Wonderful trail in Whittier with a couple of different options (easy/hard) and free parking. This area is hilly, so you can choose a real work-out or take a more leisurely stroll. Perfect spot for a family hike and to learn about nature. Free admission. Take water and sunscreen. Great views of the whole LA basin if you make it to the top! read more

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I always enjoy a great hike! The path stretches about 3.3 miles round trip with a gentle 300+ ft elevation gain just enough to feel like a workout, but still very beginner friendly. The highlight for me is the canopy of beautiful sycamore trees that offers plenty of shade, especially in the warmer months. During the fall, the changing leaves are stunning and make the whole trail feel like something out of a postcard. The trail is clean and quiet, with restrooms available near the entrance and easy parking (a mix of onsite and street parking). It's also well-marked, so you don't have to worry about getting lost. Sycamore Canyon is open from 9 AM to 6 PM in summer and 9 AM to 5 PM during the rest of the year. Just make sure to bring water, as there aren't any drinking fountains along the trail. All in all, this trail is a perfect mix of accessibility and natural beauty. Whether you're hiking solo, with a friend, or just need a mental reset, Sycamore Canyon delivers every time. Highly recommended! You will enjoy and have fun at the same time. read more

Great, begginer friendly hike with nice views of nature. Hiking trail is generally safe. Nice people and quick hike.

Hiked this for the first time with a group of 8 people! This Hike is now one of my favorites in Whittier. There are so many different paths to take with different intensity levels. The nature in Turnball Canyon is absolutely breathtaking. Not to mention the view of the city, you can even see LA and Long Beach. I definitely recommend this hike to any local or anyone willing to make the drive to see the beautiful spring bloom! read more

Not well maintained and tons of dog poop to dodge the entire way. Lots of native wild plants and it's a in-and-out kind of trail.

A strong 4 5 score. It is a no bike trail. Just for walkers, joggers, and runners . Trails are curved in nature, and there is lots of brush and impactful wilderness. The main trail ends about 1 mile after switchback marker. Recommend take switchback for longer route. Careful with going into thicker brush, there are lots of small critters that can be a trip! Parking is available in and put. However it's opens at 9 am. There are lots of signs to make sure you're safe and there are steep inclines. Bring water and appropriate outfits. Sometimes, you'll see nature, as I was blessed with deer wandering around. Be respectful and allow wildlife to be a priority in all. read more

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Great trail for the novice hiker. Saw a lot of families on the trail even mine. There are a few inclines but nothing you can't handle. Parking lot is very small. If it's full park on the street. Great place to get the blood flowing. read more

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I never give ratings to no place!!. Giving ratings is a huge waste of time but when it comes to my pups I'll make time. For starters, NOT dog friendly places are a huge red flag but I DROVE 30 minutes all the way here just so they can tell me no Dogs are allowed. Which I don't know since when? I used to come to all Whittier hiking trails all the time and used to bring my dogs. read more

This is a hidden gem of a trail - we never knew it was here. The entrance is so small and narrow you will pass it not knowing it exists. The hike is an easy 3 miles roundtrip to the park border and back, but you can take an adjacent trail for a more strenuous hike. The path is very green with many plants and trees and a small creek along the way. It's a perfect place for beginners and children to venture into nature. read more

Sycamore Canyon Trail - 3 miles roundtrip - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

Covid update! There is parking available and the trail is open. Please practice social distancing and wear a face covering. Wear pants instead of shorts cause pants will protect your shins and calves (lower legs) from the shrubbery. Bring a friend. Smile. Stay calm if you see a rattlesnake or two. My friends and I saw two. Just remember if you don't bother them they most likely won't bother you. They close at 5pm in the month of May. 6pm in June. Take water. No public restroom at this entrance. read more

Sycamore Canyon Trail - My buds. - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

Beautiful calm trail but will no longer be coming here. Someone broke my car window so be careful. read more

Sycamore Canyon Trail - broken car window - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

This is my go to hiking trail. Whether you're up for a challenge or want to take it easy, this is the trail. One trail is about 2.5 miles and is mostly flat (with about 3 short inclines) and beautiful views through trees and over a creek. The other way is uphill and also about 2.5 miles. This trail connects to another set of trails to continue on if you're still feeling strong. There is a parking lot with some parking spots on a dirt lot but you can also park out on the street and walk in the entrance. Only reason I gave a 4 is due to the limited trail hours. Wish they would open earlier than 9am. Besides that, trail is well maintained and one of the local favorites. read more

