I've only been here a couple of times with my two dogs, but it's such a nice change from our usual neighborhood walks, the Naples canals, or Marine Stadium. It's a great little road/trail--peaceful, scenic, and perfect for getting in a longer walk. There were a few other people out when we went, which was nice. I did notice some dogs off-leash (which I personally don't mind), but with coyotes in the area, I kept my small pups leashed just to be safe. A couple things to note: when I went around 4pm, there were quite a few mosquitoes--probably because it had rained recently and there was some standing water along the road/trail side. Also, parking was a bit confusing since there aren't marked stalls. I wasn't sure if I should park at an angle, perpendicular on the hill, or parallel, so that could definitely be clearer. It did feel a little quiet and slightly eerie when we first arrived since no one else was there, but there are homes along the top of the trail, so you're not completely isolated. Overall, I really enjoyed it and will definitely be back--especially once everything is dried out. Looking forward to more calm, serene walks with my pups! read more

This is my happy place. Whenever I am stressed or sad, I come here, and all is well again. My dog loves this place. She gets to roam around and explore the urban wilderness. As the saying goes, I am happy when my dog is happy. The best part of being here is that there is always shade, no matter what time of the day or season. There are three trash cans to hold those poop bags, and fallen tree trucks to serve as rugged furniture for an impromptu picnic. Parking is never an issue. The dirt lot can accommodate many cars, but the dirt can be bumpy. read more

Gum Grove Nature Park - Hiking Near Me - Seal Beach, California

A small walking trail, mostly dirt you'll see. It's really not a bad walking trail. I went summer and it's so hot! read more

See all

The hate on this park kind of cracks me up. It's a little oasis sandwiched between highways, gas drilling and a huge military base. For what's around it you'd never expect something this nice. Barbed wire and fences are there because it's protected wetland - there to protect species not seen much in SoCal anymore. But you'd have to try real hard to actually cause an issue from it. It's small but a good place for a 30 minute walk. Jogging is nice too though you have to be careful if you go down the trail with the tiny Baja tree frogs. It's especially nice now with the rainy season bringing in awesome wildflowers. Highly recommend in the late spring. Only negative for me is all the water hemlock - do need to be careful with pets. Would suggest shorter leash. read more

See all

Nice place for a walk. By the wetlands, you can hear and see native plants. There are two entrances, one off of seal Beach Boulevard. The other egress has a parking lot appears to originate within the tract houses that abut the park. read more

See all

Not a long hike, but natural setting. I love the tall trees and quiet location. I have nothing more to say read more

Nice walking trail for a mini outdoor adventure. I took my pup here to get a break from our usual neighborhood walk and he had a lot of fun. Lots of things to sniff. The entire "hike" is a little over a mile so manage your expectations and enjoy!! read more

Gum Grove Nature Park - Happy pup - Hiking Near Me - Seal Beach, California

Best "forest" you can get for little ones growing up close-by to LA/OC area! Great place to let the kids romp around and build forts or fight with sticks. read more

Such a fun hike for a chill day. Beautiful monarch butterflies everywhere. The sun shines perfectly and it's not too hot or cold! read more

Gum Grove Nature Park - Hiking Near Me - Seal Beach, California

See all

Very pretty park. Looks like its divided. If you turn left it will take you to a park where kids can play, where parties are located, and the other side is more for a hike/walk with Pretty views. We loved our long nice walk. We did pay $6 to get in so be prepared for that. Will be back to explore more soon!! read more

See all

This park is beautiful, pretty small but a nice walk, bike, or onewheel ride. You can hear cars passing by every once in a while so not completely secluded but pretty nice nonetheless :) there are also lots of monarch butterflies which are always a good sight for sore eyes read more

Gum Grove Nature Park - Beautiful park for a walk, bike, or onewheel ride! - Hiking Near Me - Seal Beach, California

Such a gorgeous little park w/ a walking trail. It's divided into 3 areas and each area is unique. I took my time walking, checking out the vegetation, watching the butterflies (literally, so many monarchs...also honey bees), and reading the historical information provided along the trail. This took a little over an hour, maybe an hour and 20 min? If you enter at Crestview Ave & Avalon Dr, the first two areas hold a nice balance between manicured and organic growth. The paths are maintained just enough so that they are comfortable walking on and you know where you are going. The third part is a winding trail. It begins like the first two, but then as you get further and further in it becomes difficult to walk. There were no clear signs that the trail ended and I wondered if I should have been walking there at all. Perfect nature walk for a sunny afternoon. read more

