No peak, however small, is spared my peakbagging efforts.
So, when I was driving by the Whittier area, I decided to hike to its eponymous hill. It's just 1,260' and it's capped with a water tower. And, it's not only decorated with antennae but every inch is covered with graffiti. Nonetheless, it was a nice hike in an interesting area and I'll probably be back. While I followed a different, longer trail, the specific route I took is here.
It starts out on the Sycamore Canyon Trail, then the Sycamore Switchback Trail, then Rattlesnake trail to the peak. The Switchback trail is fairly steep and narrow due to high brush. What's remarkable about that area is how verdant everything is, presumably because it's in the watershed of the San Gabriels.
I had wanted to bike this but the first two trails were hiking only. And, considering the sheriff in those parts is the MRCA and MRCA is not a land management agency but simply an attempt to give tickets to people, I wouldn't defy their orders, pardner. Bikes are allowed on the other trails.
During colder weather I'd like to come back and do a longer hike (or bike, where legal) through the whole Rowland Heights/Puente Hills/Whittier area.
