Take a Hike!
Hiking is a great way to boost your physical and mental health. Depending on an individual’s body weight, a person can burn up to 500 calories per hour. Not only is hiking great exercise, but spending time outdoors allows you to connect with nature which can also help reduce feelings of depression.
Because there is an abundance of hills in LA and Orange County, there are also many hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty, making it easy for beginners to get started with this great outdoor activity.
Remember to:
- Start slow and gradually work up to more advanced trails.
- Bring a buddy.
- Familiarize yourself with the trail map and follow marked paths and trails.
- Watch out for wildlife. Keep your distance, back away slowly, and do not run.
- Stay hydrated.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Below is a list of popular hiking areas near Whittier and Downey you can check out with friends and family!
Furman Park Walking Trail
- Address: 10419 Rives Ave. Downey, CA 90241
- Difficulty: Level 1, Easy
- Miles: 1
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Terrain: Flat paved trail
- Park info
Greenway Walking Trail
- Address: 5703 Palm Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602
- Difficulty: Level 1, Easy
- Miles: 4.5
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Terrain: Flat paved trail
- Trail info
Arroyo Pescadero Trail
- Address: 7531 Colima Rd, Whittier, CA 90602
- Difficulty: Level 2, Easy
- Miles: 2.6
- Duration: 1.25 hours
- Terrain: Mostly paved
- Trail info
Murphy Ranch Park
- Address: 16200 Las Cumbres Dr. Whittier, CA 90603
- Difficulty: Level 2, Easy
- Miles: 1.7
- Duration: 1 hour
- Terrain: Wilderness trail in Friendly Hills area with gradual inclines
- Trail info
Turnbull Canyon
- Address: Turnbull Canyon Road, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, USA
- (Beverly Blvd. turns into Turnbull Canyon Rd. Trailhead is just past Beverly Hills Dr. on the Left)
- Difficulty: Level 4, Moderate
- Miles: 2.5
- Duration: 1.25 hours
- Terrain: Good inclines
- Trail info
Hellman Wilderness Park
- Address: 5700 Greenleaf Ave. Whittier, CA 90601
- Choose from four different trails to explore of varying lengths and moderate difficulty
- Difficulty: Level 5, Moderate (not for beginners)
- Miles: 2.5 to 4.5
- Duration: 1.25 to 2.3 hours
- Terrain: Trail have hills with quick gain and steep incline
- Park info
Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park, Powder Canyon
- Address: 17250 Colima Rd. Rowland Heights, CA 91748
- Difficulty: Level 6, Moderate (not for beginners)
- Miles: 4.8
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Terrain: Simple switchbacks and distance increase. Endurance and Stamina required.
- Trail info
