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Whittier Narrows Nature Center Associates
4.6 ★★★★★ 129 Google reviews · Running trail in South El Monte, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Whittier Narrows Nature Center Associates' 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.
Nature-center set in a serene refuge with reptiles, birds, raccoons and more in cages.
What runners say about Whittier Narrows Nature Center Associates
“While I was there, I had a brief tour of the grounds, and I was amazed by how peaceful and clean everything was.”
“The center’s mission is truly beautiful, and you can feel the dedication of the volunteers in every corner.”
“Im used to going across the street to leg lake to see the ducks but this place is so relaxing plus lots of shade and great areas to sit down and have a picnic.”
“While I was there, I had a brief tour of the grounds, and I was amazed by how peaceful and clean everything was.”
There are bike path and walking trails south to it. The restroom is very clean and quiet because not much people here. Sometimes the workers are more than visitors. I like it. +++++ There is a program of "Nature In A Bag" on Wednesday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
My family lived across the street from the Audubon Society on Durfee Rd in So El Monte from 1949-1963, until properties were bought out for the now SEMHS! My brothers & sisters loved going to see all the live critters they had on display. We walked those long beautiful trails .
This place is always so calm and cool. There us a lot of shade here compared to parks where the main feature is grass that is well kept. The main feature of this area is the natural state of many plants and animals. There are more clearly manmade trails now, but it's still not just a lawn on either side of it.
The Nature Center was great parking was free I had a great walk and there's a lot of dead animals you can touch and snakes and it was great for my 6 and two year old I would definitely recommend and I will go back
Trail conditions & character
“While I was there, I had a brief tour of the grounds, and I was amazed by how peaceful and clean everything was.”
“The center’s mission is truly beautiful, and you can feel the dedication of the volunteers in every corner.”
“Im used to going across the street to leg lake to see the ducks but this place is so relaxing plus lots of shade and great areas to sit down and have a picnic.”
“The restroom is very clean and quiet because not much people here.”
Plan your run at Whittier Narrows Nature Center Associates
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitewnnca.org
- Phone+1 626-575-5523
- Social Instagram
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–5 pm |
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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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