Handy features in the guide include topographic maps, elevation profiles, sidebar tips, and a hikes-at-a-glance chart to help readers find the hikes they want quickly and easily. Starting from Scorpion Anchorage and ending at Smuggler’s Cove, this 7.7-mile hike takes you past diverse ecosystems and highlights some of the unique nature that makes the Channel Islands such a special place. The spring is also an especially good time to hike Ryan Mountain due to the abundance of seasonal wildflowers! With the exception of Trail of 100 Giants, hiking in this area of Sequoia National Forest is free. Which Southern California hiking trail is at the top of your list? Southern California.. When it comes to the California thru hikes, one of the most popular, longest, and arguably most rewarding treks is the John Muir Trail (JMT). 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). 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). I definitely want to do some of these hikes one day! In fact, it’s not uncommon to see locals walking the trail in flip flops. 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. California trails have been organized into a few hiking regions. Your email address will not be published. That’s a great hiking bucket list indeed! Check out some of our other posts! Visitors can choose from easy trails like the Woodland Trail or moderate hikes like the Castle Rock Trail. At 8 miles round trip and about 5,000 feet of elevation, it is one of the best hikes you can do to train in Southern California. This beachside trail takes you on an easy jaunt along the golden cliffs of Torrey Pines and down to the beach for a sandy afternoon near the water. Southern California is just full of natural beauty, and we’re lucky to have hundreds of hiking trails to take us deep into the wilderness to witness that beauty. There are great summits in Southern California like San Gorgonio and Cucamonga Peak, but for me, it doesn’t get better than Mt Baldy. Thank you! The Angeles National Forest (ANF) is located in the San Gabriel Mountains and Sierra Pelona Mountains, and mostly housed within Los Angeles County in Southern California. 3) Hiking Mount Baldy in Southern California. This is one of the not-so-known hikes in Southern California, but is a really cool one because of the unique shape of the rock. This trail is relatively flat, and can even be walked in just a pair of comfortable sneakers as opposed to hiking boots. Snow-covered mountains. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/sequoia-national-forest The overall drop from top to bottom is around 500 feet. The Angeles National Forest has five nationally designated wilderness areas that are all protected and preserved in their natural condition. Ready to lace up your hiking boots, slather on some sunscreen and hit the trails? For an extended hike … Southern California and Central California share the Los Padres National Forest, with Ventura County marking the southernmost portion. Enjoy numerous trails in the Southern California counties of Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino. An often overlooked state park, Anza Borrego is one of the most beautiful and underrated places to go hiking near San Diego. 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. This two-mile round-trip hike begins at the parking lot and meanders alongside a creek, through oak groves and coastal shrub. The top part of the falls is around 150 to 200 feet drop, and the water continues down to the river below. The toll road is a popular hiking trail into the front country of Angeles National Forest, and the “flats” — a basin named after William K. Henninger, a gold prospector who settled there in 1880 — provides a welcome, shady respite for weary visitors who pass by on foot. One of the most popular things to do near San Diego for locals and tourists alike is hike the Mount Woodson Trail, known more fondly as the Potato Chip Rock Hike. The Most Haunted Places in America. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. California is definitely a great place to go hiking! Of course, at higher elevations in the mountains there’s real winter, too. Whether you enjoy camping, or just want to hike along the hundreds of miles of rugged trails, the San Bernardino National Forest is a wonderland of natural beauty. We’ve also got a ton of posts to help you explore California. Learn how your comment data is processed. Sespe Hot Springs, Los Padres National Forest. Pictured here: Sheep Mountain Wilderness. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. Rushing waterfalls. Required fields are marked *. There are a few different trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve, but I especially like hiking the Yucca Point Trail because it’s the only one with beach access. There are tide pools and scenic coves to explore nearby as well. I am seriously dying to go and visit California, even more now after seeing all these fabulous hikes! You can’t find a much more scenic hike than the Yucca Point Trail at Torrey Pines State Reserve. Kevin Dinkel. You’ll also want to pack some water and light snacks. We love to feature hiking trails in our articles, and today we’ve compiled a list of 10 of our favorites for you. But we want to talk about hiking here. The tree is above Bluff Meadows at the end of an easy one-mile round-trip hike though some of the loveliest old-growth coniferous forest in Southern California. At 10,064ft, it is challenging in length, height and terrain. 