Sycamore Canyon Trail - View from the top! - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

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Great trail to use. The trail is well maintained and gets steep at times. Along the trail there are great views of the inland Empire (East) and the San Gabriel Valley (West). Be sure to have sun screen (not much shade) and water while using the trail. Enjoy the hike and be safe. Keep the trail clean (no trash or dog crap). read more

Sycamore Canyon Trail - View of the SGV from the trail. - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

Came with a friend that hiked this trail before and I'd rate this as easy - moderate but mostly easy. There's a few minor inclines, it's VERY peaceful and quiet and it's about a 4 mile round trip. I also found the trail to be very clean compared to other trails and full of shade. There's one spot where there's a little pond you have to walk through but it's about 3.5 feet across, no big deal. If you want a brief moment to yourself and away from the city, but don't want to travel very far, this trail is for you. It's pretty much behind Rose Hills cemetery. I enjoyed walking and talking with my friend and all of the hikers were very friendly and wore masks the entire way. read more

This place is one of my favorite trails. In the parking area near the entrance you'll see a encased bulletin board with information about the trail. They also have a map of the trail near the bulletin board that you can take for yourself to keep. Remember that some hiking trails have a closing time. Because they do close. The park ranger usually closes the gate. Remember to bring water and snacks if you need to. No pets are allowed because there are wild animals like coyotes and snakes. That can harm your pets. read more

Arrived on Saturday January 2nd 2021 at about 10am. found parking on the street. The trail starts off easy and shaded, there is a fork and you step down near a small creek that leads you to a zigzag up a hill. A little steep and challenging but not too bad. Great little workout and nice view of connecting trails from the top. No dogs and no bikes allowed on the trail and most hikers had their masks on as they should :) Great way to start the year . read more

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Nice place. I went when it was a lot cooler which made the hike better. Really nice place to go and relax and enjoy the site read more

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Sycamore Canyon...perfect for a great workout as the steep incline here is challenging for some. Mostly a glorified fire trail but definitely has some views worth catching once you get to the top. Watch out for snakes & coyotes. I have seen them more than once lol. Be alert of where you step. So I come here specifically for the incline. Once you reach the top, there are additional trails or you can go back down the same way. Most people do that. I usually continue down the other side of the water tank down the canyon into the residential area and walk the loop back down. Taking that route, it's a solid 5 miles & your legs will feel amazing read more

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My car was broken into on Sunday 10/13/19 at approximately 11:15 AM along with another vehicle. It was me and my husband's first time at the trail and we very much enjoyed our hike. We are so disappointed that we will never return to this spot. read more

Hikers!!! Please beware!! This trail is infested with mosquitoes!! Yesterday we escaped the violent mosquito attack with over 100 mosquito bites (just me alone)! I imagine the weather will have an impact on how aggressive thise mosquitoes get. Idk It was hight 80s - 90 degrees and dry. BTW BUG SPRAY DID NOT DETOUR THE MOSQUITOES. read more

DO NOT COME HERE PLEASE!!!! If I could give this trail negative stars, it would be a negative x 1,000 ! First of all, trail isn't worth it, dog poop everywhere, parking is horrible, and most importantly MY CAR WAS BROKEN INTO IN BROAD DAYLIGHT !!!! While my friend and I were walking back to car on the trail a woman came up to us that several cars were broken into and unfortunately mine was one of them ! It doesn't seem like a sketchy area, but there are no cameras or people watching the area. My car window was broken into within 15 mins of leaving it, later finding out, GOOD people who had passed my car earlier( while I was on trail) had taken pics of it while passing it just in case police were called and timing was within 15 mins after I had gotten there and left my car. Another car was broken into in the small parking lot provided for trail and mine unfortunately was on the street where it was visible to the public and tons of cars driving by ! BE AWARE and just pick a different hiking trail ! Please do not come here ! I posted this so others won't have to go through what me and several ppl did that day. Your peace of mind just goes out there door, but fortunately I'm safe and the things taken are replaceable ! Also, cops/sheriffs showed up really fast, but unfortunately there's only so much they can do ! Hopefully to the ppl reading this choose a different trails, I've been to several trails in LA and once left door unlock and nothing was taken. I was at the wrong place, wrong time, but the hike isn't worth any risk! read more

Sycamore Canyon Trail - Car broken into in broad daylight(everyone who saw me said "this happens all the time here) - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

