This was my first time checking out this trail in Whittier. It was a great work out and we got a little over 4 miles out and back and there were multiple inclines, I know I'm going to be sore the next day. The gates open at 9 and some people were waiting outside before that time and it's not opened for vehicles. Parking was hard to find since you need a permit to park on any streets around the area. read more

Hellman Park - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

Hellman park is amazing in the late winter, early spring. It's so green with beautiful views. The hike is has limited shade and it's challenging and strenuous, still people of all ages come to the trails. It's also dog friendly. The negative- parking , you have to beware of the signs on the street, the parking on premises is very limited and sometimes closed. Trail open at 9 am - 5 pm daily, for some, not possible to come after work. :( Other than that it's amazing and satisfying. read more

Hellman Park - View from the top of the hill. - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

See all

Nothing short of a beautiful hiking day at Hellman Park. Always enjoy the scenery and the lush, green nature that surrounds you. So grateful to have this place so close to home. read more

See all

Is great for a hike, nice and steady great weather nice and clean would recommend for someone to go early morning unless you're up for the heat try 12 early morning is great for beginners read more

Hellman Park - A squirrel - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

"But did you die ?" This trail is tough but so so worth it. The views and workout you get are amazing! For first timers I recommend you pace yourself! read more

I am a person who likes sports! This mountain is very suitable for me! If you like hiking, come here read more

See all

This was a good, solid hike. The first mile of this trail was strenuous and all uphill. There was a steep incline but after that it's flat until you're about a quarter of a mile from the water tower. Also, there's no shade so make sure to start early. The views were amazing and I felt safe hiking alone. I'd do it again. read more

Hellman Park - The incline is higher in person than it looks in the pictures. - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

See all

Great steep, uphill hike. Bring water on Sunny days. No shade. Pack out what you pack in. It sucks that during rattlesnake season you get the idiots with big ass speakers hiking. Makes it hard to listen for the snake rattle. No one wants to hear it. Buy sone headphones. read more

Hellman Park - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

I grew up right across the street from the trailhead from 1959 to 1977 and we spent most of our time up in those Whittier Hills. I'm gonna go hike it soon and see how much it's changed or how much it's like I remember. After the big fire through Turnbull Canyon in 1968, we were evacuated and we had a huge eucalyptus tree that caught fire, a helicopter dropped retardant and save many houses. We went for a hike a week later and it was so devastating. Dead cows everywhere. Another adventure was when my girlfriend and I sneaked up there to smoke cigarettes and we found a dead body in the cow trough right at the entrance. You remember certain things in life, this was pretty bad. They also had clay mines and Indian Caves. Being able to explore relatively unexplored land was so exciting back then. They've got everything blocked off so people can't really even enjoy or even know what's there. And back that we used to be able to go to the beach park in front of the beach and walk onto the beach without having to spend a penny. I'd like to see that again.... Yeah right! read more

The Hellman park trail is great because it starts off with pretty steady and consistent climb that gets your heart pumping and body sweating. But once you overcome that first challenge, it's pretty smooth sailing up until you reach the hill towards the water tower. Great fun hike to do with family and friends on a Sunday afternoon. Just wish they closed later and that parking wasn't such a challenge! read more

I live nearby and come here every weekend to hike. This is the best place for people who like sports! Feel the nature and exercise at the same time read more

Nice steep hill but you have to park all the way in uptown. There's only 5 or so parking spaces. I remember when this place was more accessible, the neighbors started complaining about people parking in the street. There used to be so many people coming to this spot but now there's hardly anybody. They closed the gate so you cant even park inside anymore, they just keep making it harder and harder for people who love this spot to get to is as easily. It seems like the city wants to make it so people stop coming here because it costs them too much and people like to be idiots. read more

Def recommend this hike. Warning: has lots of steep hills so if you're looking for a flat and casual hike, this isn't the place. I'd you want to Get a good pump and sweat in, it's for you. There are multiple entrances to this hike, but if you start from Greenleaf and hike all the way to the Turnbull entrance and back, it's about 8 miles round trip. It's a dirt path that's scenic and overlooks the city of WHITTIER and Rose hills Cemetery. It's packed so go early, and the parking lot is tiny so most likely you will have to park on the streets, but most of The street parking requires a permit, so pay careful Attention to the signs. Best of all, this place is dog friendly! read more

