine — where hikers leave decorated potatoes to mark the occasion. Yes, it’s as fun and weird as it sounds, and yes, we fully encourage you to bring your own artistic spud! The top also offers fantastic panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains, Inland Empire, and beyond — totally worth the climb.
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IMPORTANT TRAIL ACCESS NOTE:
🚧 Some GPS apps may incorrectly show the trail or road access as closed. This is a common glitch. According to AllTrails and many recent hiker reports, the trail is very much open, with no official closures. Trust the signs and the fellow hikers — the Potato path awaits!
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REMINDERS:
🚗 PARKING IS LIMITED — please plan to arrive early to find a spot. Weekends are busy, and there is no overflow lot nearby.
🧢 Pack plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks. Hiking poles optional. Bonus points if you bring a decorated potato to leave at the summit!
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DISCLAIMER & LIABILITY NOTICE:
By participating in this hike, you agree that you are fully responsible for your own safety and the safety of any guests you bring. This is a casual, community-organized group hike. Patrick Chun, the organizer of Happy Feet Hikers, is a volunteer, not a paid or professional guide.
By attending, you acknowledge and agree to waive all liability and hold harmless Patrick Chun and Happy Feet Hikers from any injury, loss, accident, or incident that may occur before, during, or after the hike — whether to you or any of your guests. Please know your limits, stay aware of your surroundings, and hike responsibly.
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Join us for a fun-filled, quirky, and energizing morning on one of SoCal’s most unique peaks! Let’s sweat, laugh, and summit with style — potato style.
THIS IS GOING TO BE AN ECSTATIC AND EXCITING ADVENTURE!!!
🥔⛰️ LET’S MASH THAT MOUNTAIN!!! ⛰️🥔