Hacienda Hills Trailhead

The inspiration

In 1994, the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority was created as a condition of approval for operating the Puente Hills Landfill, with a dollar from every ton of trash going toward preserving the hills¹ . The agency's stated mission is protecting the land in perpetuity, safeguarding its biological diversity, and offering low-impact recreation² .

Who's behind it

Its founding came from an idea proposed by Bob Henderson, a former Whittier Mayor and the founding chairman, later embraced by the Sanitation Districts and the surrounding communities¹ .

What to order

• Ahwingna Trail: the steeper entry trail from the gate, open to dogs, horses, and cyclists, and connecting to more trails deeper in the hills .³
• The accessible trail: a short decomposed granite path near the trailhead, with educational kiosks describing the bioswale and habitat the Habitat Authority created .^5,3
• Skyline and Native Oak trails: link together longer loops with views toward the San Gabriel Mountains and, farther along, downtown Los Angeles .⁴
• Spring blooms: sages, California poppies, and goldfields line the entry stretch in spring .⁴

What people are saying

Writers describe this as a quiet, less-traveled pocket of the Puente Hills, with an intimate, shady setting under coast live oaks^5,3 . Modern Hiker highlights the native plants and bioswales that filter runoff along the entry road⁴ .

Why you should try it

For a visitor staying nearby, this trailhead offers an easy, well-equipped entry into the hills, with onsite parking, ADA access, a drinking fountain, and a restroom right at the gate⁵ . It is a calm place for a morning walk under oaks, with views stretching from the San Gabriels to downtown Los Angeles on clear days^5,4 .