I had to go to Rio Hondo College today, so I figured I'd squeeze in a short hike out of the Sycamore Canyon trial head of the Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Authority.Only hiked there once before, and that was almost a year ago.
Like the other trails under the Authority,it's closed when it rains and for 48 hours after rain. I thought it would be open today, but apparently they were anticipating the rain of later this afternoon. When I pulled into the driveway that leads to the trail head parking area, I encountered a locked gate.
Amazingly, I saw three deer grazing just inside the gate! I took these shots shooting through the chain link fence at the bottom of the driveway.
With the coming rain forecast, I'm not sure when I'll be able to hike this area again. But, fresh with the sight of deer, I'm looking forward to it.
This trailhead is located in the 5000 block of Workman Mill Road. From the 605 freeway, take Rose Hills Rd west, then turn right (south) on Workman Mill Road. Head south a little less than a mile. You'll pass Spy Glass Hill Road and Pioneer Blvd. About 100 yards south of Gate 17 for Rose Hills Memorial Park, there's the small driveway to Sycamore Canyon. It'll be on your left.Alternatively, if you exit the 605 at Beverly Blvd, take Beverly Blvd west about one mile, then make a left at Workman Mill Road. The (non-obvious) road to turn into Sycamore Canyon will be on your right after about 1/2 mile.
Talk about great timing with the deer. It's been longer than I want to admit that I saw large wildlife on a hike. Looking forward to exploring more trails this year and hopefully catching a glimpse of some, though. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteHappy hiking,
Jenny
Thanks, Jenny!
ReplyDeleteI was really surprised by the Sycamore Canyon deer, because they were grazing about fifty yards away from Workman Mill Road, which is a four-lane, 45mph road that runs parallel to the 605 freeway. But I guess the Puente Hills do, in fact, serve as a wildlife corridor for these deer. If they make all the right turns, they can wander in from the Santa Ana Mountains, though Chino Hills and all the way to the Puente Hills.