Jonathan Smith
Staff Writer

Though seen as a quiet little town, La Verne holds the key to ravishing mountains, glistening beaches and challenging hiking trails.

La Verne sits in an area where students can venture out and in a matter of minutes can be in a world that differs from everyday city life.

While there seems to be an endless list of exciting adventures students can participate in, Mt. Baldy seems to be a good place for excitement.

La Verne resident Tom Kerrins-Torres has enjoyed Mt. Baldy since he moved here from Northern California in 2004. A horticulturalist at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens, Kerrins-Torres is a frequent Mt. Baldy hiker.

“I really like the Icehouse Trail,” Kerrins-Torres said.“I also like to hike up to the top San Antonio Falls.”

Kerrins-Torres said that he enjoys the rules of national parks more than state parks. He added that the mountain offers amazing views and trails within a reasonable distance.

“The nice thing about Mt. Baldy is that it’s so close,” Kerrins-Torres said. “I can sleep in my own bed.”

He enjoys hiking not as a hobby or exercise, but for a deeper meaning.

“I want to feel a connection to something greater than myself,” Kerrins-Torres said.

Mt. Baldy resident Mendy Cox knows a lot about the area. Cox is the office manager at the Mt. Baldy Ski Resort. Cox explained that things that set Mt. Baldy apart from other mountain areas are its history and traditions.

“It’s like taking a trip back into time,” Cox said. “It’s nice to come up and see some of the history.”

The ski resort has been around for more than 50 years. Cox, who been with the resort for 20 years, sees the resort as a place to go to relax.

“You can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city,” Cox said.

Cox said that the resort does not have the same feel as other resorts such as Mammoth, because it was designed to keep the hometown feel the resort gives.

“People love nostalgia,” Cox said.

Because of the location, visitors are able to enjoy other parts of California in the same day.

“People come in the morning and ski then go to beach later on and surf,” Cox said. “You really can’t do that with other ski resorts.”

Here are some spots to quench your thirst for adventure:

Mountain High Resort

No need to travel hours to places like Mammoth and Big Bear when you have this winter snow resort about 40 minutes away. It is closer and cheaper than most resorts.

San Gabriel Valley Bike Trail

If you have the need for a 10-speed, take Arrow Highway to this bike trail that runs all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The bike trail starts in Irwindale and heads out to Long Beach. Running parallel with the 605 freeway, the trail passes several cities along the way. If you get tired, there are plenty of restaurants and shops where you can visit along the way.

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park

In the hills of San Dimas, the park’s main feature is Puddingstone Lake, a 250-acre body of water that is located in the center of the park. The lake is great for swimming, water skiing and wind surfing. For fishing enthusiasts, the lake is filled with various fish. Visitors can bring or rent jet skis and boats at the park. There are also spaces reserved for vehicle camping.

Huntington Beach

Enjoy your fun in the sun visiting this popular Southern California destination spot. About 40 minutes south of La Verne, travelers will find it easy to pack up beach umbrellas and sun tan lotion and head down. Do not forget your surfboards!

Joshua Tree National Park

About 100 miles east of Los Angeles lies this famous national park that offers the desert heat and dry breeze like no other place. The park is filled with a variety of plants and animals, but the real entertainment happens at night when the sky displays a plentiful display of stars that light up the dark sky.

Planes of Fame Air Museum

This non-profit aviation museum takes you back to a different time. Each year the museum puts on an annual air show in the spring, which showcases planes from different eras. General admission is $11.

Jonathan Smith can be reached at jonathan.smith@laverne.edu.