See all

It's definitely a 4.5 star trail rated path. There are many paths, but this one is hard, steep, grueling at times, not for first-timers. No bikers allowed. Take water, trail to towers is around 1.5 to 2 miles ... round trip around 4 miles. Parking is hard. Just make sure you follow parking signs. None, at park site, unless you arrive at 5am or get lucky. If you have jogged hiked or ran trails before and have experience in 4 to 6 mile trips, then you should be okay. But those just visiting, try another trail before this one. They close early, around 5/ 6 pm. The best times are around 6am to 9am. Leash pets pets please, and clean after yourself. don't litter! read more

See all

Love this hike but the place opens too late.. like who wants to hike at 9am we're trying to beat the heat!!!

Say what you will about this hiking trail but for the past five years it has been one of my favorites and a good challenge for all those looking for one. Located up the hill of Uptown Whittier this hiking trail seems fitting for the name because it will be hell if you hate steep incline hikes. This parking lot is small and that means you'll be tempted to park on the street and trek to the entrance. The problem with that is for about two blocks around the area parking is only permit. So you'll have to make sure you go down a bit further to find street parking. From the moment you start the hike you realize this is going to be tough, especially for those who do not hike often. It is about a straight 45 degree incline up for half a mile. It'll be difficult, there will be sweating, and you grunts can stem from both laborious trekking to jubilant cardio. Though the first half might be difficult those views are stunning when you arrive at a peak. You can see all the way to the skyscrapers of Downtown LA or even the Buddhist temple near by. On sunsets and sunrises the skies are painted with California gold. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and makes you feel alive. However, any other part of the day, especially on hot sunny ones, and you'll feel like dying. There is no shade provided except for the trees at the bottom of the hike. No watering holes or interesting waterfalls. The only thing fairly interesting is the graffiti filled water tower you'll see sitting on our posting selfies with. This is why water and proper skincare is necessary. Highly recommend bringing a hat on those extra hot days. I love Hellman Park because it is a straight workout. No embellishment with flat ground and shaded woods. No crazy detours to forested lands. Instead, you get difficult inclines with no shades that'll make you drench in sweat and feel alive. This is a great place to workout and get your heart pumping without having to look hard to find it. read more

Hellman Park - What a damn good view - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

See all

If you're looking for a good workout this is your place! This hill gets your heart pumping from the moment you start. The only downside of going to this hike is the parking. Parking is limited and nearby streets require permit parking. You can start your exercise a few block away where parking permits are not required. The additional walk is worth it! Get your heart pumping, get your stamina on point. Enjoy! read more

See all

If you want a workout, i recommend taking the hellman park trail!!! The steep hills will have your legs aching and sweating like crazy. Plus the bonus to taking this hike is the wildlife you get to see up there. Which goes from lizards,spiders,birds and coyotes!! There also snakes but i recommend not getting to close to them. Suggestion: hellmans park will still be closed due to covid 19 due to the goverment not wanting people to park close to each other. I recommend taking the turnbull trail which is down the street. Also take your time hiking and enjoy the view dont rush cause there is a lot rocks to trip on. read more

Hellman Park - Hellman trail before the shut down - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

See all

Perfect short local hike when you need a butt kicking hill! It seems there are a lot of connecting trials but we started on Greenleaf as the Yelp map shows Pretty exposed so I would not suggest this in the hotter months unless you go very early in the morning Heading up and the cutting west gives you a nice view through to DTLA (inner this hike would be awesome at night to see the city lights) NOTE: there's a designated parking lot at the trail head read more

