There are climbs you do for training. And there are climbs you do because the road demands it — because the view at the top earns every gear change on the way up.
Turnbull Canyon is the second kind.
The road
Turnbull Canyon Road winds from Hacienda Heights into the Puente Hills, gaining around 700 feet over roughly 3 miles. It's not the longest climb in Southern California. Not the steepest. But it's ours — and on a clear morning, when the light comes over the hills and the city falls away below you, there's nowhere else you'd rather be.
Mostly car-free in the early hours. Good surface. A rhythm to it — a few false flats, a proper ramp near the top, and then the descent back.
When to go
Early. Before 8am on weekends. The light comes from behind you on the climb, the air is cool, and you'll have the canyon to yourself. By 9am it gets busy. By noon in summer, the heat is real.
What to bring
More water than you think. The climb is exposed. A light jersey — the AeroCOOL earns its name on this road. Sunscreen. Leave the excuses at home.
After the ride
Workman Mill Road brings you back toward Whittier. Stop by. The coffee's on.
11857 Whittier Blvd. We'll be here when you get back.
Stay Wild & Free.