CHWP Parking Permits
The City of Claremont encourages all visitors to the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park (CHWP) and Thompson Creek Trail (TCT) to utilize the parking lots available on Mills Avenue and offers several convenient options! Please see below to determine the best option for you. All vehicles parking in the CHWP or TCT lot must purchase parking. Violators will be cited.
Please note that parking in neighborhoods surrounding the CHWP is restricted, and citations will be issued for vehicles in violation of posted regulations.
Hourly Parking
Now accepting tap-to-pay, Apple Pay, and other mobile payment options!
Hourly parking is available in both the CHWP and TCT lots on Mills Ave in 4 or 6-hour increments. Permits can be purchased several ways: at the on-site pay stations, by using the text-to-pay number listed on signs at the lot, via QR code on signs at the lot, or by using the Flowbird App, available in the App Store or Google Play store. All you need is a debit/credit card and license plate! Cash or check is not accepted.
Hourly parking rates are as follows:
| Hours |
Weekdays (Monday - Friday) |
Weekends & Holidays |
| 4 Hours |
$5.00 |
$9.00 |
| 6 Hours |
$6.00 |
$10.00 |
Annual Parking Permit
$170.00 per year
Note: Physical stickers or permits are no longer issued. Your license plate will act as your permit. Please ensure the license plate entered during your purchase is accurate.
Annual Parking Permits allow for a single vehicle to utilize the CHWP or TCT parking lots for 365 days from the date of purchase, saving you time and money! To purchase your annual parking permit, click the link below. It is highly recommended that visitors purchase passes online so they can manage their account. However, permits can also be purchased at the Alexander Hughes Community Center during normal hours of operation.
To create a new parking permit account once you click the link:
- Select "Register New User".
- Enter all requested information, such as name, email, phone number, and create a password. Failure to enter all contact information may result in your permit being invalid.
- Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Select "Register".
- Verify your email address.
- Return to the portal and login.
- Click the "Apply for Permit" button and follow the prompts.
Annual parking permits are valid 365 days from the time of purchase. You will receive an automatic renewal reminder before expiration, and you may opt to have your purchase automatically renew. Permits are valid for a single vehicle. In the event you have a rental vehicle or purchase a new vehicle, you may change the license plate assigned to the permit a maximum of 2 times by logging into the portal. If you have more than 2 changes, you will need to purchase another permit. Permits are non-refundable and are not pro-rated for any reason. All purchases are final. Annual permits are not valid when the CHWP has been closed due to hazardous conditions. There is no need to visit an on-site parking meter after purchasing.
Resident Parking
Claremont residents receive 6 hours of free parking in the TCT lot per day with valid driver's license.
The City of Claremont offers 6 hours of FREE parking to all Claremont residents in the Thompson Creek Trail lot (or South lot) on the corner of Mt. Baldy Rd. and Mills Ave. Residents must possess a valid California diver's license with a Claremont address listed. It is a misdemeanor under CMC 10.69.090 to obtain resident parking under false pretenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the system work?
Residents will utilize the meter at the TCT parking lot and follow the prompts to scan their license, then enter their license plate number. Park Rangers will be able to view which plates have valid permits. Residents receive free parking in the south lot/TCT parking lot only.
Do I need to apply online or in-person to obtain free resident parking?
No – simply follow the onscreen prompts, scan your driver's license, and enter your license plate number any time your visit. It's as easy as that!
What are the benefits of the new system?
With this change, residents are no longer limited to 2 permits per household. Purchase a new car or have a rental? No problem – your ID is all you need to park. Plus, residents no longer need to apply in-person to receive this benefit.
What if my driver's license has my old address?
California Vehicle Code section 14600(a) requires that you notify the DMV within 10 days of moving to a new address. Addresses can be updated through the DMV's website or at a DMV office. Once your address has been updated, you can request a new license be mailed to you through the DMV.
What if I prefer to purchase an Annual Parking Permit for use in the northern lot?
Those who wish to purchase an annual permit will be able to do so online through the permit portal on our website using their license plate number. Annual Permits are $170 and will be valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
For additional information, contact the Recreation & Human Services Department at (909) 399-5490 or email parks@claremontca.gov.
Disabled and Veterans Parking
Vehicles displaying handicap placards or license plates may park free of charge. There is no need to purchase a permit or enter your license plate information.
Veterans with designated plates license plates may park free of charge. A veteran's license plate is defined as a valid license plate issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, pursuant to Cal. Veh. Code §§ 5101.3, 5101.4 5101.5, 5101.6 and 5101.8, which provides for the issuance of license plates to Medal of Honor recipients, Legion of Valor recipients, Purple Heart recipients, Pearl Harbor survivors, and former American prisoners of war, and such other plates issued by another state that indicate a similar status. There is no need to enter your license plate information.
Claremont Colleges Student Parking
Students attending the Claremont Colleges who reside on campus and possess a vehicle are eligible for free parking in the TCT/South lot. To obtain a parking permit, the student must visit the Alexander Hughes Community Center during normal operating hours in the vehicle which they wish to register, complete an application, and provide copies of the following documents:
- Claremont Colleges student identification card
- Proof of enrollment for the current semester
- Proof of residency on campus (housing agreement)
- Valid driver's license
Applications and documentation will be reviewed by staff. The student will be notified within seven business days regarding their application status. Parking permits are not valid until the student is notified.
Students who do not reside on campus but live in the City of Claremont must utilize the resident parking procedure described above. Faculty are not eligible for free parking unless they are a Claremont resident, in which case the instructions above for resident parking should be utilized.