HomeCaliforniaWhittier › Sycamore Canyon Trailhead

Sycamore Canyon Trailhead

4.4 ★★★★☆ 312 Google reviews · Running trail in Whittier, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
1.6 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Sycamore Canyon Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

1.6 miShadedScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADAFlat & fastHillyRestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Nature preserve with trails for exploring a habitat for flora and fauna such as deer, coyotes, and butterflies.

What runners say about Sycamore Canyon Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (312 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“There are great views of mountains and flowers all around.”

🌳 shaded & cool 3 mentions

“Lots is shade and the dark canyon trail connects to another main trail where the meditation place is at”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“even during weekends you won’t find plenty of hiker or runners on this trail, it a nice quiet place to get away from all the noise of the urban sprawl.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“This trail has a decent amount of shade at some parts and is a pretty easy trail.”

One of the closest hike/walking trails near my home. I go every couple months and it never gets old. Especially after the rain this winter, there's tall grass, simply enjoying the sound of nature & not to mention the cactus mountains, LOL. Dog friendly. Just please make sure to pick up after them. T.

★★★★☆ — Sinbadd , Feb 2023

A strong 4 5 score. It is a no bike trail. Just for walkers, joggers, and runners . Trails are curved in nature, and there is lots of brush and impactful wilderness. The main trail ends about 1 mile after switchback marker. Recommend take switchback for longer route.

★★★★☆ — Javier , Oct 2023

Went to this trail recently and really enjoyed it. This trail has a decent amount of shade at some parts and is a pretty easy trail. During the hike, was able to come across a rabbit, a few different birds, and even deers! There were a moderate amount of hikers I came across during the hike.

★★★★★ — Andy , Jun 2025

Very beautiful to explore during spring. Plant life is very diverse within the canyon and surrounding areas, wildlife too! such as various bird species, reptiles and coyotes if your lucky to hear em howl.

★★★★★ — Bradley , Mar 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 312 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 12 mentions

“I find solace in its privacy, cleanliness, and the generous parking space that it offers.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 11 mentions

“A lot of cactus plants out there and nice little spots to just sit and take in the view.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 9 mentions

“Y 🤗 Ooh, Go up the zig zag hill (switchback trail) & it takes you to other trails, (including a graffiti water tower).”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“Pretty clean trail although there are still dog owners who dont pick up after their dogs.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 3 mentions

“Lots is shade and the dark canyon trail connects to another main trail where the meditation place is at”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“The trail is well equipped with portable bathrooms ensuring cleanliness and convenience on my hikes.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“even during weekends you won’t find plenty of hiker or runners on this trail, it a nice quiet place to get away from all the noise of the urban sprawl.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“Gives you the option of doing an easy flat walk or taking switchbacks for a more elevation-driven moderate hike.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

“Feasible for strollers or little wagons.”

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Plan your run at Sycamore Canyon Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • Distance1.6 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
  • ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Trail mapOfficial trail map
  • Websitehabitatauthority.org
  • Phone+1 562-945-9003
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 9 am–5 pm
Tuesday 9 am–5 pm
Wednesday 9 am–5 pm
Thursday 9 am–5 pm
Friday 9 am–5 pm
Saturday 9 am–5 pm
Sunday 9 am–5 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Sycamore Canyon Trailhead

5040 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601

Get directions

Running trails near Whittier

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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All running trails in Whittier, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.