This is so sad I have to post but my friends car was broken into at this trail. After filing police report , turns out other cars where broken into. It's a beautiful trail but not wort 300 bucks for a new window :( read more

This review is long over due, since I went last week - this being the month of February. This is also one of the trails, I mentioned either on my review on Hellman or Turnbull, stating not to venture off to, unless your familiar with or a more advanced hiker that has survivor skills. I say this because they were an awful lot of snakes on this one (yes there are snakes on most trails). However, if you continue to hike past the fork, there appears to be a lack of maintenance (or maybe not enough money to maintain, who knows?) as there is a ton of vegetation & overgrowth that narrows in on you and practically swallows you up! If your brave to go that way, the shrubs and bushes make it hard to see snakes. The other big negative is that it appears to reach a dead end, unless your curiosity gets the best of you and try to attempt to go further, only to put yourself in a dangerous situation. The only few good things going that way is that it's almost shaded throughout, there is a creek alongside it & the tiny frogs we heard chirping. (I assume they were tiny, the noises were very low). We weren't fortunate to see any deer or other critters, though I say this with caution of the dangerous ones. The experience going into from the parking: It started out nice, except when you walk by the industrial part/oil rigs. Once you past that and a trail on right side that says no entrance, it's not too bad. There was a view of the homes (assuming their were Spyglass) way on top and a wooden stair case that goes all the way up to what appears to be someone's house; I imagine you could walk up them, until a certain point where it might be considered trespassing, if you wanted a bonus workout. But I wouldn't if your not in shape or old (like me) and plan to do the switchback up to Hellman. The switchback to Hellman: In the words of Janice - Chandler's ex from sitcom Friends, "OH MY GOD!" Although what some might consider a helluva workout, honestly it just gets redundant and annoying, you get anxious and just want to get up there already. I think to myself "Would I rather do this crazy zig zag or go riding on a donkey on the ever winding road down the Grand Canyon?" - of course there is no comparison. To my friends on Yelp that already know me, also know the situation I went through after this. With that said, I think I might consider going back later on in the future - only up to the fork and go up the crazy switchbacks to Hellman; Other condition: definitely not by myself (ladies, either a large group of you stick together or go with male companions, because I would have not feel safe going by myself and strongly suggest not to). Why would I go back you might ask? Because the time I went, I was struggling to the point where I seriously didn't think I was going to make it to the top (again folks, out of shape & old person here). So I need to come to terms with it. My personal satisfaction that I did it and didn't conk out doing so this time. I think I remember seeing the sign that stated no bikes allowed, but did see bike tracks in the dirt. I'm also not sure about dogs, but highly recommend leaving them out of this one for safety reasons. By all means, if you don't live in the area, don't waste your gas and time coming to this one. read more

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This trail is probably the worst hike in the whole Puente Hills Preserve. I accessed this trail by taking the Sycamore Canyon Switchback Trail from the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail in the Hellman Wilderness Park (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/FT-3qc3RRjs-Mou2d4U30A?userid=IZ3K3X2PUUZI7x0yXmKMcQ). Near the end of that switchback connector trail at the bottom of the canyon, you cross a creek to hit the Sycamore Canyon Trail. This trail just goes straight along the creek and it's very loud with the sound of frogs. The ground is full of holes for a good stretch, then it starts getting better as you head more west. Towards the end of the 1.3mi trail, you smell some foul sulfur odor coming out of some treatment facility like plant there. There's also an oil rig nearby. It's funny because there are bunch of signs around there saying this whole nature preserve is heavily protected and dogs aren't even allowed on the trail but then there happens to be industrial operations going on there. Weird... I don't think I'll be coming back down here again. read more

Sycamore Canyon Trail - hiking along the creek at the bottom of the canyon - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

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Have only been twice but enjoyed it both times. There are plenty of beautiful views and wildlife around. Mainly was birds and lizards but there are warning signs for rattle snakes at the entrance. Provides a great workout. Only down side it does not open til 9am. Enjoy it before the summer heat kicks in read more

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This trail is a great change of pace from Turnbull Canyon. We only saw two other guys on the trail which is wonderful because I was tired of dodging bikers speeding down the hill or dog poo. It starts off as a nice hike down the canyon. Shady. Then there is a fork and you can take the switchbacks up to the water tower. These switchbacks are very steep! But by the time you get to the top you forget about all of your huffing and puffing. I will definitely come back to this trail. Nice parking, porta-potty in the lot, shady, scenic, challenging, and solitary. read more