Hellman Park - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

UPDATE AS OF 11/1/15- Closest parking w/no Parking Restrictions is Newlin Ave, between Orange and Beverly Blvd (Nestled also Milton/Pickering Ave) They are all rental properties, so chances are it will never be permitted since the renters have no say so & the owners could give a rats ass. Watch out for the people who put their trash cans on the street so the hikers or anyone else can't park there, although I remember it still being a street open for public parking.......just saying! 5 stars to challenging hills & kick ass workout. But having both being a hiker & living a few blocks from the park, it's just not the same feeling, experience as it use to be, hence the 2 stars now It's just too crowded, even getting up before the sun comes out doesn't remedy it, based on how quickly the masses are coming out earlier & earlier nowadays. But that's not all. I live here now and it has greatly effected the parking situation on my block since last November. It appears from last week's article in the Daily News, that Greenleaf's next for permit parking: http://www.whittierdailynews.com/government-and-politics/20150323/whittier-council-to-consider-expanding-parking-permit-program Well our street is not going to be considered because there are far more rentals & maybe 1 to 3 property owner ratio (Our jackass owner being one of them) to sign a petition (nor do I think they care as they are all retired & hardly get out); Its ridiculous to see everyone fending for parking. (sucks more when you see capable bodied individuals borrowing their aging family members "Handicap" parking tags to utilize what should be for the actual handicap individual). Do what one neighbor does & put your trash can on the side of street so no one parks there...lol. The good news is there are many, many, many more trails throughout LA area to explore, but you'll have to be open to driving out of "five mile radius" comfort zone & look for the ones that are less populated. As for me, I say good "Bye Bye" Hellman, it was nice you and me (and everyone else on here on Yelp reviews that I personally know and few I've gone hiking with). On to new trails, wherever God takes me. Or as my daughters say "Wherever the wind blows" is where I shall roam. (Beach trails, cliff's off Palos Verdes and possible West side trails watching planes fly over) But note to the new, you'll fall in love with it, take selfies with or w/out graffiti tower -. Everyone does. Just pay attention to the permit parking and please be kind to the residents surrounding it. read more

After coming here, you will have dirty socks, dirty shoes, dirty legs, dirty thoughts -- well, that could happen anyplace. A lot of the trails are soft dirt, so look out. Hellman Park is not bring your picnic basket type of place. It's closer to Hellman Park-ing -- an entry point into the hike -- a dire one at that. Needless to say, this place kicked my butt and more. It's quite steep, and in a relatively short hike (2.9 miles or more, dependent upon which route)...it's a lot of uphill. and then, a lot of down. Half way thru my legs were jelly, and I wanted to die. Sure, throw down a burger and fries and watch me go. But, as a foodie and well beyond age 25, that equals slow and not in the best hiking shape. It's all worth it. The views are stunning over all of LA (to one side), and would be most spectacular in the morning when magic light reigns. But, even in the late afternoon, it was gorgeous. I didn't even take a pic of the LA/downtown area because the sun was right in my lens. I did take a pic of the backside, with fields and the Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple. Loved it. Hey Whittier, who the hell knew? I've attached a photo of a map to Hellman Park and Turnbull Canyon (which is the upper half of the map). This is a worthy intermediate hiking spot, and be sure to bring your camera/phone, and plenty of water. A few words of wisdom: 1. Several trails allow mountain bikes. 2. There's absolutely nowhere, anywhere, to sit unless you plant your butt on the dirt. 3. Do not say along the path, "Here Snakey Snakey". read more

Hellman Park - Trailmap of Hellman and Turnbull - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