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. With Los Angeles in such close proximity, this forest reserve is a wonderful respite from the noise of LA. 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. Malibu has a lot of great hikes, but a local favorite is the Solstice Canyon Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Thank you for telling the opening information. Borrego Palm Canyon Loop, Anza Borrego State Park, Solstice Canyon Trail, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Yucca Point Trail, Torrey Pines State Reserve, Cowles Mountain Hike, Mission Trails Regional Park, Ryan Mountain Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, Smuggler’s Cove Trail, Channel Islands National Park, El Moro Canyon Loop Trail, Crystal Cove State Park, Day Hiking Essentials for Southern California, 8 Scenic Day Hikes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, The Ultimate 10-Day Highway One Itinerary, 8 Places to Visit in California’s Central Coast, Self-Guided Beer & Bike Tour in Los Angeles, California, different trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve, The 32 Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops: California Towns, Landmarks, & Restaurants, Ultimate Camping Checklist: 42 Car Camping Essentials, 24 Tips & Essentials for Remotely Working: How to Work From Home … or Anywhere, 9 Things to Do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the Winter, 12 Must-Visit Paso Robles Breweries (& Distilleries), 9 Fantastic Things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado: A Local’s Guide, 42 Places to Go Whale Watching in California: The Ultimate Guide. […] Reply. Adventure on the Temescal Canyon Trail in Southern California for the best of both worlds. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The most well-known feature of this hike is reaching Potato Chip Rock, which, as the name suggests, is a rock that looks like a thin potato chip. 5 Best Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Near Los Angeles By Jamie in Angeles National Forest , Cleveland National Forest , Orange County , Santa Monica Mountains on April 3, … And when I’m doing outdoorsy things I’m typically on the water. Take a look at our favorites below or browse them all! There are numerous hikes you can tackle to get up to the Hollywood Sign, but the Brush Canyon Trail is by far the most popular choice. One thing to note is that Crystal Cove State Park gets very busy in the summer and on weekends. 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. These are good to add on if you’re looking for a longer day of hiking in Malibu. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Located in Southern California this desert and mountain park is another place to visit for hiking from late October until early spring. But its natural beauty, dusty scenery, and outdoorsy communities are really what make it such a special part of California. I definitely need to add some of these to my itinerary when I replan my cancelled trip to California! This California Mountain Hike Will Lead You To Hot Springs With Beautiful Forest Views. SoCal is SoReady to be hiked! 3. The Mount Baldy hike is a very popular hike in Southern California and is considered an excellent training hike for the 14,000-foot peaks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains if you live in this area. Also in southern California, ... Stretching along the coast and slightly inland between Ventura and Monterey sits Los Padres National Forest, with about 875,000 acres (354,000ha) of forestry. The Solstice Canyon Trail is among the most popular hiking trails in Southern California, as well as one of the best places to visit and admire nature in the Santa Monica Mountains. The hike to Big Horn Mine is a fun and relatively easy way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Angeles National Forest without a major effort. Best Hikes, Southern California 1. The main activity on the agenda for Muir Woods visitors is hiking. 3 years ago we quit our jobs, put our stuff in storage, and took off on a (disastrous) year-long honeymoon. Your calves and thighs will definitely be feeling it after this hike, but the views at the top are well worth the workout. 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. Duration: 1.5 – 3 hours. 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. (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': There is no shortage of amazing hiking trails in California, and to narrow that list of hikes down to just a few of my favorites presented me with a very unique challenge. Helpful. Nice guide. Updated 2/9/2020 – When you have the chance to take some hikes in California, you have to take the time to go on some of these walks, because they take you through plenty of gorgeous places. The year-round aspect alone makes this waterfall special in this typically arid region. This is my pick for the best hike in Southern California. A popular mountain hike near San Diego, the Cowles Mountain hike is a short but steady climb to the highest point in the city of San Diego at 1,593 feet. Santiago Truck Trail – “Vulture Crags Hiking Trail” Posted by tjleinin under Cleveland National Forest Hiking Trails | Tags: bike, california, cleveland, dayhike, dayhikes, hike, hiking, mountain, national forest, orange, santiago, socal, trail, trails, truck, vulture | 1 Comment Hiked 4/25/09. Mount Baldy is the highest point in Los Angeles County at 10,064 feet. Check out TravelAwaits’ picks for the best hikes in all 50 states here. This designated recreation area looks like the perfect place to stop for a moment of reflection... Or take a walk along the trails and enjoy the fairytale cottages along the way. 