Whittier, CA is an amazing place to go hiking. Located in Los Angeles County, it’s a great place for a weekend getaway or a day trip if you live in LA. Keep reading for some of my favorite Whittier hiking trails!
Whittier, California
Whittier is a beautiful city in the Southern part of California. Its precise location is in Los Angeles County, and it’s one of the Gateway Cities. The city got its name from John Greenleaf Whittier, a Quaker poet. The city is famous for inhabiting Whittier college. The landmass of this city spans 14.7 square miles. The Quakers established Whittier in 1887.
You may be curious at this point – what’s the fuss about Whittier? Whittier is one of the more low-key cities in the LA area. But if you look at a map, it’s actually surrounded by a ton of hiking and biking destinations. There are many parks, hills, mountains and peaks nearby.
More than 1,700 acres of land in Whittier are used as trails for hiking and biking. So, if you’re a hiker or biker, Whittier is absolutely the place to be. These trails range in elevation gain, topography, navigation difficulty, and distance.
Note that this is not the Whittier in Alaska that some people travel to! There are other state parks and national parks near Whittier, Alaska in North America.
When is the Best Time to Visit Whittier?
When is the best time to visit Whittier, CA? Because of its location in LA and southern California, the best time to visit Whittier is year-round!
In the summer, you will have hotter but more manageable temperatures. You will just need to take a few precautions because of the summer heat as it can get up to 90 degrees – but it’s nothing like Phoenix or Las Vegas which are consistently above 100 degrees. The most important thing in the summer is to stay hydrated and get plenty of heat protection like a hat and SPF. You can keep reading in my Gear Recommendations below to make sure you are prepared for the summer heat hiking in Whittier!
In the winter, when the rest of the country is snowing, rainy, or both – Whittier, CA will have nice temperate weather around 60 degrees. This makes it very relaxing and a good way to spend the winter. The fall and spring times in Whittier are great weather periods as well.
There are so many hiking trails in Whittier, and choosing the trail to hike can be a bit tricky. I’ve listed below some of the best hiking trails near Whittier. So what are the top Whittier hiking trails?
Top Whittier Hiking Trails
So, what are the best hikes in Whittier? Keep reading below!
1. Whittier Greenway Trail
4.5 miles | Dog Friendly
Whittier Greenway Trail is one of the easiest trails in Whittier, and we recommend it for those new to hiking. It’s a biking/hiking/running pedestrian path that opened in 2009. One of the most amazing things about this trail is that it can be used for both hiking and biking. The best time to navigate this trail is any time of day. It will be more popular on the weekends since it is such an easy hiking and walking path. Many families come out on the weekends to enjoy this Whittier hiking trail.
The Whittier Greenway Trail is paved with partial barriers which range between 4-8 feet in width. The topography of this trail makes it easy to complete for beginners. It’s so easy that parents can hike on this trail with their little kids. You can even stroll on this trail with a stroller. This trail also has picnic tables and benches that you can use to eat and catch your breath.
2. Turnbull Canyon, Rattlesnake Ridge, and Sumac Trail Loop
4.2 miles | 748 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
This is arguably one of the most popular hiking trails in Whittier. Turnbull Canyon, Rattlesnake Ridge, and Sumac Trail Loop in Puente Hills Preserve is a moderately difficult loop in Hellmann Wilderness Park that links these three popular trails. Rattlesnake Ridge Trail is one of the tougher Whittier hiking trails, but this loop only has you on Rattlesnake Ridge Trail for a tiny bit.
The trail in itself isn’t so great because it’s mostly a wide dirt road, and the view that comes with it is amazing. The trail can be filled with sharp rocky routes and some parts are overgrown with weeds. However, this is a beautiful loop for those looking for a nice view of the surrounding area. One of the highlights of this trail is its creek which is bordered by many Sycamore trees. Other amazing features include sage-covered slopes and steep drainages.
The best time of the year for navigating this trail is during the cooler seasons because it is quite exposed for most of the hike. Dogs are allowed on this trail as well. Please remember to pick up after your dog so others can enjoy the trail without poop bags and poop everywhere!
3. Sycamore Canyon Trail
3.3 miles | 311 ft elevation gain | No Dogs Allowed
The Sycamore Canyon Trail in Puente Hills Preserve is a fairly moderate hike at a little over 3 miles. Although you will go through some elevation, there are a few switchbacks and hills where you can take a short break. Along the trail, you’ll also see several picnic spots, which makes it an ideal hiking location for families or groups of friends.
This trail perfectly combines modern conveniences with the rustic appeal of nature. This is a good option in Puente Hills Preserve if you are looking for something shorter than Turnbull Canyon, but also as beautiful and quiet.
Unfortunately, Sycamore Canyon Trail is one of the Whittier hiking trails that does not allow dogs, so you will need to keep your pup at home.
4. Skyline Drive Trail to Water Tank
3.7 miles | 850 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
The Skyline Drive Trail to Water Tank is another one of the Whittier hiking trails is in the Puente Hills region. At 3.7 miles and 850 ft elevation, it will be a little more difficult that Sycamore Canyon Trail. This trail is famous for ending at a water tank, which you may think is cool or not cool. I personally don’t find it very interesting, but the hike itself is nice and worth the effort.
Luckily, you can bring your dogs on Skyline Drive Trail!
If you’re hiking this trail during the spring, you’ll likely encounter rattlesnakes and squirrels. As for flora, wildflowers and small trees are dotting the trail. You’ll likely meet coyotes and deer if you prefer to hike during the evenings. This trail connects to many other trails, and it’s easy to make this hike either longer or shorter with your pup.