See all

Hellman has really changed in the year + that I've been going there. For one, Hellman has grown in popularity. Groups of people go more than I've ever seen before. The Hellman culture has shifted from middle aged singles or couples of different backgrounds to young Hispanics looking to get their fitness on. Parking used to be easy. I always found parking on Rose St. since the little parking lot was so small and always occupied. Parking on Rose St. is now by permit only. I don't blame the residents of Rose St. for requesting that. In recent times when I've gone to Hellman, Rose St. was packed with cars and people. The parking lot at Hellman has expanded so now there are double the amount of spaces (which still is not enough for the amount of people who go). The change in culture isn't necessarily a good one. While hiking the other day, two women were behind me with a child around the age of 3. The little boy was whining and crying because he was tired. His "mother" yelled at him, cussing him out telling him "WALK!! It's your F*&^ING fault I didn't get a good F*&^ING workout tonight!!!" . I turned around and glared at her. A) I don't go to Hellman to hear your ghetto, ignorant, a** cuss up a storm and ruin MY Zen fitness experience B) You should know better than to expect a 3 year old to keep up with an adult C) you need some serious parenting skills. Yeah. I'm judging. I felt so bad for the little tyke I almost picked him up and carried him myself! Lastly, sunset caught us while hiking Hellman. We quickly jogged down Peppergrass Trail. There was a group in front of us and when we reached the parking lot, a park ranger was yelling at them about hiking after sunset, how it's prohibited, and the signs said so. He told them next time they'd get a ticket. They sweetly told him thanks and walked away. He didn't say anything to me and my nephew. The Park Ranger was writing up a ticket for the parked cars left in the lot. I sincerely hope one of them belonged to the Bad Mom that was behind me. When I first started going to Hellman, everyone was so friendly and would say hello. The people who go to trails can make or break the experience. I'll still go to Hellman because it's the trail closest to me. It's still a great workout. I hear mornings are empty so I guess that's when I'll be going. P.S. Girls...tights are not workout pants. Unless you don't care about showing what color thong you're wearing to all of Hellman...check the mirror before you leave home. read more

Hellman Park - 3/9/13 Hellman looks great in late winter after some rainfall. - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

My new local favorite hiking spot that's within 15 minutes of my residence. Parking can be a real pain on weekends. At 600 am on Saturday the parking lot was already full! I heart getting here early during the week and avoiding the crowds and eliminating the pain of locating parking. There's several trails so I can vary my workout and enjoy spectacular views The option of the different trails give beginners to experience hikers choices to fully maximize their experience at Hellman Park. Beware of bikers blazing through the hills and I've experienced a few idiots blasting their tunes out loud and disrespecting others. Thank goodness I've encountered only a few of these clowns. You may also encounter coyotes and rattlesnakes - so stay alert. I'll definitely will be visiting Hellman Park frequently. read more

See all

Hills on hills on hills! This is definitely not the place to go to to enjoy scenery and relaxation... Come here for a kick ass workout though! Honestly, i had heard a lot about this place but had also seen pictures of the tagged tower and it made me think this was a dirty, and honestly ghetto, hike. It didn't help that my sisters girlfriend's car got broken into in the parking lot. But, I finally tried it yesterday when a friend invited me to join her and I have to say I got such a good workout that I would come back for more. The view is nice once you start climbing, but like I mentioned earlier, its more of a fitness trail than enjoying the view! read more

Hellman Park - Killer hills! - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

The Hike: Not really a beginner trail. If you've never hiked and out of shape, I wouldn't recommend this trail. There are a few steep inclines on the way to the water tower. Things to bring: 1. Good shoes, with good socks. or you will get blisters 2. Water for yourself and pets if needed 3. sunscreen! there is no shade or trees From the bottom of the trail to the water tower is about 1.5 miles. 3 miles round trip. Time wise, it's about 2-3 hours round trip. Trail closes around 5-6 - so keep that in mind, or you will be locked in behind the gates. 1 star minus due to the horrible parking. There are very only a handful of spots designated for the trail. And about 2-3 block radius of street parking requires a permit. If you need parking you will have to park SOUTH OF BROADWAY. Look for posted signs regarding days you can't park on the street. Good way to plan ahead is to look for it using google street view. Overall, the hike was great and the views were awesome! Everyone I met during the hike were very friendly. read more

I have hiked this place probably 6-7 times now. The first time I was shocked at how steep the beginning was...since then I am prepared for the intense incline at the start. After the first .75 miles there are hills that come after with alternate less difficult paths around the hills. RT is around 3.5 miles About half way there is decision you have to make to go to the water tower to the left (west) or to the right (east) or you could visit both! I usually go to the east one. They recently erected a fence around it. Pros: closest trail to my house, great views toward LA and LB, short but demanding workout Cons: crowded trails with people sometimes playing music loudly, lots of dog poop, not very interesting terrain to look at on the way up, difficult parking...I usually park south of Beverly read more