Fun walk after a big breakfast! Nice shaded trail followed by a field full of wild flowers! read more

See all

I'm up the road about 10 miles from Seal Beach, and been going there since I was a kid. Lately I've been looking for good places to walk; for myself, and/or others- as well as those with dogs. I just happened to be taking a walk in the housing area adjacent to this park. I never knew it existed. I was pleasantly surprised! Though I know not all people feel this way about it, I did feel it to be an escape in the middle of the city. The smell from the eucalyptus tress gave it a country like feel. True the beach and ocean are nearby, but because this area felt more remote, it gave me a sense of nature. It really does have a different feel from the city...guess the only way to have this sense of out beyond the metropolis is to be out in say San Bernardino or San Diego counties. Thus I do appreciate this park, and plan to go back soon. read more

Nice little trail but it's quite short. There was quite a bit of construction when we were there - they were trimming the trees. It's a narrow park sandwiches between a refinery and residential neighborhood. Be careful we saw some shattered glass on the floor if you're walking your dogs. read more

Too many off leash dogs. One came charging at us from behind while we were walking and attacked my dog. My dog is big enough to defend itself, but it shouldn't have to. Be careful with your smaller dogs as they may not be as lucky. Owner didn't seem to care as I yelled at them to leash their dog. We decided to leave and as we were leaving another off leash dog approached us and the next owner says the typical thing "it's okay she's friendly!" That didn't end up being true. She kept walking away as I told her "I thought you said your dog was friendly! That's why there is a leashed dog sign at the beginning of the trail!" Finally as we were getting back to the parking area one more off leash dog starts to approach us so I start walking higher up the hill to distance myself. This last owner at least knew to call his dog back and luckily it listened. Walk your dog at your own risk here. What may start off as a peaceful hike can quickly turn into an obstacle course of unpredictable aggressive dogs and clueless owners who feel they are above the law. read more

Not very much to see here but it is a nice quiet place to take a short 30 minute walk. Not very well maintained as most of the plants are overgrown onto the trail. Keep small dogs close by and on a leash as there are coyote sightings here. read more

Gum Grove Park is a great place to go for a moderate hike. There are two trails - one that is flat and mostly paved, and the other that takes you through the wooded area that is relatively steep. The steep dirt trail that takes you through the wooded area is great for a leg workout. Additionally, dogs are allowed throughout the entire park as long as they are on a leash. Most of the trail borders the backyards of the residents of the neighboring houses to one side and what USED to be a wetland to the other side. Not so much of a wetland anymore, but good for a hike nonetheless. read more

Not impressed. Small little place. Will not go back. Nothing special. It's really the neighborhood's backyard.

This is a small park, probably a mile in length. It's hardly maintained with trash lining the perimeter, and you can see an improvised narrow trail off to the right when coming in. The space that is the park is located between a lot of dried, bushy public land and people's backyards, and ends with a fence separating it from more backyards. Some say only locals know about it, but I think it's for good reason. Would I come back? No. For good measure, I showered my dog with potent tick shampoo to make sure he didn't pick up anything from the dense tree foliage! read more

Gum Grove Nature Park - One of two trails - Hiking Near Me - Seal Beach, California

A dry trail for walking dogs beside a sloping narrow strip of shady, leafy wilderness between neighborhoods, with a rope swing and owl poo. My original review was much longer but was taken down. read more

See all

Visiting this park just made me depressed simply from the view of Long Beach that it has when pulling in here. Seal Beach maintains this park, however it shares a huge nasty rusty barb wired fence with Long Beach that overlooks a field with huge dead weeds. The trail that runs this park is very short and has a simple little incline. There is really nothing to see here and its not really much of a park at all in my opinion. There is no feeling of escape from the city with the noise coming from the field and the homes uptop on the hill. Overall just a very lousy park, wish I never came. read more

See all

I don't care what any of you fancy shmancy picky orange countyANS say about this place. My dog f*cking loves this nature area more than he loves licking the place his balls used to reside. it's hidden, small, and full of lil creatures for your puppy to chase. I know the sign says KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH but....ehhh......f*ck all that noise. read more

Gum Grove Park is a hidden little nature trail in a Seal Beach neighborhood. Its a great place to walk your dog or do some bird watching. In my last few visits, we have seen a ton of monarch butterflies and bees amongst the flowers. When you first arrive through the park gate, you get a questionable glimpse of what looks like dry wetlands (?) and a not very nice looking industrial area beyond the park. Once you start your walk, however, you are greeted with purple and yellow flowers along the trail on one side and tall shady eucalyptus trees on the other side. It's a wonderful surprise, and while it's not exactly a hike, its a nice place to take an easy stroll with your family or your pups -- or both. read more

