Dusk in Turnbull Canyon

Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Turnbull Canyon Trail

• Location: Puente Hills between Whittier and Hacienda Heights.  From I-605, take the Beverly Blvd. exit and go east for 2.5 miles.  Along the way, Beverly Blvd. becomes Turnbull Canyon Road.  Look for a turnout on the left side of the road (just past Beverly Hills Drive).  There will be a fence and an informational board marking the beginning of the trail.
• Agency: Puente Hills Landfill Habitat Preservation Authority
• Distance: 3.4 miles
• Elevation gain: 500 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG
• Suggested time: 1.5 hours
• Best season:  Year round
• USGS topo map: “Whittier”
• More information: trip reports and reviews here; trail map here
• Rating: 4

This trail is located exactly across Turnbull Canyon Road from the Worsham Ridge Loop, but it offers a considerably different hiking experience.  Although it does suffer from a little traffic noise and some graffiti and trash–by and large, the signs of civilization are few as you make your way through Turnbull Canyon.

The beginning of the trail is somewhat monotonous, as you make your way through 3/4 of a mile of pleasant, if uneventful scenery.  You come to a junction where the Sumac Trail branches off to the left and the Turnbull Canyon trail continues, making a hard right.  This section of the Turnbull Canyon Trail, where you are under the shade of oaks and sycamores, becomes more attractive and interesting.  After 0.6 miles, you reach a junction with the Juan Bautista trail (this is the end of the Turnbull Canyon trail).  You can extend your hike on the Bautista Trail, which climbs surprisingly steeply (250 feet in 0.4 miles) to reach the road.  From the top, you get nice views of the canyon.

If you are pressed for time, you can shorten the hike by starting at this trail head instead.  You can take in the most interesting portions of the trip by doing a “reverse hike” downhill and taking the Turnbull Canyon trail as far as the juncture with the Sumac trail (one mile, 400 feet).  This higher parking area also serves as an alternate Worsham Canyon loop trailhead.