See all

Great hiking spot. Only my third time here but here's the rundown fro what I have learned about it; There are a few ways to choose from (start & finish) and some with not so bad incline; this hike has Zero shade;the path to the left as you start from the parking lot on greenleaf has a lil more shade on a cool day; signs say no bikes but still seen bikes; the park has wildlife research cameras; I see a lot of dogs;lots of people take their kids and almost everyone says hello or good morning. Today was my second time here with my dog and I'm surprised she made it to finish. I only had to put her in the dog pack like twice for about 15 min each time but she is a really small yorkie. Some of the paths are narrow and some are wide read more

There's been lots of construction going on since my previous visits earlier in the year. There are ropes throughout the trail keeping you on path which separates you from the grassy areas. There is also a number of paths that are completely blocked and are now covered in grass. Depending on the visitor, this could be a good or bad thing. If you liked taking some of the easier trails up for a less intense workout then consider this a bad thing when it comes to the first hill. There is no longer an easy way around it. There's only one path up so prepare for the burn. The downside to all of this for myself is once I get past the second hill, some of the trails I would include in my workout for the extra burn fell victim to the block offs resulting in me having to use the normal path before reaching the third incline. To make up for this, I do three rounds of the third hill rather than the two I use to do previously. I no longer walk all the way to the water tower. The water tower is a finishing point for those who have never been and would like to take pictures for their accomplishment in my opinion. I get a better workout sticking with the three hills before reaching the water tower. Despite the ropes, the scenery is still great so no take away there. All in all the trails in Hellman Park still provides a great workout to help shed the pounds. Hellman Park 8/13/2017 read more

See all

I recently returned to walk through Hellman Wilderness Park with my friend. Turns out I changed my mind and I actually kinda sorta like one. We are early birds in the morning and didn't know that Hellman doesn't open until 9AM!! Even on weekends :(( What a pity. Luckily, a nice gentleman told us about the entrance on the other side. We probably walked about 10-15 minutes from where we had parked on Greenleaf to find this opening. It's no secret though. Kids, bikers, and dog walkers were all out and about getting their weekend hiking game on. What I like about the entrance on the other side of the park is how different it looks from its counterpart. Less lonely dirt hills and more green. Yay green! (Specifically after rainfall.) It is a nice walk and all paths end at Greenleaf aka the gated entrance/exit near the tiny parking lot. It was an enjoyable walk in the park. read more

Hellman Park - Not so secret entrance - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

To start off, this park has been a favorite since my undergrad years. It was great coming here at night, hiking up the steep slope to the overlook, and enjoying the great views of the nighttime skyline. However, they recently erected a gate at the entrance of the trail head, and they close the gates way too early (5:00-6:00 PM, depending on the time of year). Now we are deprived of any nighttime hikes. I don't know when they erected this gate, but it is a pity that they did. It must have been spurred by hooligans coming here and causing trouble at night. The park itself is nice, and no doubt still provides a great hike and great views during the day. We'll just have to come back at that time on a weekend, because weekday nighttime excursions are not happening anymore. read more

Epic hikes right here! Many trails that inner connect with one another. Great views of the area, you can even see downtown la from the peaks. read more

See all

This starts out as a boring hike full of dirt and some plants, but it eventually gives way to great panoramic views once you are near the top. The main attraction is the water tower with graffiti all over it and you'll find this at the end of the hike. Too bad there is now a fence around it. Expect what seems to be endless hills of constant elevation gain. You'll make your way to the top of one hill, only to be greeted by more in the distance. How's that for a mental and physical challenge? I like this hike not so much for the views, but for its unexpected difficulty. It's fairly local since it's in an urban area compared to other hikes. Skip the gym and come here for a killer leg workout! The parking lot is on the small side so be prepared to park on the surrounding streets. Watch out for street signs that say permit parking only. There's also very little shade so bring lots of water! read more

