Bewitching Buzzard

Bag Buzzard Peak in Los Angeles County

There's a hidden hill hike named after SoCal’s sinister scavenger—the turkey vulture—nestled between the Forest Lawn Cemetery and Mount San Antonio College in Covina. The San Jose Hills provide the setting for a scary good 4.25-mile out-and-back workout that takes you to its apex, 1,345-foot Buzzard Peak, for 360-degree views and not a soul in sight.

Because the official trailhead is on a busy street, park at nearby Heritage Park (where you can also check out the historic Taylor House, an early 20th-century Craftsman) and walk east on Cameron, crossing at the light and turning right onto Grand Avenue. At half a mile, find the Schabarum Trail signage and trailhead on your left ascending into the hills. The street noise immediately fades away as you quickly climb and are rewarded with fantastic views into the San Gabriel Valley to the north and the namesake mountain range. 

The path then descends into a heavily wooded oak canyon—it becomes eerily quiet here, though residential areas do surround the trail. Pass an abandoned teepee and remnants of a treehouse. The seclusion is serene, though after 1.2 miles on the trail you reach a fire road that steadily climbs to your summit. You now have fantastic vistas to the south overlooking neighboring Mount San Antonio College and Chino Hills in the distance. As you reach the top, look for a firebreak trail that ascends sharply to the official peak.

At the top, you’ll likely be alone—a great time to search the skies for the resident birds. Buzzards, also known as turkey vultures, are like an airborne Halloween mascot. You also get inspiring 360-degree views from the peak, featuring the Santa Ana and San Bernardino Ranges as well as a truly unique vantage point of the distant skyline of downtown Los Angeles. Head back the way you came. 

To get to Heritage Park (and eventually the Buzzard Peak trailhead), take the I-10 to the Grand Ave. exit in Covina and head south for 1 mile before turning right onto Cameron Ave. The park and lot will be on your left in 0.2 mile. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View