All "Hikes" Stories in Southern CA
Seal the Bluffing Deal
We love aquariums, but there’s something special about viewing adorable, blubbery harbor seals in their natural habitat—namely Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve. An easy 1-mile (r
ViewIsland Ahoy!
Take to the seas on a weekend adventure to remote Santa Cruz Island (the largest among Channel Islands National Park) and an idyllic campsite coupled with a rugged 8-mile (round-trip) trek to a hidden beach.
ViewArroyo Arrival
Tucked on the border of East LA and South Pasadena, this 2-mile stretch of the Arroyo Seco (“dry stream” in Spanish) bike path curves its way around Debs Regional Park and has beautiful views and features some interesting architecture.
ViewLArt Walk
Located northeast of DTLA, the historic district of Lincoln Heights (one of LA’s oldest suburbs) is known for its architectural richness and cultural landmarks. And this urban hike takes you through the heart of it.
ViewThe Great Wall of Los Angeles
The Great Wall of Los Angeles is one of the most impressive and beautiful works of art in the entire city. See the storytelling of this half-mile-long mural via a 1-mile out-and-back through the Tujunga Greenbelt in North Hollywood.
ViewA River Runs Through It
Even the most avid LA hikers don’t know there's a riverside hike at the base of the beloved San Gabriels in Azusa River Wilderness Park.
ViewTriumphant in Triunfo
Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.
ViewSpring for Chino
Hike the 5.8-mile (round-trip) Bane Canyon Loop in Chino Hills State Park and enjoy vast vistas and touches of gold from our state flower, the California poppy.
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North Lake Tahoe, Naturally
Where do you go to make this spring twice as fun? North Lake Tahoe, naturally! Just 45 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, North Lake Tahoe’s spring season lets you double up your days with diverse outdoor experiences.
View Hike of Fame
The 6-mile out-and-back Brush Canyon Trail to the summit of Mount Lee is a blockbuster with glamorous city views, and the closest and most unique perspective of the famous Hollywood Sign.
ViewStrawberry on Top
There's no question that Strawberry Peak is a most challenging and rewarding peak in the front range of the San Gabriels. It’s a 7.75-mile out-and-back hike climbing 1,800 feet to unparalleled 360-degree views.
ViewConstant Condor
Condor Peak is one of the less traveled hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains, probably because it’s 16 miles (round-trip)! Get an early start for this challenging adventure, best done during the cooler months.
ViewDo Denk
Denk Mountain is the highest point in Carlsbad, reached via a 3.5-mile figure eight loop that nets 800 feet of elevation and delivers the best views in town.
ViewBobcat to Box Canyon
Sometimes it’s good to focus on the little joys in life instead of the big picture. At Rancho La Costa Preserve, that means hiking the hidden 2-mile Bobcat loop amid its 500 acres. This petite escape combines small wonders and big views.
ViewCopper Creek Serenity
The journey to Copper Creek Falls in Carlsbad’s Rancho La Costa Preserve is a serene 3.25-mile hike following a peaceful creek with a bit of local history and beautiful canyon scenery.
ViewHoly Wow!
Ready for a heavenly hike? Simi Valley’s Mount McCoy, managed by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District is a 2.5-mile (out-and-back) rambler that climbs 525 feet in 1.25 miles and features non-stop panoramic views and a giant white cross at the hill’s summit.
ViewSimi's Secret Loop
The secluded 2.8-mile Woodridge Loop at Long Canyon in Simi Valley rewards with rolling hills, grassy meadows, unique rock formations, and some of the most magical valley views in Ventura County.
ViewBig Sky SoCal
When does hiking through a neighborhood feel like you’re worlds away from civilization? When you’re in SoCal's Big Sky territory! Big Sky Trail is a 4-mile loop over rolling hills, all with incredible vistas of the surrounding valley and, of course, that big blue beautiful sky.
ViewFranklin It's About the Beignet
Head to Franklin Canyon’s Upper Reservoir for a 2-mile loop in a fairytale setting, then visit Beignet Box in Studio City for some sweet treats.
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Channel Islands for a Change
There’s no better time to visit California’s Channel Islands National Park. Located 25 miles off Ventura County Coast, this series of five distinct and spectacular islands is reached by a fun ferry ride often filled with wildlife sightings.
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Weekend in Reno Tahoe
Weekend plans? Reno Tahoe! Just a few hours by car or a short flight away, Reno Tahoe springs to the moment with great ways to combine adventure and relaxation in its beautiful mountains-meets-desert setting.
Reno Tahoe's Unique Spring Fun
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