Powder Canyon — Attraction in Rowland Heights

There is so much wild life that thrives in this canyon even in the colder parts of the year. Which for me is a huge highlight. As spring is approaching we are seeing even more activity. I have seen many birds that float and frolic all day long. I have even see some birds fighting to protect their new nests.

I have been working my way further and further up the canyon trails. The trails are dirted but very manageable without top end hiking boots and gear. I do personally adivise a walking stick just to maintain a safe and balanced hike. A bit of an incline seems like nothing with a simple walking stick. Friends have jumped up to the top in about a half hour or 30 mins. I still need to do a straight hike there, but I always get side tracked with the views.

My favorite is seeing the horses travel the paths, the red tailed hawks, and the big turkey vultures that will fly through the canyon. Pathfinder Park is nearby but the views throughout Powder Canyon really make this canyon the path you want to find.

There is a official parking lot which you can overshoot if you are not paying attention but just travel at a slower pace when coming off Harbor Blvd turning on to Fullerton Road. The second turn off which is just a dirt lot big enough for about 6 cars on each side is my preference. On this side there is a nice hill for a quick view of the canyon and entrance to a popular trailhead.

Overall its a great vista and a great hiking spot the 4 out of 5 star is not a negative review. If I were to have a wish, it would be that the huge powerlines were not in the way of one of my favorite views, but thats just nit picking from a photographers perspective.

Mountain biking, hiking, horsebacking and just a rewarding trail loop await you at Powder Canyon.Grab a camera or some binoculars and you will be treated to some diverse bird watching over a...

I did a 7.0 mile loop on April 28, 2021. The parking is on Fullerton Rd, just west of Harbor Blvd, you'll see the other cars parked along the side of the road. The trailhead is on the north side of the street.

I went 0.5 miles and saw a doe eating from a tree, but she ran as I tried to capture a picture of her. The first mile was a small ascent, but be careful you don't miss where the trail breaks off into a single track that is overgrown with beautiful yellow flowers. The next few miles were not to steep of downhill switchbacks. Miles 4 and 5 are where you earn your hike. It's a good steep uphill climb once you pass the horse stables. At exactly mile 5, you will reach the highest point of the trail, the rest is all downhill from there.

On a side note, please be prepared for your hikes, I crossed paths with someone who lost their bearings and didn't realize how off trail she was and I had to give her the extra bottle of water I carry with me. My rule of thumb is a half a liter of water per mile, plus an extra liter just in case. If you know there will be water sources, carry a filter as well.

If you are interested in joining in any hikes, you can find my hikes on the "Meet Up" app under the group "Five Miles or More Hiking Group" with the times and places I'll be going. Enjoy...

I have hiked Powder Canyon several times, and it never gets old. I always find a treat on each different trail I take. The vegetation is varied and lovely, with several species of chaparral, sage scrub plants, as well as beautiful Coast Live Oaks and Southern California Black Walnut trees. Deer are commonly seen in the hills, as well as lizards, snakes, birds, cottontail rabbits, and coyotes (maybe mountain lions and bobcats too). There is even a high point, the highest to my knowledge, in the Puente Hills. It is an unnamed peak about 1,420' high. the most accessible route has to be to head on Powder Canyon Trail either from the north or south depending on your point of origin at the dirt lot off Fullerton Drive or Schabarum Park's spacious lot. Then, turn westbound on Skyline Drive (Dirt Trail) (Elevation at junction of trails is about 870'). The first part of the ascent on Skyline is a bit steep. Continue up Skyline and find the radio towers at the right side of the trail. Take the mini dirt road to the top with the towers behind a fence. There are nice views up there. Schabarum Regional Park is a wonderful place to rest and cool off after a sweaty hike, or play and exercise. Overall, both Powder Canyon and Schabarum Regional Park are...