Local Trial Spotlight: Gum Grove Park

Nestled between houses and a oil field is a great park called Gum Grove Park. It is located in Seal Beach and can accessed from either end. One parking lot is off of Seal Beach Blvd and Heron st across from the Naval Weapons Station and the other is off of Catalina and Avalon drive. To get to the Avalon parking lot you must go through a neighborhood but there is a lot more parking than at the Seal Beach Blvd side. This is a great hike that can be nice and easy or you can get a good leg work out with the ups and down of the trail. If you are looking for a leisurely stroll you can walk the flat lower fire road that is closer to the field, from one side to the other. Or take the high trail that skirts along the houses with a few small climbs and few drops. Al and I hiked this park 2 times a week before our Colorado elk hunt. We loaded our packs with 80 plus pounds of weight and would do 2-3 loops. We also ran the trail too and that got my heart pumping. The trail is about a mile, so you can make it as short or as long as you want. Gum grove is great for kids and dogs too.

If you are a bid watcher or nature photographer or just enjoy looking at wildlife and nature this is a must.  Tuesday night we saw frogs, birds, caterpillars, and 2 owls. One looked to be eating dinner of a small mouse while the other sat watching. Got to love nature at its finest. Right now the wild flowers are blooming like crazy. Oranges, reds, yellows, and greens the colors were beautiful and vibrant. In the past I have seen coyotes, squirrels, bunnies and more. Its great as you see something new every time. Bring the camera and binoculars take a quick break and enjoy what mother nature has to offer. Many times there will often be people taking wedding, maternity, and family pictures. I have done my Christmas cards here on year as well.

Since the park is located in Seal Beach this is one of the cooler hikes for the hot summer months. It does get hot, just not as hot as hiking in the Inland Empire hot. You can also venture to Heron Pointe Cultural Center with plaques offering insight to the native people that once lived in the area. This trail is a mellow addition or great cool down if you got a good hike or jog in. If you are looking for a leg busting hike than this is not the one for you but with some added weight and a couple loops it gets my legs pumping. After the hike you can always head down to Seal Beach Main street to get a  bite to eat or a drink then take a nice walk down the pier to end the day.

Always bring water and remember to stay hydrated. There is a water fountain on the Avalon side if needed. I always try and leave the park better than when I arrived. Even if you pick up one piece of trash and get it to the trash can anything helps. Check back for the next local trail spot light next week. Till then happy trails and keep your boots tight.