Rabbit on the Arroyo San Miguel Trail

Dusk on the Arroyo San Miguel Trail

Text and photography copyright 2011 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.

Arroyo San Miguel Trail

• Location: 7531 Colima Road, Whittier.  From the south, take I-605 to Florence Ave.  Take a left onto Studebaker Road and the first right onto Florence.  Go 5.2 miles (Florence becomes Mills on the way) to Whittier Blvd.  Take a right on Whittier, go 0.3 miles and take a left onto Colima.  Go 1.1 miles to the trailhead which is on the left side of the road, just past the little league fields.
• Agency: Habitat Authority
• Distance: 3.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 350 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG
• Suggested time: 1.5 hours
• Best season: September – June
• USGS topo maps: “Whittier”
• More information: here
• Rating: 3

The Arroyo San Miguel Trail shares a trailhead with the Arroyo Pescadero Trail.  Head up hill to join the Arroyo Pescadero Trail, but at the split, stay straight instead of to the left, to stay on the San Miguel Trail.  Although the beginning of the trail suffers from traffic noise from nearby Colima Road, once you cross under through a tunnel, it becomes quieter.  As you head east, on your right, you might be able to catch a glimpse of Catalina Island and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

The trail heads downhill into a wide canyon, passing in and out of the shade of willows and a few palm trees, before beginning a moderate ascent to end at a private road.  From here, you get a nice view of the canyon and can even see Colima as you head back.  While not necessarily a “must do” hike, the Arroyo San Miguel Trail does provide a quick and easy escape into nature, and it receives considerably less foot traffic than its neighbor.  When I was there on a recent weekend, the parking lot was almost full (keep this in mind when planning your trip) – yet I saw only three other people on the trail.