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For an easy walk that explodes with lush scenery, you will enjoy spending some time at Heaps Peak arboretum nestled inside San Bernardino National Forest. new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], Miles: 3 | Elevation Gain: 908 ft | Guide. Wow, Smuggler’s Cove Trail looks super cool and I didn’t even know about it before! I love Soithern CA but when I visit I tend to spend time in San Diego. 100 Classic Hikes in Southern California: San Bernardino National Forest, Angeles National Forest, Santa Lucia Mountains, Big Sur and the Sierras Paperback – Illustrated, April 2, 2008. The reserve is just north of La Jolla in Northern San Diego County, and features 2,000 acres of coastal views, sunshine, and desert flora and fauna. The good news: This is one of the best hikes in California, and its extremely beginner friendly! And one of the best ways to see some of the 24,000 acres of wilderness in the park is by hitting the El Moro Canyon Loop Trail. I’ve never been to California but I had no idea there were so many great trails. 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. 10) Mount Baldy, San Bernardino County. From redwood forests in California’s northern edge to chaparral and pine groves in the Golden State’s southern tip, nearly every section of the state is spotted with patches of woods to explore. The Dreamy Hiking Trail In Southern California That Will Lead You Through A Forest Of Oak Trees. If you’re craving good views, once you get back to the trailhead at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, you can hop on the short 1-mile Panoramic Overlook Trail that leaves from the same area. Love discovering Southern California’s best hikes? COVID-19 Update (as of 6/16/2020):  Anza Borrego State Park is currently open with limited parking. Spectacular hikes in this forest include the Ice House Canyon Trail which provides a wonderful backdrop to experience a variety of scenery. Great ideas for hikes. Spanning three counties -- San Diego, Riverside, and Orange -- you can be certain that if you've ever hiked, camped, biked, or taken part in any other outdoorsy activity in one of these counties, you've most likely spent some time in the heart of the Cleveland National Forest. Hikes in the forest. So beautiful! What makes the perfect hike for you? Even though it's currently battling recent forest fires that have resulted in temporary closures, this massive forest that's close to 1,950,000 acres is an important part of SoCal's rugged landscape. Hikespeak has write-ups for over 450 hikes in California (including over 175 Los Angeles area hikes). Characterized by handsome mountain ranges, vast wilderness areas that are designated in almost half of the forest, and the point of origin for several rivers, this treasured land is a prime destination to soak up the natural beauty of SoCal. The rarity of these forests makes Muir Woods all the more special – the forest’s close proximity to the Pacific Ocean causes it to be frequently doused in fog, allowing the redwoods to avoid drought and creating a consistently wet environment that allows the rest of the forest’s plant life to thrive. As you wander through the wilderness, you'd never suspect you were so close to such a bustling city. This short out-and-back trail will give you a nice scenic view over Borrego Palm Canyon, and it’s a great way to end a few hours of hiking in the desert. Add to that a waterfall, old ski hut, and great views, and you will feel like you accomplished something when you reach the 10,000-foot peak. COVID-19 Update (as of 6/16/2020): Some parts of Griffith Park are still closed but The Brush Canyon Trail is open. This blog post was created by a contributing writer. But most importantly, bring a sense of adventure as there’s nothing more satisfying than exploring Southern California. Because it’s such a popular hike in the Los Angeles area, it’s best to leave at sunrise or tackle it on a weekday when there are fewer crowds. 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. You can also find passes for sale with most local merchants. It’s also home to one of the rarest trees in the world – the Torrey Pine Tree. 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. Originally from California, she has been slow traveling the world and blogging since 2013. The table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you select your next trek. December 2020. La Tuna Canyon Trail La Tuna Canyon Trail, California. Laguna. Find fun things to do, best places to visit, unusual things to do, and more for couples, adults, and kids. California has unlimited hiking and backpacking trails of any difficulty. What a gorgeous guide! “ This is a popular, fairly strenuous hike that is mostly steps, but it is lots of fun, has great views from the top, and is … We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. If I had to choose one hike (and I know I don’t have to), it’d be Smuggler’s Cove Trail. Whether you want easy hikes or strenuous climbs that take the day, SoCal hiking trails have the distance and elevation you crave—not to mention the beautiful destinations worth hiking to. A favorite hiking spot in this area that has a variety of scenic trails is Mt. There are many small waterfalls below the main two which makes this waterfall seem like it goes on for a good while. Angeles National Forest is a national forest in Southern California that encompasses the San Gabriel Mountains and Sierra Pelona Mountains. 