The best walks and hikes around Whittier

Yes, many trails in the Puente Hills are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. Trails within parks like Murphy Ranch Park are good options for hiking with your dog. Always bring water for your pet, especially on warm days, as the trails can be exposed with little shade.

For a relatively easy and family-friendly outing, the Bob Henderson Loop Trail loop from East Whittier is a great choice. It's a fairly flat 2.7-mile (4.3 km) walk with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most ages and fitness levels.

For expansive views over the Los Angeles area, the trails leading up to Nike Hill and the Turnbull Canyon Water Tower are highly recommended by local hikers. On a clear day, you can see all the way to downtown LA. These hikes involve some steep sections, but the panoramic reward at the top is well worth the effort.

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. For example, the popular Hellman Park Trailhead has very limited parking spots. It's common to have to park in the surrounding residential neighborhoods, so be sure to arrive early and pay close attention to any posted parking restrictions.

While most trails are easy to moderate, you can find a challenge by tackling the steep ascents within the Puente Hills. The hike up to the antenna tower in Turnbull Canyon is known for its sustained, steep climb. For a longer, more strenuous day, consider the Whittier Hill – Puente Hills Preserve loop from West Whittier, which covers nearly 9 miles with significant elevation gain.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as many trails have loose dirt and steep sections. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. The hills are quite exposed, so sun protection is essential – bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Always carry plenty of water, as there are no fountains on the trails.

Yes, Whittier has several excellent loop hikes that bring you back to your starting point without retracing your steps. A great moderate option is the Whittier Hill loop from Whittier, a 4.2-mile (6.8 km) circuit that offers a good workout and nice views.

The terrain is typical of Southern California chaparral. Expect rolling hills with a mix of wide fire roads and narrower single-track paths. The trails are mostly dirt and can be dusty and dry. Some sections, particularly on the way up to viewpoints, are quite steep and can be slippery due to loose gravel.

The hiking trails around Whittier are well-regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the trails from the city and the rewarding views you get after a relatively short climb. The network of paths in the Puente Hills Preserve is a frequently mentioned highlight.

The hiking trails in the Puente Hills around Whittier are not known for waterfalls. The climate is arid, and the landscape consists of dry canyons and hills. The hikes here are primarily enjoyed for their panoramic views and chaparral environment rather than for water features.

Many hikes begin at well-known trailheads and parks. Hellman Park Trailhead is a very popular starting point for routes into the western Puente Hills. For hikes in the central part of the preserve, many people start in or around Turnbull Canyon, which offers access to a wide network of trails.

There are nearly 40 designated hiking routes around Whittier available on komoot. These range from short, easy walks in local parks to more strenuous moderate climbs in the Puente Hills, offering plenty of options for different fitness levels.