Sycamore Canyon Trail - The switchbacks going up to the water tower. - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

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Sycamore Canyon Trail is one of the most secluded and green trails in the area. The trail consists of mostly flat with mild incline in a few sections. Be aware of your surroundings as there are rattlesnakes in the area. Parking is limited but there is street parking available. Pay attention to the sign as they do lock the parking lot at certain times. read more

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Three stars for the start of this trail. Four stars once you have several other options at the top. The trailhead is kind of smelly. I don't know of it was the pools of still water or the fumes from an oil rig, but it was pretty funky at first. Lots of cacti along this route, which is nice but be careful not to bump into them. The switchbacks were no joke, but they provided a nice burn to the glutes. Also, watch out for ticks!!! read more

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Story time review! Keep in mind I'm a huge sissy, and my relationship with nature is still iffy at best even though the outdoors is where I get most of my exercise.... what I'm trying to say is I think this particular hiking trail is absolutely terrifying. I frequent the Turnbull Canyon and Hellman park trails for most of my local hiking needs, and prefer those because the trails are nice and wide, and the brush and shrubbery is far enough away from me that I don't have to worry about ticks attaching themselves to my yoga pants, or startling any snakes into attacking me. My hiking partner and I stumbled across a sign for Sycamore Canyon trail while at Hellman one morning. It was a new trail for me and figured I would go ahead and give it a try, assuming it would loop back to the Hellman Trails. Big Mistake. Starting from Rattlesnake Ridge up at Hellman Park, the Sycamore trail starts with a long descent and a series of switchbacks [which are fucked up zigzags on the hill, I hate!] that are entirely too narrow for my liking and even more fucked up on the way back up to Rattlesnake Ridge. I visited this trail right in the beginning of spring so the place was just ABLAZE with wildlife: tiny rabbits, tons of lizards, and squirrels, and of course, millions of birds, so many god damn snakes, rattlers and a few other varieties. And even though I didn't spot any, the singing frogs down by the creek were actually kinda lovely. This trail has the most wild life I've seen on any of the trails I've visited in the Whittier Hills. I guess it was due to the time of year I visited and because there were practically no other hikers on the trail, but yes, all those very adorable little creatures scared the shit out of me while on this trail. The lizards insisted on darting in front of us every five minutes, the squirrels ran through the brush like spastic assholes, the rattlesnakes hung out in the middle of the trail like it was their land or something! Ugh. I was a nervous wreck by the time we made it down to creek [which is so nice!] and to the main Sycamore trail stretch at the bottom of the canyon... which is where we started spotting all the snakes. Sigh. At that point, we had no idea where we were, and luckily found two other hikers [ a couple of stoney bear teens] who let us know we were near the Workman Mill trail head... Local Yelpers, my hiking partner and I started at Greenleaf and Orange, and were now about 4 miles away from our car. This spurt of spontaneity, and urge to try a new trail ended up being an almost 8 mile hike from start to finish and I was running on one banana, some mixed nuts and plenty of water [thankfully!] Of course, this is no one's fault but my own. Even if I hadn't made the mistake of taking this trail from Hellman Park, Sycamore is a bit too desolate and au natural for my tastes, and I probably won't ever be convinced to visit again, even with a starting point at the Workman Mill entrance. But, there were a lot of beautiful sites I'm glad I saw, including lots of wild flowers, blooming nopales, cool looking houses on the top of the canyon, some great hillside and canyon vistas from the top... and for this, I give it three stars. read more

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A decent place to take a short hike while close to home (if you live in the area). You may miss the turnout to the parking area, but if you are travelling up Norwalk Blvd past Beverly Blvd, the road changes names to Workman Mill Road. Once you pass the condo/apartment complexes, but just right before you get to the Rose Hills cemetary, there is a driveway on the right (if travelling northbound) and this is where you turn. There is a parking area for trail access if you keep to the left. Once on foot, you are on an access road. Keep to the left when there are forks and you will soon see the trailhead. There are some steep climbs in some spots and various holes (probably from the snakes) in the ground so be careful. We went this past weekend and noticed the trail had alot of overgrowth. Once you get to a certain point, there are some steep switchbacks. If you are like me, you'd take that as your cue to turn back. But if you are more adventurous or if the hot sun is not bothering you as it did me, then I hear you get an amazing view up there. This is a decent trail if you are looking for a short hike (1 hour roundtrip if you dont go up the switchbacks), live in the area and dont want to have to drive all the way up to the mountains. There is shade in some spots, but most of the time we were in the sun. Make sure to bring sun protection. read more