See all

Great for a Local Hike! Opens at 9am and parking is limited so arrive early . Restrooms are available. Feels very safe ! read more

Hellman Park - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

See all

I took the Skyline Drive Trail to Water Tank, a 3.7 mile out and back trail that you can find easily if you search it on AllTrails! = L O C A T I O N = The parking lot is nestled in a Whittier suburb. ALL the streets around the parking lot are permit only, and unfortunately the parking lot is super small and cannot accommodate all the people that are trying to park here. Even on the weekday, I circled the lot twice and only got a spot by luck. = H I K E = The trail is very well maintained. Straight off the bat they slap you with hills on hills! Whew! Definitely good for that cardio, and that also means there are some beautiful sweeping views of Whittier and beyond to be had. There are some smaller trails branching off too, but I went straight to the water tank. A couple years ago when I first went, the tank was graffitied to perfection, but now they built a fence around it to deter taggers (BOO!). It's not the best "peak," but it still is very fun to do with all the hills. Be careful during hotter days, because there is not much shade. read more

I really like this hike because it's not to difficult to do ,but it also give you a good workout considering that 90% of the hike is uphill. I love the flowers that surround the hike it makes the long walk much enjoyable. I took the route that takes me to the water tank and it was about 4 miles going and coming back . The negative thing about this hike will be their horrible parking and considering the fact that the whole city decided to put permit only parking for the next 5 blocks that surround the hike . The parking enforcement is constantly driving around giving tickets . We got the before 9am and there was already a huge line in the parking and the parking lot only holds about 15 cars in total .super small parking for a park .Also what kind of park opens until 9am on a Saturday ? I probably won't be coming back unless it's a weekday but just keep in mind all this if you still want to come i suggest carpooling. read more

See all

Many wonderful trees, and nice park overall, there were many parking spots. This park is runner's heaven! read more

Hellman Park - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California

Great trail!! But do kind of hate the parking situation and how late the gates open. 9am is too late for warm weather season. Park a couple blocks down on Camilla and take a less than 5 minute walk up to the trail. Nice tiny warm up. read more

SPOILER If you've seen my previous hike reviews as much as I am for adventures and the art of getting lost, sometimes I am on a time constraint. Sooooo careful when you read this! Hiking Difficulty: Medium This hike is do-able for pretty much everyone. The paths are pretty clear and for the most part you can see where different paths take you. There are uphills here and there but nothing impossible. One challenge is that the path is exposed to the sun thus if there is no overcast, it can get hot pretty fast. Overall: 4 stars. I enjoy the hike, the location, and the view. The trail has some good ups and downs. The location is nice where it is close to a community and also Downtown Whittier for some eateries. Finally the view was beautiful as you get a nice a view of Los Angeles and other not so popular yet nice parts of SoCal. TL;DR Tips: * Free parking closer towards Leef/Camilia * Bring water & a snack * Recommended for people training, great place to run hills read more

This used to be my favorite hiking trail because it was open so early. Recently the gated the trail and now it isn't open until 9am. Bummer. VERY difficult uphill inclines but it's a great workout & there are beautiful views once you reach the top. Definitely a challenge but I love this trails difficulty read more

See all

I'm sorry for being a bit biased, but I'm not a fan of city hikes. They are too easy and meant for a quick jog or for walking your dogs. I definitely enjoy a challenge within a hike and thus wasn't one of them. This hike is very straightforward with the yelp address, so you won't have problems. One problem you might have is for parking, it is very limited. Next problem, is that you will see very many dogs out here. If you don't like dogs or are allergic, then be careful, although dog owners here are good about controlling their pets. Downfall is that the watershed thing, is fenced off because of all the graffiti. That doesn't stop people from making an opening. Take your pictures and bounce before others see you. Other than that, this trail is quick and simple. Oh and for those who are as curious about the temple as I was, it's closed. I took some off trails, to check out the temple and you have to wait for it to open or be allowed in for a reason. You can not dilly dally around that place. read more

Hellman Park - Parks Near Me - Whittier, California