Bewitching Buzzard

Bag Buzzard Peak in Los Angeles County

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. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. 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
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View