01
Best easy in-town loop
Industry Hills Trail
Industry Hills Above Valley Boulevard • Scenic Hilltop Loop Around Resort Grounds • Best For Relaxed Evening Walks
A gentle loop above the city with broad views, perfect when you want a close-by walk that still feels like an escape.
Winding above the golf courses and resort complex, Industry Hills Trail gives you open sky, rolling hills, and unexpected views of the San Gabriels without leaving town. The grade is mild with a mix of pavement and packed dirt, so it works well for casual walkers and newer hikers. Go near sunset for the best light over the valley and the least mid-day heat.
02
Best long ridgeline route
Schabarum–Skyline Trail
Ridge Between Rowland Heights And Hacienda Heights • Rolling Ridgeline Trail Linking Multiple Open Spaces • Best For Ambitious Local Hikers
A broad, undulating trail that follows the Puente Hills spine, offering big views and the option to hike as far as your legs allow.
The Schabarum–Skyline Trail threads along the top of the Puente Hills, connecting neighborhoods and parks with a surprisingly wild-feeling corridor. From access points near City of Industry, you can choose an out-and-back of just a few miles or commit to a longer point-to-point trek toward Whittier. Expect sun-exposed stretches, steady ups and downs, and far-reaching views across the San Gabriel Valley and toward downtown Los Angeles on clear days.
03
Best family-friendly park network
Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park Trails
Rowland Heights / Otterbein Neighborhood • Oak-Dotted Park Trails And Looping Paths • Best For Families And Casual Hikers
A mix of short loops and gentle connectors through grassy hills and oak groves, with plenty of picnic spots nearby.
Schabarum Regional Park is where many locals first discover hiking in the Puente Hills, thanks to its clear signage, restrooms, and shaded picnic areas. Trails radiate out from the park interior, letting you choose anything from a 30-minute stroll to a more substantial loop that climbs onto the surrounding slopes. It is a strong pick for groups, mixed ability levels, and weekend outings where hiking is only part of the plan.
04
Classic workout hike
Turnbull Canyon Trail
Puente Hills Above Whittier • Canyon Climb With Broad Ridge Views • Local Favorite For Steady Climbs
A popular canyon-to-ridge route with enough elevation gain to feel like a real workout, plus sweeping vistas as your reward.
Turnbull Canyon is a go-to for nearby residents who want a reliable climb and a bit of a trail community vibe. The main route climbs steadily from the trailhead up to the ridgeline, where you can link into additional fire roads and singletrack for longer loops. Expect a mix of chaparral, wide dirt paths, and open views that stretch from the San Gabriels out toward the coastal plain.
05
Best quick hill climb
Hacienda Hills Trailhead – Steep Canyon Trail
Foothills Above Hacienda Heights • Short, Steep Trail To A Panoramic Ridge • Best For Time-Crunched Hikers
A brisk, stair-like climb straight up the hillside that quickly delivers big views and a satisfying, no-nonsense workout.
From the Hacienda Hills trailhead, the Steep Canyon route wastes no time, marching up the hillside via a mix of dirt path and manmade steps. It is a favorite for locals squeezing in a climb before or after work, since you gain views fast without committing to a long distance. Once on the ridge, you can turn around for a direct descent or explore connecting paths that trace the Puente Hills skyline.