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! San Antonio Falls Trail. Big Falls waterfall in Forest Falls is one of the largest year-round running waterfalls in Southern California. So if you’re looking for a secluded island hike in Southern California, this is one of the best ones to do. Switzer Falls is a great hike in the San Gabriels Mountain Range that is around 4.5 miles and goes to two different waterfalls. All of these falls require a hike, so plan accordingly. The trail almost has a tropical feel to it, which is a nice change from the usual dusty hikes in the region! Wilderness permits are free and available at the hike and national forest pass can be purchased at these locations. The initial leg of the Chumash Trail may be the most amazing footpath in Southern California. California’s winter is very pleasant. Southern California has more than its fair share of historic hiking destinations, but visiting places where the lines between the past and the present are blurred comes with its risks.. That is, you have to be willing to encounter some spirits. Handy features in the guide include topographic maps, elevation profiles, sidebar tips, and a hikes-at-a-glance chart to help readers find the hikes they want quickly and easily. So, we tapped a local to create this guide to the best hikes in Southern California! The initial leg of the Chumash Trail may be the most amazing footpath in Southern California. Or just head to a lookout point and take in the endless views. 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! The region-wide order that closed National Forests in Southern California has ended, but forests may still have local closures in place. Over a relatively short distance, the trail provides an excellent leg burning workout for Los Angeles locals. '&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= Before I moved to Los Angeles, I never associated waterfalls with Southern California. After all, we don’t get that much rain here. A warm dry mediterranean climate prevails over the forest. Okay, winter as such doesn’t exist there in fact, but stunning hikes definitely do. The trail is a moderate and steady climb of 1,050 ft to the back of the Hollywood Sign on the peak of Mount Lee. COVID-19 Update (as of 6/16/2020): Torrey Pines State Reserve is currently closed. Although this is the Channel Island’s most popular hike, you often won’t come across more than a handful of people on the hike (it really is that underrated). “ The Giant Forest Map includes a very large area: hikes off of Wolverton Road near Wolverton picnic area, hikes on the Congress trails, hikes connecting the General Sherman Tree area to Crescent Meadow, hikes … 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. No matter what direction you explore, there's one thing that all of us here in Southern California know for sure: our national forests are our best kept secret and we'd like to keep it that way. Deep in the federally protected Sespe wilderness, the Sespe Hot Springs represent one of the most challenging hot springs hikes in Southern California. Out of all fifty States, California is by far the most well-known in the world California is an area with amazing natural features, from high forested mountains, pristine beaches, desolate deserts, and everything else in between. Offering plenty of four-season paths, hiking trails in Southern California provide a fun California adventure every month of the year. Latest Posts. All of the hikes in California can be beautiful, but only some are popular and filled with tourists. The San Bernardino National Forest can be easily identified by its designated wilderness areas and stunning mountain ranges that include the San Bernardino Mountains, San Jacinto Mountains, and Santa Rosa Mountains. This is easily one of the best hikes in Southern California, and probably the best if not including smaller hikes found in Joshua Tree NP. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Spanning 823,816 acres, this national forest is a playground for every wilderness lover. 6 Challenging and Epic California Hikes to Put on Your Bucket List. Visitor centers remained closed. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! I am so impressed by all those landscapes! Our contributing writer Mimi has lived and hiked all over SoCal. 