If this description of Southern California surprises you, it’s time to head out and explore! You just helped me to add more places to visit next time I can travel there! Looking for the best Hiking trails around California? Located within the stunning Colorado Desert and only about a two-hour drive from San Diego, the rugged terrain found within the park and its trails can best be described as otherworldly. In addition to its most popular feature, the Mount Woodson Trail takes you through chaparral and granite boulders on your way to the tallest peak in the area. 3 Trails. The hike is conveniently located in Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, about an hour outside of Los Angeles proper (and still in Los Angeles county because LA is sprawling, to say the least). The table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next hike. Check out some of our other posts! Or for some great local park options, check out Lake Poway Park near Poway or Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park near Pasadena. In fact, it’s a popular training hike for those who want to eventually hike Mount Whitney and other more intense peaks in California and beyond. Psst: Looking for more outdoor adventures in California? But its natural beauty, dusty scenery, and outdoorsy communities are really what make it such a special part of California. COVID-19 Update (as of 6/16/2020): Channel Islands National Park is currently open and boat transportation is running again, although at limited capacity. What a gorgeous guide! It goes without saying, but this is by far one of the most popular Instagram spots in San Diego County! loading map - please wait...Map could not be loaded - please enable Javascript!→ more information. You will hike 5 miles to the famous bridge that was seemingly built in the middle of nowhere. 13 Incredible Hiking Trails in California Editor’s Note: Travel might be complicated right now, but use our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure. Required fields are marked *. Hummingbird Trail in Simi Valley. Similar to other desert hikes in Southern California, it’s recommended to only hike up Ryan Mountain between October and May because of soaring temperatures in the summer. They’re commonly found in the shrubbery around the trail and even on the trail sometimes, so stay on the path and be mindful as you hike. Everyone has to start somewhere, no matter what the activity. Mountains are beautiful and exciting, but must be respected as well. All campsites still remain closed. If you are seeking an easy trail that’s under three miles and provides the most magnificent view at the top, you’ll want to wander along this enchanting path that will take you to the top of the world. This way, you can do an out-and-back hike where you turn around and walk back the way you came once you reach the waterfall. If you're looking for great California state park trails, check out Mount Tamalpais State Park. COVID-19 Update (as of 6/16/2020):  Anza Borrego State Park is currently open with limited parking. Every season is hiking season with unique beauties in California. Inside the pack is water, granola bars or … I recommend starting on the scenic Devil’s Backbone Trail from Manker Campground and then coming back down on Baldy Bowl Trail for a nice 11-mile loop. Towards the end, you’ll reach a shady fan palm oasis, and a little further on a seasonal waterfall that usually pops up in the spring. The conversation just flows freely when you're able to relax and chat as you walk! You can find her on Instagram, Facebook, and her blog, The Atlas Heart. The Easy Trail In Southern California That Will Take You To The Top Of The World There’s no shortage of stunning hiking trails in Southern California to satisfy your inner explorer. new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], Hike on excellent trail to the summit of 8,041' Waterman Mountain (aka Mt Waterman), in the magnificent San Gabriel high country. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Perhaps the most important information you can have is knowledge of hiking safety, so that you and your hiking companions remain safe. Located at the base of Verdugo Mountains, Sun Valley encompasses the San Fernando Valley region and shares a border with areas like Burbank and … An often overlooked state park, Anza Borrego is one of the most beautiful and underrated places to go hiking near San Diego. You can see the oceans, mountains, and the desert all in one day if you really wanted to.In each SoCal county, you’ll find various hiking trails and majestic views, but there are a few hikes that rank highest on the scale. To get to Scorpion Anchorage and the start of the hike, you’ll need to take an hour-long ferry from Ventura – keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins! There are an endless number of trails for hiking in Southern California, so how did I base my criteria for a great training hike? The spring is also an especially good time to hike Ryan Mountain due to the abundance of seasonal wildflowers! COVID-19 Update (as of 6/16/2020): Crystal Cove State Park is currently open, including parking lots, the beach, and all hiking trails. Riverside And San Bernardino Counties. The trail almost has a tropical feel to it, which is a nice change from the usual dusty hikes in the region! The best of Southern California is often enjoyed outdoors along one of its many hiking trails that showcases its abundant beauty. Besides the waterfall (best seen during the spring), the other highlight of the hike are the ruins of Roberts Ranch House. Once you’re done climbing down from the ridge, head to Crystal Cove State Beach to lay out near the water and enjoy the perfect weather of Orange County. They vary from a few hours to a few days. Alpine. 9. But once you do, you’ll be able to take all the Lion King poses or yoga tree poses your heart desires. Also, early spring is your last chance to see the lush green California. Joshua Tree National Park has long been a popular destination for hikers in Southern California. