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Kristen Sharer

I love this hike. It's long enough and steep enough that I always feel like I got a real hike in (in contrast to some of the westside routes that are more glorified walks than hikes), the views at the top are great (on a clear day), and the terrain varies widely from dry chaparral to lush forest. This hike is so close to the westside, has free and easy parking on Temescal Canyon Road, and when you're done, it's a quick 10 minute jaunt to the Brentwood Country Mart for ice cream.

This is such a great trail and the views at the top of rim are stunning. Once you get past Angel's Landing, the crowds all but disappear (even on the super crowded Labor Day weekend), so you and your adventure buds will feel alone in the wilderness, save for the occasional group of deer. The switchbacks up to Cabin Springs are not for the faint of heart, but it's so worth it. We spent two nights at camp site 4 (reservable online), which gave us a chance to day hike and relax at the top. The sunsets over the canyon were mesmerizing and watching lightning storms on the other side of the park was an unexpected highlight.