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Whittier Narrows Natural Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 503 Google reviews · Running trail in South El Monte, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Whittier Narrows Natural Area'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.
419-acre sanctuary featuring a wide range of endangered wildlife, hiking trails & a nature center.
What runners say about Whittier Narrows Natural Area
“Yes we are Narwhals nice place so you can take a walk or go hiking or fishing because they got fish in the pond too so yeah it's real nice and beautiful”
Great place to get away from the city. This nature center is nestled right into a little bit of heaven. There is a handicapped accessible trail, Whittier Narrows Police Dept is there, a little museum with #insects #gemsandminerals #taxidermy and they even have outdoor nature classes and events for the whole family.
Nice local nature area. Mostly flat and paved so easy hiking/bicycling. At the moment lots of water in the San Gabriel River due to recent storms so lots of running water and everything is nicely green. You can do a nice long hike either north towards the San Gabriels or South.
Yes we are Narwhals nice place so you can take a walk or go hiking or fishing because they got fish in the pond too so yeah it's real nice and beautiful
A great place for a little walk or a bike ride. Love the little lakes and wildlife
Trail conditions & character
“I think it's a great place to visit parking and entry are free stop.”
Plan your run at Whittier Narrows Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteparks.lacounty.gov
- Phone+1 626-629-8386
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near South El Monte
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 9,400 reviews
Diverse sports, 3 lakes, a military museum, shooting ranges, horse center, disc golf & urban farm.
Whittier Narrows Nature Center Associates
4.6 ★★★★★ 129 reviews
Nature-center set in a serene refuge with reptiles, birds, raccoons and more in cages.
Legg Lake Bike Path
4.3 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews
Bosque Del Rio Hondo
4 ★★★★☆ 350 reviews
Park with trails, picnic tables, and a public restroom, plus opportunities for horseback riding and boating.
Streamland Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 333 reviews
Natural acreage with lit baseball & basketball areas, horse trails, a picnic pavilion & playground.