This is an awesome little gem. Great hike, the switch backs are tough but the trails give you a little break. Always good parking as well

I do agree with the previous posts that it stinks heading to the actual trail. However, this place is not that bad. Beautiful scenery up top and a little more challenging trail then it appears. Here is my breakdown of the hike and why I am giving them a favorable review. Parking: There is this small parking lot that you can find spaces. We came at 8 am on 1/4/2015 and did not see anyone there. From the lot to the trail it's probably like a 10 minute walk and again, this area stinks. Hike: Pros: * Hike has various pathways * Nice scenery from the top where you can view the temple and chapel at Rose Hill. You can also see the snake-like/zig-zag route that you took to get to the top. * Not that many people compared to like Santa Anita * Hike included many steep inclines and declines which makes the trip into a nice workout Cons: * The stinky part to from the parking lot to the trail. It reeks like crap. * Trails do not wrap around - if you take one route to get to the top, you must take the same route to get back home. * No waterfall destination - there isn't a nice waterfall towards to the end. Well, at least I don't think there is one from the routes we took. I'll update this if I do find out. Overall: I think this place is pretty solid. I actually do see a lot of mountain bikers so this place is good for biking as well. Parking is free and I guess during the month of January there aren't that many people. I would definitely go back here again. read more

Never again will I go back! The parking is very small. The positive is there is a lot of shade throughout the trail. The scenery is beautiful. The hike was incredibly easy consider it a nature walk. I turned back once we got to the fork to continue to Hellman. I went with my friend n we saw a mountain Lion right around there. We ran all the way back n had to avoid the dozen of rattlesnakes on the trail n lizards that kept running across us. Way too dangerous to consider going back. read more

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Dogs are not allowed on the trail, but I have never seen more fecal matter on any trail in my life. Some of it is from the local native residents, but not all of it. Takes the enjoyment out of a walk when you have to keep your head down, so that nothing unwanted sticks to you shoes. read more

Sycamore Canyon Trail - View from the top on a very hazy day. - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

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This hike starts off moderate but gets intense when its time to go up.the hill. Give it a try read more

Sycamore Canyon Trail - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

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This is a nice Trail. I first discovered it several years ago when a friend and I hiked from Greenleaf and came in from the top on the Switchback Trail. Unfortunately we ended up on Workman Mill, and being a little tired, had to still walk around back to uptown Whittier and Greenleaf. After that, I just park in the small lot on Workman Mill. I often walk this Trail after work, so I just walk until I hit the switch back then turn around and come back. The scenery is beautiful and there are many trees and plants, some native and some not. I used to walk the trails from the top of Greenleaf in uptown Whittier, but my favorite Trail was destroyed by people cutting through the switchbacks and causing erosion. As far as I know that trail has not reopened, which is a shame. read more

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An easy to moderate trail. Not too crowded. There is a small lot at the entrance. Smells like rotten eggs at the beginning, yes, but that goes away quickly. There are several switchbacks, many are overgrown with weeds and other growth, but it's beautiful. The trail connects to Hellman trail, but my friend and I just turned around and walked back since we parked on Workman Mill. read more

Sycamore Canyon Trail - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

Beware of ticks! After hiking on this trail, my 3 year old daughter we complaining of neck pain, come to find out it's was a tick on her scalp. Our dog also was bitten. Maybe from going off trail passed the zig zag? Not sure, but we're not going to risk going back. read more

Almost 4 miles in and one hour later we reached the top of the Sycamore Canyon Trail (Mind you I'm a heavy smoker and trying to quit and this being my first hike since 2013). Make sure to take the trail on the right once you hit the fork (Sycamore Switchback Trail) and know there is a little creek you will have to cross (and by little I mean literally step on three stones to get across). The trail zig zags about half way in (after crossing the river) and tends to mildly incline which is perfect and somewhat challenging for beginners. Once you reach the top make another right and it's smooth sailing from there. It was my first time there and I absolutely fell in love. Nothing but beautiful wilderness on both sides of the trail. Very secluded area and very peaceful. Went around 1pm on a Saturday and it was not packed at all (About 20 people or less). I definitely recommend it to people who avoid crowds and definitely will be going back soon. read more

Sycamore Canyon Trail - Beginning of the trail. - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

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Good clean path reception was good, not as scenic but leads to other paths that I was able to enjoy the water trail.