5. Ahwingna and Native Oak Loop Trail
4.8 miles | 1100 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
The Ahwingna and Native Oak Loop Trail is one of the longer and harder trails in the Puente Hills Preserve. Hiking this trail will take a little over 2 hours, so we recommend it for those who are up to the challenge. One of the features that makes it more tasking than an easy hike is its steep climb. The trail’s topography involves several high points and low points. Pet owners are allowed to hike with their dogs as long as they’re on a leash.
The trail also enjoys considerable popularity, so you should expect high traffic on the trail. To avoid the traffic, we recommend going early. Aside from hikers, this trail is also a great spot for mountain bikers. Along this trail, you’ll encounter some wildlife, especially Coyotes. During the first mile of the hike, you’ll reach an elevation gain of 500 feet. Fair to say that you’ll be exposed to breathtaking views barely 30 minutes into the hike!
6. Workman Ridge and Worsham Canyon Trail
5.9 miles | 1100 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
This is the hardest hiking trail on the list in Puente Hills Preserve so far. This is definitely a long hike and you should be prepared if you decide to hike the entier way – make sure you bring water and pack the right gear mentioned below.
To locate this trail, you’ll have to reach the end of Philadelphia Street, navigate through Whittier College, and into the hills. One notable feature of the Worsham Canyon Trail is the zig-zag roads all through the Canyon. The trail is a canyon so deep that it’s virtually the only thing you’ll see, and it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get signal on your cell phone – so be warned!
The best time of the year for this trail is between October and May. If you go during the warmer time of the year, you may encounter a lot of rattlesnakes and ticks. During your hike, you enjoy great views, like most of Southern California’s mountain ranges. Aside from the harsh topography, we don’t recommend this trail for anyone who isn’t a solid hiker.
7. Arroyo San Miguel Trail
3.6 miles | 490 ft elevation gain | No Dogs Allowed
Finally, the Arroyo San Miguel Trail is located along Colima Road across Murphy Ranch. The trail doesn’t cover much distance at 3.6 miles and less than 500 elevation gain; an average hiker can complete it in about 1.5 hours of hiking. The trail is always open at any time of the year, and the free parking it offers is one of its most accessible perks.
This hike is a perfect way to reconnect with nature because you’ll encounter a lot of wildlife, such as deer, birds, rabbits, squirrels – and maybe snakes if it is hot out.
This is one of the least popular Whittier hiking trails, so if you want something more remote where you are less likely to see other hikers, Arroyo San Miguel Trail is a good choice. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed on this trail.
Recommended Hiking Gear
As mentioned before, you will want to make sure you have the right hiking gear for Whittier hiking trails. This is especially important in the summer when temperatures can get very hot.
Hiking Boots / Shoes
Here are some of my favorite hiking boots. I personally have Hoka’s because I don’t need as much sturdy ankle support, but the right hiking shoe will depend on your individual needs. The Hoka Clifton 9’s are a great option.
Most of the hikes in Whittier will be doable with trail runners if you have sturdy ankles, but some of the small rocks of the trails could use hiking boots. When it doubt – go with more ankle support and make sure you break in your shoe completely before heading out on the hikes. I usually break in my hiking boots for 3-4 hikes before going on my ‘real’ hikes. Blisters are the worst, and you definitely want to avoid them!
If you do want a sturdier hiking boot, there is no better brand than Salomon. Salomon hiking boots are comfortable, sturdy, and will last a very long time.
Sun Protection
Sun protection is a must, especially in the summer. You would be surprised how quickly you can get sunburnt and dehydrated when you are out hiking. Here are some items I use for sun protection every time I am out hiking:
- Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen
- Wide-brim hiking hat
- Polarized sunglasses – I like the brand Oakley
Water Storage
My general rule of thumb is 1L of water per hour while hiking. Here are some of my favorite water storage containers – I especially love the Drom Bags. In the summer when it is above 80 degrees F, I will sometimes go up to 1.5L of water per hour.
My favorite drom bag is made by MSR. It is incredibly durable, although the tubes are trickier to clean. For a water bottle option, there is nothing simpler than a Nalgene bottle!
Summer Hiking Clothing
Summer hiking clothing will keep you cooler than your normal workout gear. You will want to have a non-cotton layer and then pack additional layers or jackets in case the weather changes, or in case you get caught out on the trails later than usual. The best hiking shirts are made with merino wool because the wool has natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties. I like Icebreaker or Smartwool shirts.
For more details on why that is, check my post on Essential Hiking Clothes!
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Summary
There are many Whittier hiking trails to choose from if you are in the area. Most of the nearby hiking will be in the Puente Hills Preserve, which you can read more about with Habitat Authority.
Luckily, most of the Whittier hiking trails are gentle at a little less than 4 miles and a bit of elevation. They will be fairly good hikes or walks for a couple hours, and the Whittier hikes will be good opportunities for you to get outside without having to dedicate an entire full day to it.
The weather is great in Whittier, CA year-round, but it can definitely get very hot in the summer. When the temperatures are above 80 degrees outisde, I would absolutely recommend bringing extra water, making sure you have the right sun protection for hiking. As always, let your friends or family know where you are hiking! Stay safe and enjoy the Whittier hiking trails.
Thanks for sharing the information on these trails!
These sound lovely! When you mention about taking a lot of water with you – that makes sense but how would you carry so much water if you were out for a few hours? Sorry if that’s a silly question!
This is interesting, thank you for sharing the best and when to visit. It’s very important not to get surprised by the weather there.