The best walks and hikes around East Whittier

Yes, there are over 30 marked hiking routes to explore around East Whittier. The trails range from easy, paved greenways to challenging climbs in the Puente Hills, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels.

For a gentle and family-friendly experience, the Laguna Lake loop via Bud Turner Trail is an excellent choice. It's a short, relatively flat walk around the lake. Another great option is the Arroyo Pescadero Trail, which features the level Bob Henderson loop trail, ideal for all ages and known for its restored habitat and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Many trails in the area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep them on a leash. Murphy Ranch Park is a popular spot for local dog owners, offering a pleasant loop with some shade. Remember to bring water for your pet, as the trails can be exposed to the sun.

The trails within the Puente Hills Preserve offer the best panoramic views. Hikes in Turnbull Canyon and Hellman Park provide rewarding vistas that can stretch from the San Gabriel Mountains to the downtown Los Angeles skyline on a clear day. The higher points at Murphy Ranch Park also offer scenic views of the city and Orange County.

The best times to hike are during the cooler months from fall through spring. Winter and spring are particularly pleasant, with greener hillsides and the possibility of seeing wildflowers, especially after rain. Summer can be very hot, so if you hike then, it's best to go early in the morning and bring plenty of water.

Yes, the Whittier Greenway Trail is a 7.3-mile paved path perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling. It follows a former railroad corridor, providing a flat and accessible greenbelt through the city. For a shorter paved walk, the Juanita Cooke Trail to Hiltscher Park Trail offers a pleasant 3.2-mile route.

Turnbull Canyon is a very popular hiking area known for its challenging climbs and expansive views. The main loop is about 4 miles long and includes some steep sections that provide a good workout. Due to its popularity, it can be busy, especially on weekends. The landscape is mostly exposed coastal sage scrub, so sun protection is essential.

The difficulty varies. You can find everything from easy, relatively flat trails in areas like Arroyo Pescadero to more strenuous routes with significant elevation gain. For a moderate challenge with varied paths, the Nora Kuttner Trail, Castlewood Trail and Rosecrans Trail loop is a great option. The most demanding hikes, like the long Laguna Lake, Brea Creek, & Hiltscher Park loop, are best for experienced hikers.

Parking availability varies by location. The Arroyo Pescadero Trailhead has a dedicated parking lot, but it can fill up. Trailheads like Hellman Park and Sycamore Canyon have very limited parking, so you may need to find street parking in the nearby residential areas. Always check for parking restriction signs.

The area is well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the accessibility of the trails and the stunning panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin available from the ridges of the Puente Hills. The variety, from serene canyon walks to heart-pumping climbs, is another frequently mentioned highlight.

Yes, many of the trails are suitable for running. The Whittier Greenway Trail is a great option for a long, flat run on a paved surface. For those who prefer dirt trails, the rolling hills of the Puente Hills Preserve, including areas like Turnbull Canyon and Hellman Park, are popular spots for trail runners seeking more of a challenge.

The natural areas, particularly the Puente Hills Preserve, support a variety of wildlife. It's common to see rabbits, lizards, and coyotes. The area is also excellent for birdwatching, and you might spot the California gnatcatcher, a federally threatened species that lives in the coastal sage scrub habitat.