About 19 miles of hiking, equestrian, and multi-use trails within the city limits give Glendora a clear focus on outdoor activities. Historic sites and collections such as Rubel Castle, the Glendora Museum, and Centennial Heritage Park add to the appeal. As you plan your trip, you can decide whether to set aside time for the trails, local history, or both. Scheduling also varies by activity.

Trails and access points

The roughly 19 miles include hiking trails, equestrian trails, and multi-use trails. The different trail types offer an initial guide to the kind of activity you may want to prioritize. There are two described access points for the South Hills Wilderness Area: via South Hills Park on Mauna Loa Avenue or beneath the 210 Freeway at Bonnie Cove. Parking is available at both access points, and both provide access to the trailheads.

Group hikes add another option: The Glendora Trails Council organizes them throughout the year in the Big Dalton and South Hills Wilderness Areas. This is a different format from planning a visit to a single trail, and may appeal to travelers who would also like to experience Glendora on a group hike.

Rubel Castle and local history

Rubel Castle is a hand-built folk art structure and historic site. Towers, salvaged objects, and stonework shape the place; local legends are also part of its character. Rubel Castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A limited number of tours led by volunteer docents are offered each month. Booking in advance is strongly recommended; check which tour dates are available when planning.

The Glendora Museum’s collection includes a diverse mix of oral histories and artifacts spanning more than a thousand years. This gives it a different focus from Rubel Castle’s architectural and craft details: the collection brings together narrated memories and tangible objects from a long period of time.

Centennial Heritage Park includes the Hamilton House and the Orton-Englehart Workshop. The City of Glendora and the Glendora Preservation Foundation also host events there, including the Annual Pumpkin Festival. Event dates may vary, so check the date for your travel year before making plans.

Another point of reference in Glendora’s history is the Glendora Bougainvillea. Early citrus growers R. H. Hamlins planted it in 1901. The bougainvillea is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Another activity at Finkbiner Park

Glendora Skate Park at Finkbiner Park is free and open to skaters of all ages. For those looking for a different activity alongside hiking and multi-use trails, it offers another way to spend time in Glendora. Check current opening hours before visiting, as they may change.

For a stay with fixed dates, the planning considerations differ: at Rubel Castle, the limited number of monthly tours and the recommendation to book in advance matter; for the Pumpkin Festival, check the event date; and for the skate park, check current opening hours. This can help you decide whether to plan a tour, a scheduled event, or an activity in the park.

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