Sycamore Canyon Trailhead — Local services in Rose Hills

This is a great trail but it really needs some appropriate, targeted attention. I'm glad to fill out a review and had planned to maybe send a letter to the city. This trail is more abundant with natural wildlife than the others in Whittier but it also has some surprises, some of which should be eradicated. Yes, rattlesnakes are seen on this trail quite often and on my last trip I encountered my first one, a long adult of 4-5 feet!! Watch as you walk, it was all stretched out crossing the path very slowly!! But the problem with this trail, unlike others in Whittier, are the humans hiding in the brush along the way. I've been approached by one guy who suddenly came out of the bushes at the beginning of the trail just at the creek. He was dusty, eyes glazed and looked like an addict or homeless person-- or worse. He glared at me and told me to "turn around" while he held what appeared to be a rock in his right hand. I immediately turned around and walked quickly to the parking lot and luckily saw a ranger sitting in her truck near the parking lot. She took a quick report and went to look for him but I left. This was the scariest incident.

Another time a male voice called out to me completely hidden by the thick brush, and offered me some Marijuana. Other hikers along the trail that day also said that they heard someone but kept on going. Of course I reported it to the ranger, but to be honest, the ranger is usually not always around. It was very lucky she was there again that day of the second experience! Other hikers on the trail that day said that they also heard the male voice behind the tree with tall brush--but also a female with him.

Because of these experiences, I really think that it's advisable that the RANGERS get out and walk/patrol the trail once or twice a day. Yet I've never once seen a ranger...

Excellent area for naturalizing and going for a hike. Within a few minutes up the trail, you can hear Coastal Cactus Wren and California Gnatcatchers (two threatened bird species of the area) among many other bird species. I hike with my son up here often - he loves it, I love it - it's great. You can have a nice easy walk, or head up the switchback and onto the Turnbull area if you want a more intense workout.

Regarding wildlife - there are rattlesnakes up here, as there are in all natural areas in Southern California. That's what makes this place great as it still contains much of the character of the original coastal sage scrub and riparian/oak woodland ecosystems that have mostly been destroyed throughout the area. I have seen three rattlers while out (probably have done 50 hikes here). Just pay attention, and if you come across a snake sunning itself, just let them be, don't get too close, do not poke or prod with a stick, and the snake and you will be fine. They are...

Had a nice Sunday morning hike. February 11, 2018. About 10 people waiting for the gate to open at 9 a.m. If you get there earlier you can check out the cemetery next door if you don't mind that sort of thing. It is very serene and has a good view of downtown LA and the surrounding area from the hillside. There is street parking outside of the hiking trail gate if you arrive before 9 am. The attendant arrived promptly at 9 a.m. to open the trail. There is some parking beyond the gate once it is opened. There was one Porta-Potty available at the beginning of the parking area in case nature calls. It is a mild trail with only a few steeper areas. There is a small creek running through the valley with a few areas with stagnant water which weren't that pleasant to smell but it quickly passes as you continue up the trail. It's not a very long trail but it's a good idea to bring along a bottle of water to stay hydrated. If you go I think you...