Greenleaf Avenue in Uptown Whittier

Outdoors

Biking and mountain biking near Whittier

Trails and recreation areas near Whittier open to biking and mountain biking.

Good to know: Wilderness areas are closed to bikes; check each area’s trail rules and yield to hikers and horses.

Within 30 miles (9)

5 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Whittier Narrows Dam

This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Horseback riding
  • Picnicking
  • Water sports
  • Wildlife viewing

8 mi southeast · US Army Corps of Engineers

Brea Dam

The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
  • Picnicking

13 mi north · USDA Forest Service

Angeles National Forest

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
  • Hiking
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback riding
  • Off-highway vehicles
  • Picnicking

25 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Coulter Group Campground

Nestled within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Coulter Group Campground offers a secluded forest setting ideal for family reunions, youth groups, scout troops, and other organized gatherings.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking

25 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Meadow Group Campground

Meadow Group Campground is located off State Highway 2 between the Manzanita Loop of the Chilao Campground and the Chilao Ranger Station, 26 miles north of the 210 Freeway in La Canada, California.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Ranger programs
  • Wildlife viewing

26 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Bandido Group Campground

Located along Santa Clara Divide Road in the Angeles National Forest, Bandido Group Campground sits among fragrant Jeffrey pines in the upper montane zone of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Mountain Biking

27 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Deer Group Camp

Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Water sports

30 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Lightning Point Group Campground

Lightning Point Campground sits at an elevation of 6,100 feet, about 25 miles southeast of Palmdale and roughly 35 miles north of the San Fernando Valley.

  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback riding
  • Mountain Biking

30 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers

Sepulveda Dam

The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Picnicking
  • Water sports
  • Wildlife viewing

30 to 75 miles (9)

34 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Appletree Campground

Nestled in a scenic canyon just off the Big Pines Highway, Apple Tree provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking

34 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Lake Campground

Lake Campground offers an excellent escape from the city, just a short drive northeast of the Los Angeles metro area.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking

34 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Mountain Oak

Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking

34 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Peavine Campground

Just northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, Peavine provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking

35 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Table Mountain (Angeles)

Table Mountain, just a short journey northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, provides a beautiful escape from urban life. Campers will find hiking, mountain biking, birding and countless other recreation opportunities.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Scenic Drive
  • Wildlife viewing

44 mi east · USDA Forest Service

San Bernardino National Forest

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting

44 mi west · National Park Service

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding

53 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

El Mirage OHV Area

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Off-highway vehicles

57 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

Juniper Flats

Juniper Flats covers 101,272 acres of mixed public and private lands. Located between the Mojave Desert and the forests of the San Bernardino Mountains, Juniper Flats hosts a unique mixture of plants from both environments.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting
  • Nature education
  • Off-highway vehicles
  • Photography

75 miles and farther (3)

81 mi northwest · Bureau of Reclamation

Lake Casitas

Lake Casitas is formed by Casitas Dam , which is a feature of the Ventura Project . Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers one of the nations best bass fishing areas.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Nature education
  • Picnicking
  • Ranger programs

82 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

Barstow

The Ord Mountain Route Network is south of Barstow and links the Stoddard Valley and Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Areas, also known as Open Areas. Travel within the network is limited to posted open routes.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting
  • Nature education
  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing

82 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

Johnson Valley OHV Area

Click here for the latest information concerning upcoming military training and closures of the Shared Use Area. Overview Johnson Valley is a varied landscape for the off-highway vehicle driver.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting
  • Photography
  • Recreational Vehicles
  • Wildlife viewing

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Whittier. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

More outdoors near Whittier

Questions

Where is the closest place for biking near Whittier?

Whittier Narrows Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 5 miles north of Whittier as the crow flies. Next are Brea Dam (8 mi) and Angeles National Forest (13 mi).

When is the best time for biking near Whittier?

Based on Whittier’s average highs, October–July. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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