Turnbull Canyon Trail

The inspiration

The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority grew out of that deal in 1994 to manage the land for both wildlife and public access^1,2 . The canyon itself is named after Scottish immigrant Robert Turnbull, who bought it from Whittier Quaker businessmen in the 1870s to raise sheep .

Who's behind it

The trail network is managed by the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority, a joint powers authority created in 1994 as part of the landfill agreement^1,2 . Its mission is to acquire, restore and manage open space for the plants and animals that live in the hills² .

What to order

• The Sumac Trail leg: it climbs away from the creek through switchbacks, past California sagebrush, black sage and other native scrub .³
• Skyline Drive along the crest: it links into the wider fire road network across the hills .³
• The graffiti-covered water tower at the peak: reached via a short, gravelly final climb with a wide vista over the area .⁴

What people are saying

Writers keep coming back to the views, which on clear days stretch toward Long Beach, Palos Verdes and even Catalina³ . Streetsblog Los Angeles calls it a hot spot for downhill cycling and drifting, and singles out the 360 degree panorama from the peak⁴ . Modern Hiker suggests the loop will surprise Angelenos convinced there is no good hiking between the San Gabriels and the Santa Anas³ .

Why you should try it

If you are staying in the Whittier area, this is an easy way to get onto real hills with coastal sage, sycamores and blooming mustard in the cooler months^5,3 .