Murphy Ranch Park

The inspiration

Murphy Ranch Park was developed in 1969 by the City of Whittier as a wilderness or natural park, with a ravine running down the middle and hiking trails on both sides¹ . City parks manager Stuart McFeely described it as a place with nothing programmed, just open for the community to use, giving visitors the feel of being out in the hills without leaving the city¹ . The land traces back to Simon Jones Murphy, a Michigan lumber businessman who bought ranch property during the 1887 real estate boom and later ran citrus and oil operations before the ranch was subdivided into Friendly Hills .

Who's behind it

The park is owned and run by the City of Whittier through its Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department^2,3 . The city's parks staff keep the roughly 48 acres of wilderness maintained, including drainage work that protects the service road from erosion⁴ .

What to order

• A picnic: about eight tables serve small groups, set in a quiet ravine landscape .¹
• A walk with your dog: this is one of the few parks in Whittier where dogs are allowed on leash .^2,1
• A slow bike ride: cycling is allowed as long as you stay under the 15 mph speed limit .¹

Why you should try it

If you are staying nearby and want a quick dose of hill-country quiet, this ravine of dirt trails gives you a real hike without a long drive¹ . Bring water, expect no restrooms, and keep an eye out for the city's goat crews that occasionally clear brush for fire prevention² .