20 Minutes to Adventure: My Favorite RC "Hidden Gems"

They say home is where the heart is, but if you live in Rancho Cucamonga, home is also where the adventure is. One of the things I love most about being born and raised here is that we are perfectly positioned. We’re close enough to the city for convenience, but we have the rugged beauty of the foothills literally in our backyard.

As a mom and a wife, I’m always looking for ways to get my family out of the house and away from screens. We are big on "micro-adventures"—those trips that take less than 20 minutes to reach but make you feel like you’ve traveled miles away. If you’re looking to spice up your weekend without spending the whole day in the car, here are my top local "hidden gems" that every RC resident should have on their radar:

1. The "Early Bird" Trek to Etiwanda Falls

Most people know the North Etiwanda Preserve, but the real adventure is making it all the way to the falls. It’s about a 3.4-mile round trip, and while it’s a bit of a workout (uphill most of the way!), the reward is a shaded, leafy oasis and a seasonal waterfall that feels like a secret sanctuary.

• The Local Pro-Tip: Since I’m a baseball mom used to early wake-up calls, I recommend getting to the trailhead by 6:30 AM. Not only will you snag a parking spot in the lot (don't park on the street—the tickets are no joke!), but you’ll beat the heat and the crowds.

  
  

2. A Trip Back in Time at the Maloof Foundation

Tucked away in the Alta Loma foothills is the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts. This place is a local treasure that many people drive right past! The hand-built home and woodshop are stunning, but for families, the discovery gardens are the real draw. It’s a peaceful place to wander, learn about native plants, and let the kids see a different, more artistic side of our city's history.

3. The "Flavor Adventure" at Haven City Market

When we want an adventure that involves our taste buds, we head to Haven City Market. It’s our version of a modern town square. I love it because I can grab a craft coffee or a glass of wine, my son can get his favorite sliders, and we can all sit out on the patio.

• The 2026 Update: Keep an eye on their community calendar! From evening movie nights to seasonal pop-up markets, there’s almost always something happening that brings the neighborhood together.

  
  

4. Sunset Views at Red Hill Park

It might seem simple, but have you ever walked the "top" loop of Red Hill Park right as the sun is setting? The way the light hits the San Gabriel mountains and turns them a deep purple-pink (what locals call the "Alpenglow") is absolutely breathtaking. It’s the perfect spot for a family "reset" walk after a long day of school and work.

Adventure is a Lifestyle

When I work with buyers moving into the area, I always tell them: you aren't just buying four walls and a roof. You’re buying access to these trails, these views, and this community. Whether we’re exploring the foothills or cheering at a game at LoanMart Field, there is an energy here that you just won't find anywhere else.

Our city is growing, but it hasn’t lost its adventurous spirit. So, the next time you feel that "itch" for a getaway, remember that some of the best views in Southern California are just a short drive up Etiwanda Avenue.

Hey Inland Empire, I’m Candice Newman! I’ve had the incredible fortune of being born and raised in this amazing community, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I currently live in Alta Loma with my husband, Jonathan, our son, Trevor, and our dog, Ruger! I’m a real estate agent with a passion for finding new places to explore in the Foothill Communities. When I'm not selling homes, you can find me cheering my son on at his baseball games, exercising, spending time in our local mountains, heading to the lake, cooking, or watching the Dodgers slay the Giants (I was born and raised an Angels fan, but the Dodgers have taken over the household!). I'll never have enough Mexican food and Italian food in my life. I’m looking forward to connecting with you soon! See you around town! Candice.Newman.Realty@gmail.com | (909) 367-3280 DRE: 01924842