Bewitching Buzzard

Bag Buzzard Peak in Los Angeles County

10.27.2021

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. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View

  3. Big Burdell!

    If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.

    View

  4. H is for Hawk Hill

    After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

    View

  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

    View

  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View