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in Southern California that features a lush canyon, some shade (a rarity for Southern California hikes), and a small waterfall. You may also find the Wikipedia entry on hiking useful and entertaining. So many beautiful hikes! Hiking from Icehouse Canyon is an 11.6-mile trek. And a plethora and a half of hikers exploring them. We’ve also got a ton of posts to help you explore California. California is definitely a great place to go hiking! If you’re like me and you love to spend time hiking or being outdoors, Southern California is one of those places that you can go that will offer you a wide range of different hiking trails. San Gorgonio Mountain. Rushing waterfalls. After living in the region for five years, these are my picks for the top day hikes in Southern California to get out in nature and really see just how beautiful California can be. The Gray Butte Trail in Mount Shasta is the easiest hiking spot in the mountain … Angeles National Forest. Find the top rated hiking trails in California, whether you're looking for an easy short hiking trail or a long hiking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. The 360-degree panoramic view of Joshua Tree from the summit gives you a good overview of the landscape and the main highlights the park has to offer. })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-P6R8DKB'); The Ultimate Fall in California Guide: 21 Places to Go for Fall Foliage, Pumpkins, Apples, & More, 8 Marvelous Things to Do in Mendocino, California on a Weekend Getaway, Weekend Getaway Guide to Park City, Utah: Things to do in Spring, 8 Scenic Day Hikes in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas, California, The Ultimate Self-Guided Los Angeles Brewery Tour, The 10 Best Weekend Trips from San Francisco, California: A Local's Guide, 12 Charming Things to Do in Cayucos, California, Glamping Near San Francisco: A Romantic Weekend Getaway Itinerary, The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of San Francisco: A Local's Guide, 10 Best Hikes in Southern California (a Local's Guide), 11 Perfect Things to do in Paso Robles, California on a Weekend Getaway, 29 Things Nobody Tells You About Oakland, California. Mount San Gorgonio is the highest peak in Southern California at 11,503ft. Malibu has a lot of great hikes, but a local favorite is the Solstice Canyon Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. You’d be forgiven if you didn’t realize this, as on most days, Mount Baldy is obscured in the city’s ever-present smog. Are you a blogger, writer, or just an avid traveler with lots of travel tips to share? Now you have no excuse for not getting out there to start an activity that might change your life – hiking! Border Field State Park. Escondido Falls. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see locals walking the trail in flip flops. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the ocean, rocky cliffs, and Ventura and Santa Barbara in the distance. Whether you’re looking for good views at the top of a mountain, cacti explorations, or breezy coastal walks next to the ocean, the hiking in Southern California is diverse, scenic, and one-of-a-kind. Snow-covered mountains. Spanning beside the Amtrak railroad track, the San Clemente Beach Trail is a local favorite hike in Orange County. Hiking Mount Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, is a rite of passage for any outdoorsy Los Angeles local and anyone looking for a hiking adventure near the city. Southern California Adventure Hikes These Hikes Are By Nature Potentially … Although there are many great family hikes not by the water in Southern California when my family visits, we tend to take walks by the sea. One of the great things about hiking tall peaks in Southern California is that you’ll quickly gain a geographic awareness of the surrounding area. Credit: Flickr. And once you reach the top of the 1,700-foot mountain, you’ll be rewarded with even more views of the Griffith Observatory, Lake Hollywood Reservoir, Dodger Stadium, and the Santa Monica Mountains in the distance – as well as the back of the Hollywood Sign for that perfect Instagram-worthy shot. Hiking between October and May is the best time to take advantage of cooler weather as well as enjoy waterfalls, wildflowers and greenery from California’s seasonal winter rains! Located 2 hours east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree comprises two deserts: the Mojave and the Colorado. Which Southern California hiking trail is at the top of your list? Psst: Looking for more places to go hiking in California? 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); There is a giant, snow-covered mountain peak rising above the Los Angeles skyline. This hiking trips trail boasts the highest point in Los Angeles County; where you’ll discover some of the most challenging day hikes, and hidden waterfalls, located in beautiful Southern California. A good cardio workout with great city and ocean views, and dog friendly. Southern California is known for its hot, dry climate and near-perfect year-round weather (minus maybe its deserts that get scorching in the summer). Secluded beaches. 93 Trails. However, last year I visited for the superbloom so that got me out of the city and away from the beach. After living abroad for five years in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Greece, and Portugal she has finally found a home in San Francisco, California. The map and table included below contain all the Southern California Beginner hikes from the different areas covered on this site. You can’t find a much more scenic hike than the Yucca Point Trail at Torrey Pines State Reserve. Yelp/Gino I. The Bridge to Nowhere. 