Elephant Hill

Elephant Hill is a 15 acre park. It has one unnamed trail that runs for a mile up and over this great hilltop. You can approach it from either side, but the more popular side is near the Portola Avenue & Lathrop Street entrance. Though there is no designated parking, street parking is typically easy to find on this side. 

When you enter the open space, you'll notice how open and green the space is. The portion of the open space that puts the "hill" in "Elephant Hill" rises up in front of you. There's mostly green grass, with few trees or shade in sight. If you're bringing your dog, make sure you've packed water and a bowl for them. 

The single trail in this park climbs the hilltop at a fairly steep angle. This path isn't long, so you have to put the work in up front. Once you reach the top and see the views, you'll know it was worth it. Along the way you'll pass seasonal wildflowers. California Poppies and Yellow Mustard are both very common in the hills around Los Angeles, and Elephant Hill is no exception. 

Keep a grip on the leash, because you'll also see some wildlife! The hilltop is home to rabbits and squirrels. Sharp eyed dogs may be able to spot them from a distance, so being prepared is the best bet to keep everyone safe. While it's not the most polished of parks, it provides a rare wild space in the middle of the urban sprawl. This does have some drawbacks in terms of amenities. There are no bathrooms, picnic areas (other than the widely available grass!), drinking fountains, and so on. The path is a simple dirt track. Dogs don't care about those things, however, so your pup will love this experience. 

Come, see, sniff, explore beautiful Elephant Hill!