Here at Montes Medical Group, we proudly serve the community in and around Whittier, California. As local healthcare providers, we know that this city has some wonderful areas for outdoor activities, which can help boost the health and well-being of our patients. Getting outdoors and in nature can provide tremendous benefits to both the mind and body while promoting fitness and overall well-being.
We are blessed to be located in a city with great weather all year round, making it easy to get outside and into the serenity of nature regularly. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of outdoor activity, along with some great locations you can explore in and around Whittier, California!
Benefits of Getting Outdoors & Exploring Nature
These days, it is common for both adults and children to find themselves indoors for most of the day. Many of us spend our days in front of different screens connected to our televisions, computers, iPads, and cell phones. Unfortunately, all this time spent inside looking at screens leads to people spending less time experiencing nature and the great outdoors.
Luckily for us, we live in a city with great year-round weather, beautiful mountains, and lots of hiking trails. We can choose to take advantage of what’s available to us to gain tremendous benefits for our health. For example, being in nature can relax our minds and bodies, helping to reduce anxiety and chronic stress. Going for walks or hikes can lead to positive impacts on our cardiovascular system and may lead to lower rates of heart disease. Getting outdoors can also make it easier to increase our vitamin D levels, which are important for bone, blood, and immune health.
Local Nature Preserves & Outdoor Parks
There are so many incredible nature preserves and outdoor parks for our community to explore, right here in Whittier. The city has 19 parks and over 400 acres of playgrounds and recreational areas. The Whittier Hills have over 1,700 acres of preserved land, featuring biking and hiking trails with views of downtown Los Angeles, Catalina Island, and the Pacific Ocean.
Here are some of our favorite places for outdoor activity & exercise:
Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Preserve
Located very close to our main office, the Punte Hills Habitat Preservation Preserve has four separate trailheads leading directly into the Preserve. Entry is always free, and plenty of parking is available, especially on the Sycamore and Pescadero trailheads. This wonderful preserve offers 23 miles of trails, with seamless connections at multiple points to LA County trails, which expands the number of easily accessible trails.
For those interested in learning more, educational kiosks are placed along granite trails to offer insights into the local habitat and ongoing conservation efforts. With over 30 years of history and existence, the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Preserve is visible from Uptown Whittier and many other locations within the city and surrounding communities.
Click here for a list of trail maps that you can explore!
Whittier Greenway Trail
The Whittier Greenway Trail is another great place to take part in active transportation, outdoor recreation, fitness, and education. It is a 4.5 mile commuter and recreational bikeway, pedestrian path, and greenbelt that has been open since 2009. Over 500,000 trail users enjoy this space on an annual basis, taking advantage of space spaces to walk, run, and ride bikes with their families and pets.
The Greenway also features six “stations” that bring back the corridor’s railroad past, each highlighting a part of Whittier’s history, growth, and development. There are also four fitness stations for those looking to exercise a bit more. This great trail has won many awards over the years for its design, operation, and community benefits. Click here to learn more about how to enjoy the Whittier Greenway Trail.
Whittier Narrows Natural Area & Nature Center
Bordering the San Gabriel River, the Whittier Narrows are a 400-acre sanctuary that includes woodland, lakes, and various plants and animals native to wetland communities. During the winter months, migrating waterfowl take advantage of the four lakes in this habitat and use them as a seasonal refuge. It is also home to over 300 bird species, such as the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo and the protected White-tailed Kite.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of hikes, walks, and special seasonal events held across the area. For hikers, there is the Whittier Narrows Nature Center Loop and San Gabriel River trail, a 4.1 mile loop trail that offers an easy route through the natural area. The nature center offers a variety of educational and recreational programs that include guided hikes, nature walks, and Junior Ranger programs. There are also exhibits featuring live reptiles, amphibians, and displays on local ecology and history.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many incredible places in and around Whittier for us to explore. Getting outdoors and in nature can help us destress while boosting our mental and physical health in a variety of ways. Going for walks and hikes can also be a great way to reconnect with our loved ones and enjoy some quality time together. Whether you like to walk, bike, or simply sit and enjoy looking at the beauty of nature, there is something for everyone here in Whittier.