The park is named after Hulda Crooks, a local resident who climbed Mount Whitney 23 times, with her final summit occurring at age 91.
The park acts as the gateway to the South Hills, a network of protected trails covering several hundred acres.
The terrain within and surrounding the park features significant elevation gain, providing a challenging workout for hikers.
The park was established in the 1990s as part of the city's commitment to preserving the South Hills environment.
During clear weather, the park offers unobstructed views reaching as far as the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountain ranges.
Hulda Crooks Park is a prominent recreational space located in Loma Linda, California, named in honor of the celebrated 'Grandma Moses of the Mountains' who summited Mount Whitney at age 91. The 19-acre facility serves as a major hub for outdoor activity, featuring a children's playground, basketball court, and tennis courts. The park serves as a primary trailhead for the South Hills trail system, which offers expansive views of the San Bernardino Valley. The landscape is characterized by rolling terrain and native scrub vegetation typical of the inland Southern California foothills. It includes dedicated picnic pavilions equipped with shade structures and barbeque facilities. The park's elevation provides a distinct vantage point for sunset viewing across the valley. It is a frequent starting point for hikers and mountain bikers accessing the surrounding South Hills preserve. The area is maintained by the City of Loma Linda and remains a central public venue for local athletic events.
The elevated ridgeline trails accessible from the park's eastern boundary, offering panoramic views of the valley floor.
Bring extra water and sun protection as the park has minimal shade outside of the picnic pavilions.
Visit during the early morning or late evening to avoid the intense midday heat characteristic of the Inland Empire.
Check the local city trail map before starting your hike to ensure you are on the intended South Hills loop.
Attempting steep trail loops during the heat of the afternoon without adequate hydration.
Leash laws are strictly enforced for dogs, and visitors are required to pack out all trash to preserve the wildlife habitat.
