The Narrows of LA

Trek Around Whittier Narrows, Treat at Garcias Fruits

Whittier Narrows Recreation Area is one of those LA gems where there’s everything to do—pedal a bike, pedal a boat, paddle a kayak, hike, jog, fish, dog-walk, bird-watch, or just plain enjoy 1,492 acres of lovely public space. The “Narrows” appellation refers to a water gap between the Puente Hills and the Montebello Hills, through which flow both the Rio Hondo and the San Gabriel River.

Park and start at Lot D, where there are plenty of spaces and a rental shop for surrey bikes, pedal boats, and even kayaks. Or you can simply trek afoot on the flat paved path that loops through the recreation area. Choose your locomotion method and head north as the track hugs the northern section of Legg Lake. You will constantly have opportunities for some great up-close bird-watching. Flocks of Canada geese dominate, reluctantly sharing the shoreline with other waterfowl. Look out for a colorful array of ducks, coots, and our favorite winged “greats”—great blue herons and great egrets—near the water throughout the rest of the hike.

After a mile, take a left to continue along the lake, with a second lake now in view to the south. You’ll soon reach your first (of six in the park!) playground art sculpture—a two-headed dragon perfect for a child’s imagination or your Instagram feed. Continue on, crossing a small bridge, and stay right with a third lake in view to the south featuring two small islands. This is a great spot to rest at a table for a picnic, or fish for stocked rainbow trout. As you continue around the peaceful body of water, you’ll notice a dock specifically for model remote-control boats, and you may catch a glimpse of some zipping across the bounding main.

At the eastern edge of the lake, after passing another fantastical climbable sculpture, you’ll reach a junction. Briefly take the left path to check out a mini waterfall and stream as well as an octopus statue. Cross the lawn to rejoin the right path, passing a blue-whale slide and eventually returning to your car...or passing it up to do the loop all over again!

TREAT: After your lake loop, head to nearby Garcias Fruits (just north of the Narrows) for the ultimate refreshing treat. The options range from raspados (Mexican shave ice) to ice cream to aguas frescas, but we’d opt for the chamango, or mangoneada. A portmanteau for the chamoy sauce and mango pieces, this treat also has lime juice and chili powder for a kick and is topped with a tasty tamarind straw. And why not add sandia (watermelon) to it too? ¡Que rico!

Whittier Narrows is in South El Monte. To get to Lot D, take the CA-60 to the Santa Anita Ave. exit and turn south on Santa Anita Ave.; the parking lot will be on your immediate right. Parking $6 on weekends and holidays.

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