| Turnbull Canyon:. This is the newest areas to be acquired and opened to legal public use. Drive east up to Beverly Blvd. in Whittier until it becomes Turnbull Canyon Road. Park near the gate (denoted by a green Habitat Authority sign) where the road bends sharply to the right. Hike up the fire road and note the sharp contrast between the riparian forest to your right and the grassly slopes to your left. The difference is water! Follow the trail up the canyon, which gets more wild looking with every step. Along the trail you will see a large California sycamore growing up from the streambed whose branches are growing every which way. There is a dead VW bug near the tree's base. This tree is a particular favorite of mine, and very appealing to the eyes. The trail will reach a fork very soon. Go left to climb to the ridgeline or right to continue up the canyon. The ridgeline trail gives some awesome views and pears into other canyons with no trail access, as well as a cool sandstone formation. This trail will fork again at the ridgeline. Left will take you to Hellman Park and Sycamore Canyon, and right will go up to another ridgeline and then back down Turnbull Canyon or over into Hacienda Hills Open Space. If you choose to continue up the canyon at the original fork you reach yet another decision. See the Skyline Trail (part one) discussion for more details! With so many options you can make your hike as long or brief as you like. |
