A Local Playground For Your Glendora CDJR Jeep

Glendora Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership partners with local travel writer Ashlee Polarek who takes the all-new Jeep Wrangler out to local spots to find new adventures in a great vehicle.
One of the amazing things about Glendora Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is its close proximity to the mountains and the beautiful Azusa Canyon. Glendora CDJR has been family owned and a huge part of the local community for years now. The community that Glendora CDJR has created extends beyond just the car buying process. If you’ve been a member of the Glendora CDJR family for a long time or if you’ve just purchased a vehicle, you can find adventure and excitement only a few miles away from the dealership perfect for enjoying your off-roading vehicle. All trail-rated 2019 Jeep Wranglers come with amazing off-roading capabilities like water fording, unmatched maneuverability and articulation, ground clearance, and outstanding traction. They are perfect for spending the day playing in the canyon.

Grab your Jeep Wrangler, load up your loved ones, and head to the mountains for an exciting day of connecting with nature. If you can’t decide on what to do, here are five great ways to get out and play with your Jeep in our local mountains.

Go Off-Road

Load up your Jeep and head to the San Gabriel Canyon OHV (Off-highway Vehicle) area. For eight dollars, adventurists can explore over 160 acres of the rocky, sandy river bottom and on weekends an obstacle course. When the San Gabriel River is flowing, expect to play in the mud and climb over rocks and hills with your Jeep. The ability to ford water (under 30 inches) makes it easy to play without reservation in your new Jeep. Climb rocks like a pro, the axle articulation in the new Jeep easily keeps your tires on the ground as you climb over rocks and logs and whatever else you may encounter along the way.  

Another option is the Rincon Shortcut OHV Trail: an off-roading trail for four-wheel-drive vehicles. The 24-mile scenic drive is free to enjoy and traverse. The trail is simple, but perfect for a nice drive in the Jeep. As you wind through the mountains, you’ll feel safe and secure in your Jeep, whether it is new or used. Turn on a dime and feel a connection to the ground with the Jeep’s traction control and maneuverability. Drivers must have a permit in order to use the trail, however, permits are free and easy to obtain at the OHV area on weekend or at the San Gabriel River Ranger District building. The beautiful shelf-trail is surrounded by local wild and plant life; drivers and passengers enjoy sweeping vistas of the canyon and even glimpses of the Los Angeles Skyline. This is a fairly simple trail that’s great for someone new to off-roading. The full-time system on the Wrangler makes any beginner feel comfortable as they traverse the path. The Selec-Trac 4X4 system will automatically switch between 2WD and 4WD when in full-time mode, making driving off-road a breeze for the first-timer. Face snow, rocks, and mud without a worry.

Picnic in the Park

Enjoy an afternoon lunch at the Oaks Picnic Area. While the Wrangler is ready to handle outdoor adventure, the interior is great for families too. The spacious interior provides room for all your picnic needs. Along East Fork Road, you’ll find the shady and spacious, Oaks Picnic Area. This picnic spot has several tables, barbecues and parking: everything you’ll need for a meal outside. Leave your Jeep on the dirt pullout across from the picnic area where you’ll be able to keep an eye on your beautiful ride and enjoy lunch under the thick canopy of pine trees. Enjoy the warm summer breeze as it filters through the trees and the smell of the pine and sage that surrounds you. 

Swim in the River

Park on the dirt “lot” at the Oaks Picnic Area, off East Fork Road and descend the steep cliffside to the San Gabriel River below. Put on your bathing suits and floaties and relax in the cool river waters. Easily crowded on weekends, it is best to head up early and find a spot to enjoy the river. Beginning at the Oaks Picnic Area and all the way up to the Bridge to Nowhere Trailhead, you’ll find families and groups of people enjoying the cooling waters. Remember DON’T pollute the waterways, pick up your trash, and do not build dams.  

Hike:

Bridge to Nowhere: This moderate 10-mile out-and-back trail features several river crossings and 900 feet of elevation gain. During wet months, the river can easily reach the thigh or waist of those crossing so it’s important that you wear good shoes and you are a strong swimmer and hiker. Sign up to bungee jump off the bridge at the midpoint of the hike or watch your friends as they plunge 120 feet down towards the riverbed and soar back up to the bridge. For an easier hike take on the 14.5-mile West Fork National Scenic Bikeway. This paved out-and-back trail is great for all skill levels and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Enjoy birdwatching and plant life as you explore. 

Camp:

Load up the Wrangler and head out for a weekend in the great outdoors. There are a few great spots for a weekend camping trip in the San Gabriel Mountains and Azusa Canyon including Coldbrook Campground, Crystal Lake Campground, and Camp Williams Resort.  Camp Williams Resort has riverfront tenting sites, showers and clean restrooms, RV hookups, and a hobbit cabin. Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the on-site cafe or grab snacks from the general store.  

Crystal Lake Campground is open year-round and sites are first-come-first-served, and a cafe is also on site. Hike one mile from the campground to Crystal Lake itself.  

Coldbrook Campground has 22 shaded sites located at the intersection of two rivers. Each campsite has a fire pit and grill and is reserved on a first-come-first-serve. There are picnic tables on the grounds though they are not at every campsite. Pack everything you need in the back of your customizable Jeep. With a spacious cargo area tents, sleeping bags and ice chests fit with ease. Pack valuables in the hidden storage area and lockable glove box and center console. When the weekend’s over, wash out the interior of your 2019 Jeep Wrangler, just remove the carpet and let the water drain out with the one-way floor drain valves. Perfect for a dusty campout or messy kids. 

The Wrangler is the perfect addition to any outdoor lover’s collection. With unmatched off-roading capabilities and luxurious and spacious interior is great for the adventurous off-roading champion, families looking for a weekend getaway and the newly indicated Jeep family members ready to start their first Jeep adventures. Join the Glendora CDJR family with the perfect Jeep Wrangler.