The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Rowland Heights

The Schabarum-Skyline Trail offers a diverse hiking experience, winding through varied terrain from singletrack to dirt roads, with some paved sections. You'll encounter climbs with switchbacks and areas of loose, sandy dirt, all while enjoying expansive city views and vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains, particularly from viewpoints like Workman Hill. Keep an eye out for unique features like an art installation of painted palm fronds and rocks, adding a touch of unexpected charm to the journey.

Planning your visit means preparing for a difficult 13.5-mile (21.8 km) hike with 2161 feet (659 metres) of elevation gain, which typically takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes. It's a dog-friendly route, but remember to keep your furry friend on a leash. Given the length and potential for sun exposure, carrying plenty of water is essential, especially during warmer seasons. The trail is generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful outing.

This extensive trail is notable for its role as a crucial connector, linking various open spaces and communities across Los Angeles County. It's part of a larger network that includes Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park and the Puente Hills Nature Preserve, making it a great option for those looking to explore different segments or combine routes for a longer adventure. You might even spot wildlife like gopher snakes, and signs warn of rattlesnakes and mountain lions.

The Puente Hills Preserve loop from Puente Hills Mall offers a dynamic hiking experience through rugged Southern California terrain. You'll navigate steep hillsides and deep canyons, with the reward of spectacular panoramic views stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the San Gabriel Mountains. The trail winds through diverse plant communities, from coastal sage scrub to oak woodlands, providing a varied and engaging landscape for your 7.8-mile (12.6 km) journey.

Planning your visit requires a bit of foresight; while you can access the preserve from multiple trailheads near the Puente Hills Mall, be mindful of trail conditions. The clay-rich soil can become dangerously slippery after rain, and the preserve may close during extreme weather or high fire danger. This moderate route, with its 1197 feet (365 metres) of elevation gain and estimated 3 hours and 43 minutes duration, is best enjoyed when conditions are dry and clear.

The Puente Hills Preserve is more than just a hiking spot; it's a vital ecological corridor protecting nearly 4,000 acres of natural habitat. It's a unique conservation success story, having been established from a landfill mitigation fund, and even features the Harbor Boulevard Wildlife Underpass, the first purpose-built wildlife underpass in Los Angeles County. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including mule deer and various bird species, as you explore this significant natural area.

The Black Walnut Trail loop in Puente Hills Preserve offers a delightful blend of challenging climbs and shaded natural beauty, making it a popular choice for a quick outdoor escape. You'll wind through groves of mature oak and Southern California black walnut trees, which are a highlight of the preserve and provide welcome shade. The terrain varies, with some steep sections giving way to more gradual paths, all within an easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) hike that gains 320 feet (98 metres) of elevation and takes roughly 58 minutes.

Accessing the trail is straightforward, with the Powder Canyon Trailhead serving as a convenient starting point. This trailhead provides essential amenities like parking, restrooms, and drinking fountains, making your visit more comfortable. Remember that the preserve operates from sunrise to sunset, and trails can be temporarily closed during hazardous weather conditions such as heavy rain or high fire risk, so it's always wise to check conditions before you head out.

This trail is particularly notable for its significant population of Southern California black walnut trees, a regionally important species that supports local wildlife with its fruits. The preserve actively engages in habitat restoration projects, enhancing the natural environment you'll experience. It's also part of a larger network of multi-user trails, connecting to other routes like the Powder Canyon Trail, offering options for longer adventures if you wish to explore further.