3. Otherwordly desert landscapes. Drop us a comment below! One of the most popular trails leads to Abalone Cove, where you can view tide pools teeming with sea life. Exotic red sandstone formations like Sedona (on a much smaller scale) in the OC with super easy access. The interpretive center is located at 31501 Palos Verdes Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes. Beginning at the Switzer Falls Picnic Area, hikers hop on the Gabrielino Trail to reach the two-tier Switzer Falls. Well graded though shadeless trail to lovely tree-lined stream with multi-tiered waterfall 100' total height, Great beginner’s loop trail featuring expansive ocean, city, and canyon views, a lovely seasonal stream with waterfalls, and old growth oak and sycamore forest. “ Ryan Mountain Trail,located in Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is a terrific half day hike to one of them any scenic trail hikes in Joshua Tree National Park! Once you get to Smuggler’s Cove, you can enjoy a nice picnic lunch on the beach before heading back the way you came. This post will be updated once that changes. Today, we share down-to-earth travel tips from our many (mis)adventures on our blog and podcast! In order to get onto the rock, you have to be okay with making a slightly scary leap. Your email address will not be published. This moderate trail takes you from the coast, through El Moro Canyon, and up to Moro Ridge for some of the best coastal views in the area. 30 Things Nobody Tells You About Quitting Your Job to Travel, 32 Things Nobody Tells You About Long Term Travel as a Couple, 30 Things No One Tells You About Backpacking in South America, Our Year-Long Honeymoon: What Happened … & How Much It Cost, 25 Things We Never Asked for from Traveling the World for a Year, What Not to Pack for Long Term Travel: 10 Things We Wish We Did & Didn’t Pack, 50 Perfect Gifts for Every Type of Travel Lover (& for Yourself), 6 Super Practical Gifts for Coffee Lovers who Travel, 28 Totally Ridiculous Travel Gifts (That You’ll Low-Key Want), 25 Things No One Tells You About Being a Full Time Travel Blogger. On Santa Cruz Island, there are a total of 15 hiking trails, but the Smuggler’s Cove Trail is by far the most popular and scenic hike on the island. Ready to lace up your hiking boots, slather on some sunscreen and hit the trails? Today we're sharing some of our family's favorite spots for kid-friendly hiking … COVID-19 Update (as of 6/16/2020): Some parts of Griffith Park are still closed but The Brush Canyon Trail is open. The Bridge to Nowhere Trail in San Gabriel Mountains is one of the popular spots for hiking in Southern California. Hike into a wonderful sea side canyon featuring great ocean views, old growth oak trees, interesting historical ruins, and a lovely seasonal waterfall. Also, if you’re looking for a difficult but manageable mountain hike, Mt Baldy is a good one to start with. Easy hike, but very popular and often crowded, into gorgeous Santa Anita Canyon to lovely 40' waterfall. Hike into a historic canyon to see a wonderful 50' tall waterfall in a beautiful wooded gorge with great views and numerous pools and cascades. Cucamonga Peak. Blossom Valley. Great ideas for hikes. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! But believe it or not, Los Angeles, as well as the rest of Southern California, plays host to some of the most unique and breathtaking hikes we’ve ever come across. Joshua Trees, pristine beaches, and mountain climbs: there’s a lot that Southern California has to offer, from Disneyland to major cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. Learn how your comment data is processed. One of the top activities to do in Los Angeles, hiking to the Hollywood Sign via the Brush Canyon Trail is an iconic way to spend an afternoon in LA. I’ve never been to California but I had no idea there were so many great trails. Hiking Mount Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, is a rite of passage for any outdoorsy Los Angeles local and anyone looking for a hiking adventure near the city. My husband went to CSU of Channel Islands and even though the University isn’t actually on the island, it alerted me to it’s existence and I really want to visit. There are tide pools and scenic coves to explore nearby as well. Go early in the day or on a weekday to avoid the crowds and to have more solitude on your hike. Southern California has a veritable plethora of hiking trails. Miles: 3 | Elevation Gain: 908 ft | Guide. Opportunities to soak in the Arroyo Seco line the entire route. One thing to note is that Crystal Cove State Park gets very busy in the summer and on weekends. Nice loop hike with quick and easy access offers varied terrain including great views, scenic sandstone formations, and lovely coastal canyons - but these attributes make it very popular at times as well. 99.9% of hikers are firmly in the day-hike only camp, and usually it’s just a matter of not knowing how to start and where to go to gain some backpacking experience. Take An Easy Loop Trail To Enter Another World At Forrestal Preserve In Southern California. 2. It’s frequented by runners, bikers, walkers, and dog owners … Would love to go to Joshua Tree as well Thanks so much for sharing this! There are many hiking trails in the area so a good place to start is at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. Stretching from just north of Los Angeles all the way south to the border of Mexico, the vastness of Southern California includes multiple mountain ranges, a series of islands that double as an overlooked National Park, and a huge expanse of colorful desert. Panhe Nature Trail: 1: Easy: San Onofre State Beach: N: 171: Orange County: … Visitor centers remained closed. Mount Baldy is the highest point in Los Angeles County at 10,064 feet. Although Lia’s lived in California for a decade – and Jeremy for over three decades – we’re woefully unfamiliar with Southern California. 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