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Tori MarshExplorer

Adventurer | Photographer | Data geek | Powered by donuts and tacos.

This is a great go-to spot, especially when Wild Willy's is too crowded. This is also the perfect spot to watch the sunrise, especially if you want the place to yourself! Also, just as an FYI, most people (especially a lot of the locals) like to enjoy this spot in the nude!

One of the better spots to watch the sunset in Joshua Tree! Make sure to bring a jacket as it can get pretty windy and chilly as the sun goes down!

Explorer

02/28/17

Don't let the crowds deter you from this spot! Although it can get incredibly busy, it just shows how amazing this place is. If you have the time, try and go during the week as the weekends can get incredibly crowded!

Love this area. Awesome shops and restaurants, and the bike path feels like it goes on forever. Uber will be your friend here though, parking is tough, especially in the summer!

This campground is usually super popular because of its proximity to some great climbing routes. It is first come, first serve-- so it's almost impossible to get a spot on busy weekends. Make sure you arrive early!

If you're looking for a dreamy place to take sunset pictures... this is it. Although it is not walking distance, pair this outing with a walk around Balboa Island (and a Balboa Bar of course) and you have the perfect night.

Explorer

02/23/17

Whenever I go to Vasquez Rocks, I never really stick to a trail as there is so much land to cover and rocks to climb. If you are looking for some solitude, make sure you meander away from the epicenter of the park!

The hike is nice, but more often than not, the parking deters a lot of people from coming. Recently, homeowners in the area petitioned for strict parking rules in the area, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. Just be warned, add another mile or two onto the hike since the parking is so far away!

I tried on Saturday morning (rookie mistake) to take a nice little run up the stairs. However, it was incredibly crowded and I ended up having wait for space to open up on the stairs. These are great stairs, and an awesome place to work out, but definitely better on the weekdays.

I love this hike so much. Trails are well maintained and the views on Eagle Rock are unbeatable. As with most things in LA, parking can be a bit expensive though

Explorer

02/17/17

Hit Menotti's Coffee Shop beforehand! A nice stroll through the canals + some coffee = the best way to wake up.

Explorer

02/10/17

I've done this hike a couple of times, and in the past, I have loved it! I went back recently though, and it seems like people have started to abuse it a lot. Broken glass littered the ground inside the cave, which made for some interesting climbing. Definitely wear closed toed shoes, and expect hundreds of pigeons that call the cave home!

Although this is an extremely busy campground, and often books up way in advance, it is definitely one of the prettiest I have been to! If you want more of a secluded spot, be sure to stay in one of the loops farther in the back!

This is my ultimate favorite beach in LA. The rock formations make a perfect backdrop to any photo, especially for the start photos. For free parking, try and park on PCH and walk to the entrance! However, if you're looking for a secluded beach, this is probably not it.

Backpacking trips like this one are hard to come by in SoCal, and this is one of my favorite back country trips I have done so far. Its the perfect high-altitude trip for those training for Whitney and beyond. It is incredibly brutal on the way up, but so worth it when you get to the top. Be careful on the way down, almost fell so many times.

I made the mistake of going right in the middle of summer, during the drought! There was no waterfall, and it was really just a big mud pit. To see the waterfall in action, try and go right after a rain big rain storm (although those are hard to come by in LA!)

Explorer

01/19/17

This is my favorite winter hike in Mammoth. It's never too busy, and the trail is very well maintained. Make sure you make your way all the way around, the views from the other side of the lake are incredible!

This is an amazing hike. The only difficult part is staying on the trail, as it can be pretty confusing! There seem to always be people on the trail, so its very hard to get lost. Be prepared to get your feet wet as there are a lot of river crossings. If you're feeling up for it, and the water level isn't too high, I definitely recommend hiking down below the bridge. Beautiful vantage point of the bridge, and fun to explore the river below!

This is my go-to hike after it rains, when the waterfall is at its best. Make sure you come early, parking gets filled up really quickly and most people are forced to park on the windy road leading up to the trailhead. There is also a cute little general store near the trailhead you won't want to miss!

This was a nice little trip to some secluded spots. However, it never really feels like you have left the city. Cars can still be heard from the campsites and you are pretty close to some residential homes. Overall though, perfect trip for a short weekend!

This is a little bit of a drive to get to, but well worth it! Went over a holiday weekend and it was packed, so make sure you get up there early, as the prime spots go fast! Also, make sure you pack out any waste, as tickets can be as much as $1000 for littering. Overall, great experience- definitely a Big Sur gem!