The stream flows southwest through San Antonio Canyon and past Mount Baldy Village, then south, winding through the Angeles National Forest.

It flows south through a concrete flood control channel, passing through the several cities of the Pomona Valley, including Claremont, Montclair, and Chino.

The creek's upper canyon was the site of some of the heaviest gold mining activity in the San Gabriels during the mid-19th century.

When the gold deposits petered out, the streambanks played host to various mountain resort camps beginning in the early 20th century.

Also around this time, canals were built from the mouth of San Antonio Canyon to irrigate farms in the creek's wide floodplain.