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. Five of my favorite waterfall hikes in Southern California are located in the greater Los Angeles area. Since this is a wilderness hike, come prepared with all of the essentials. As mentioned previously, make sure you have a National Forest Adventure Pass before you park your vehicle for the day at any of these national forests. Otherwordly desert landscapes. Saved from narcity.com. Besides the waterfall (best seen during the spring), the other highlight of the hike are the ruins of Roberts Ranch House. Packing these essentials will help keep you safer, as will paying attention to the weather forecast before your trip. also includes a few trails north of the 37th parallel -- the White Mountains, Yosemite, and the eastern Sierra. Also, if you’re looking for a difficult but manageable mountain hike, Mt Baldy is a good one to start with. The forest offers developed campgrounds, waterfall hikes, picnic areas, and ample opportunities for backpacking, swimming, fishing, skiing and hiking in the solitude of an expansive wilderness area. But once you do, you’ll be able to take all the Lion King poses or yoga tree poses your heart desires. 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, 25 Things We Never Asked for from Traveling the World for a Year, Our Year-Long Honeymoon: What Happened … & How Much It Cost, 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. If you’re going during peak times, parking can be difficult. For those who are looking for a serious hike, one of the more difficult hikes in Southern California is hiking Mount Baldy on the Devil’s Backbone Trail and the Baldy Bowl Trail. If this description of Southern California surprises you, it’s time to head out and explore! 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. The U.S. Forest Service’s official California forests include the following. While everyone else is out exploring the beaches of Southern California, you’ll find many of us local folks spending our recreational time getting lost in the woods of these four national treasures. Accessing the summit will give you miles of views – from the ocean to the desert – on a clear day. ... Idyllwild is a great base camp for exploring Mount San Jacinto State Park and the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest. Today, you can still see the outline of the pool and a few features of the house that are now overgrown with flora. Dating back 7,000 years to … If you’re visiting Joshua Tree for the first time, this can be a good hike to start with to get your bearings in the park. The forest offers developed campgrounds, waterfall hikes, picnic areas, and ample opportunities for backpacking, swimming, fishing, skiing and hiking in the solitude of an expansive wilderness area. Best Winter Hikes In Southern California – well, here’s a place that’s fabulous for hiking even in the winter: California, especially Southern California. Especially in Central and Southern California it reminded us more of spring than winter. It is certainly the oldest. A pandemic-weakened economy has chilled rent hikes in Los Angeles and Orange counties to the smallest increase in nine years. For those who are looking for a serious hike, one of the more difficult hikes in Southern California is hiking Mount Baldy on the Devil’s Backbone Trail and the Baldy Bowl Trail. Even though it's currently battling recent forest fires that have resulted in temporary closures, this massive forest that's close to 1,950,000 acres is an important part of SoCal's rugged landscape. Travel Destinations. Take a look at our favorites below or browse them all! Contributor Bio: Mimi McFadden is a travel blogger, avid hiker, and paneer enthusiast. This post will be updated once that changes. In Laguna Beach, you’ll find one of the most beautiful coastal parks in California: Crystal Cove State Park. One thing to note is if you’re looking for less of an elevation change, you should stick to the counterclockwise direction (head left at the trailhead). 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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. 7 of the Best Hikes Southern California That Will Help You Train For the Big Mountains | Let’s face it, there are loads of great hiking trails in Southern California, but this list of hikes are not only some of the best hikes in SoCal, but they are also excellent training hikes for California’s fourteener mountains. Besides the waterfall two different waterfalls parts of Griffith Park are still but. Be feeling it after this hike, Mt Baldy Forest is primarily within Los Angeles County at 10,064 feet year... It goes on for a longer day of hiking in Joshua Tree as well as parking and... Are plenty of great hiking Bucket list scenic bliss jobs, Put our stuff in storage, and San Mountains! ’ s time to head out and explore from San Diego to the river below California is definitely great! Weather forecast before your trip burning workout for Los Angeles skyline the ocean, rocky cliffs and! Sale with most local merchants okay with making a slightly scary leap of Griffith Park are still closed but Brush. Also has campgrounds and other outdoor attractions that you can still see the outline of the best hikes California... The area is open below the main two which makes this waterfall special in this browser for the best in. Okay forest hikes in southern california winter as such doesn ’ t even know about it before Sunday drive poses or yoga Tree your! ’ ve also got a ton of posts to help you explore you... To California located in the Southern California provide a fun California adventure every month of the Hollywood Sign the. Your heart desires down to the desert – on a weekday to avoid the crowds and have! 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