See all

Gum Grove Park offers you everything you need for a local moderate hike. Beautiful fauna, flora and history

Gum Grove is another spot we found along Seal Beach. The address is correct and there are parking spaces down the driveway. It's not crowded: great for walking, jogging and even for your furry pets. This place has a lot of shade and you can easily see people's backyards. Some people come here for picture opportunity. We reached the dead-end of the park and there's another entrance to the left side. This one has a move paved trail that views the backyards of subdivision houses. Get lost in the woods.... There's also a cayote sign! read more

Great spot for a quick run. One loop of the park is about over a mile depending how you jog. The dirt trail is a bit stubbly so be careful where you place your foot. Good spot to get back into running and don't want a treadmill. However the scenery is destroyed. Not much to look at. read more

I really love this little path for my dog and I to walk/jog on. I would give this a 5 star if only people leashed their dogs. It specifically states in the beginning of the trail that all dogs must be leashed. I understand that a lot of other people's dogs might enjoy the company of dogs and are "friendly". However, my dog is fearful of other dogs and although she doesn't bite, she freaks out when high energy dogs approach her. Most of the time it's not an issue, but there has been multiple instances where the owner of the unleashed dog(s) are no where to be seen or way ahead of their dogs. When these dogs then approach my dog and won't leave her alone, I have to literally push these dogs off of mine. Another time I kindly asked a lady to get her dog away from mine and asked if this is a leashed area (even though I know it is). She said "you don't have to be so anal, just walk away!". I couldn't walk away since her dog is not letting me or my dog pass. If your dog is friendly and enjoys being off leash, that's fine, but take them to a dog park. Otherwise, if you're on this trail, please leash your dogs for the safety of other people's dogs (and your own). I would hate for someone's unleashed dog to approach an aggressive dog and get bit. Now I'm afraid we won't be returning back to this trail because of how people don't respect or take into account of other people. read more

We visited Gum Grove Park today despite the negative reviews and were pleasantly surprised. Yes it is a small series of trails in the midst of a neighborhood, so it does not give you a total "escape to nature" feel, but we still really enjoyed the little hike on the main path and up through the trees. There were a few areas where you can throw a picnic blanket down and hangout with the kids. Lots of pretty birds, flowers, natural vegetation, lizards, owls - enough to make it a little adventurous for my daughter. Very easy to get to. We will definitely be back. read more

There are so many ticks at this park---our two dogs were infested with 10-15 ticks each during our walk here. We checked them immediately and removed. You've been warned! read more

Tracy N. you are right about the dry wetlands. Gum Grove is on the perimeter of Los Cerritos Wetlands. It's a great nature park, I've found a lot of wildlife I didn't expect to see, a few pics on my blog at http://www.caopenspace.org/gumgrove.html It's not a bad park for kids, I see many people taking their kids there. I don't know about the ticks, I used to walk my dog at Gum Grove and never had a problem, maybe I was lucky. Sometimes bird watching walks are held at both Gum Grove and the wetlands--which by the way will be restored. They have a few restoration Public Workshops left which anyone interested can attend (see www.lcwetlands.org for workshop info). I recommend the place, but please people don't let your dogs chase the wildlife--coexist :) read more

See all

This was a really nice walk for my family and me after having had breakfast at Schooner or Later. The morning fog was still burning so there was that wet smell of trees, dirt, and shrubs. It's a great walk. Very beautiful and peaceful surrounded by really nice homes. It is about a mile one way, on mostly flat land. Next time, I'll consider taking my running clothes & going for a light jog. read more

Gum Grove Park - is a hidden place the views are breathe taking. Its a bird sanctuary. I like hiking this park love the hills and the history about it. I much recommend it. read more

It's a quiet walk semi In the woods...we took our dog there were some teenagers there up to no good probably won't go back...there are certainly other places with more appeal. read more

Strange park. It's very narrow and sloped, squeezed between Los Cerritos wetlands and the backside of a row of houses. It's very wooded though, with a trail running against the fenced (and off limits) wetlands, and a higher trail that threads between the trees. The park also seemed small to me. Not worth traveling out of your way to. read more

If I could give this a 0 I would. This isn't a park, nor is it a hike. It is a sandy walk with a fence on 1 side and houses on the other. It is a dusty dump. read more