The most-photographed spots in the Inland Empire are popular for a reason. Etiwanda Preserve is gorgeous. Chino Hills State Park is stunning in spring. Victoria Gardens is charming. I shoot at all of them regularly and I love them.
But after years of hiking, scouting, and exploring this region, I've found spots that don't show up on every "best photo locations" list. Places that are just as beautiful — sometimes more so — and where you're not competing with three other photographers and a quinceañera party for the same patch of golden grass.
Lytle Creek and the San Gabriel River foothills
The area along Lytle Creek Road north of Fontana is dramatically beautiful and almost completely overlooked as a photo location. The creek itself, the rocky terrain, and the mountain backdrop create a landscape that feels completely wild — hard to believe it's twenty minutes from central Rancho Cucamonga. Late afternoon light here in fall is extraordinary.
The Jurupa Hills at dusk
The ridgeline above Jurupa Valley offers sweeping views in multiple directions and beautiful open terrain with very little foot traffic. The golden hour light on the hills in October and November is some of the warmest I've seen anywhere in Southern California. It requires a bit of a walk to get to the best spots but it's absolutely worth it.
Cucamonga Peak Trail lower sections
Most people think of Cucamonga Peak as a strenuous all-day hike — and the summit is exactly that. But the lower sections of the trail, accessible from the Icehouse Canyon trailhead, offer beautiful forested canyon scenery within the first mile that almost nobody photographs. Tall pines, a seasonal stream, and dappled light that feels nothing like what you'd expect from the Inland Empire.
The back roads of Redlands
Redlands has a secret — its historic neighborhoods on the hills east of downtown are lined with Victorian homes, mature citrus groves, and tree-canopied streets that look like they belong in a different era. Early morning light here in spring, when the citrus is blooming and the air smells incredible, is magical.
Glen Helen Regional Park quiet sections
Everyone knows Glen Helen as a concert venue. But the park itself — especially the areas away from the amphitheater — has beautiful open meadows, mature trees, and a river that catches incredible light. Midweek sessions here in fall feel completely private and serene.
Carbon Canyon Regional Park redwood grove
There is a grove of coastal redwoods in Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Chino Hills — yes, actual redwoods, towering above a creek — that creates a shooting environment unlike anything else in the Inland Empire. Filtered light, lush green, and a complete sense of otherworldliness just minutes from the 71 freeway.
If any of these appeal to you, mention them when you reach out and we'll build your session around the one that fits your family best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a photo location a "hidden gem"?
A hidden gem is a location that's beautiful and photogenic but not overrun with other photographers and families. You get a more private, authentic experience and photos that don't look like everyone else's.
Is the Carbon Canyon redwood grove really in Chino Hills?
Yes — there is genuinely a grove of coastal redwoods in Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Chino Hills. It's one of the most surprising and beautiful locations in the entire Inland Empire.
Can I suggest my own location?
Absolutely. If you have a spot that means something to your family, I'd love to hear about it. I'm always looking for new locations to scout and shoot.
Do hidden gem locations cost more to shoot at?
Not necessarily. Most of the locations I mentioned are public parks with standard day use fees. The only additional cost would be travel time for locations more than 30 miles away.
Which hidden gem is best for golden hour?
The Jurupa Hills ridgeline is my top pick for golden hour. The light there in October and November is some of the warmest and most beautiful I've found anywhere in Southern California.
Related reading
The best places for family photos in Chino Hills
Where to take family photos in Claremont