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Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 9,400 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 Recreation 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.
Diverse sports, 3 lakes, a military museum, shooting ranges, horse center, disc golf & urban farm.
What runners say about Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
“It's very well kept and groomed, truly a gem only 20 minutes from Los Angeles.”
“Way to ruin a once proud and beautiful state.”
“Has a lot of space to sit down and enjoy the nature as well as shaded spots to have picnics and have a chill and calm afternoon!”
“It's a very large and peaceful park with lakes, benches, kids playgrounds, birds chirping and making noise, and even bicycle rentals.”
Walking, Relaxing, Camping, Fishing… This this the place for those activities. The animals here really needy and super friendly, especially the fox squirrels. There are many birds here too if you like bird watching. From my observation, it can be up to 12 biỉd species.
This park is super pretty! It's really peaceful and relaxing. I love going there to chill out in nature. The entire lap is about 2.25 miles long and there are three lakes. You'll see geese, ducks, and squirrels all over the place. It's a fantastic spot to hang out with your family and friends.
I go here on Sundays to walk and play catch with my dog. It's a very large and peaceful park with lakes, benches, kids playgrounds, birds chirping and making noise, and even bicycle rentals. It's very well kept and groomed, truly a gem only 20 minutes from Los Angeles.
My daughter LOVES this place. Its free on the weekdays and cheap on the weekend. Nice paths for biking, jogging, or walking. People fish here too. Why do we come? To bring a sleeve of crackers and a loaf of bread to feed the animals!
Trail conditions & character
“• Parking $10 on weekends • Public restrooms available, plenty of space for picnics.”
“I go here on Sundays to walk and play catch with my dog.”
“Has a lot of space to sit down and enjoy the nature as well as shaded spots to have picnics and have a chill and calm afternoon!”
“It's a very large and peaceful park with lakes, benches, kids playgrounds, birds chirping and making noise, and even bicycle rentals.”
Plan your run at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
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
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.lacounty.gov
- Phone+1 626-575-5526
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
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 Natural Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 503 reviews
419-acre sanctuary featuring a wide range of endangered wildlife, hiking trails & a nature center.
Whittier Narrows Nature Center Associates
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Nature-center set in a serene refuge with reptiles, birds, raccoons and more in cages.
Legg Lake Bike Path
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Bosque Del Rio Hondo
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Park with trails, picnic tables, and a public restroom, plus opportunities for horseback riding and boating.
New Temple Park
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Whittier Narrows Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 517 reviews
Vast recreational complex featuring a lake, baseball and soccer fields, as well as a playground.