Apple Valley, California
Apple Valley, California, is a prime location for the best trails and outdoor activities. One of the top trails is the Mojave Riverwalk, which offers scenic views of the Mojave River and its surrounding landscapes. This trail is moderately difficult, making it suitable for most hikers. Another must-visit trail is the Victor Valley Museum trail, where you can spot various unique rock formations and native plants. If you're into water activities, the Jess Ranch Lakes are perfect for fishing. For those who prefer bird watching or wildlife photography, the Apple Valley Bird Sanctuary is a great spot. Near Apple Valley, you'll find the Deep Creek Hot Springs, a natural hot spring that's a popular attraction. For a mix of history and outdoor adventures, the Calico Ghost Town and its surrounding trails are worth exploring.
Top Spots in and near Apple Valley
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Mount Baldy, California
Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon Trailhead
16.22 mi / 5610 ft gainWe started out at 8am on a Sunday, usually parking at Ice House Saddle can be tricky, I would advise going earlier. We headed out on our journey hiking up to the saddle, when you reach the switchbacks there is a fresh water spring, it's the last place you can get water...so stock up! We pressed o...Read more -
Mount Baldy, CaliforniaThree T’s Trail
15.7 mi / 5099.74 ft gainThe Three T's Trail is one of the most ambitious day hikes in Southern California — a 15.7-mile loop that summits three named peaks in the Mt. Baldy area of Angeles National Forest while gaining over 5,000 vertical feet. The "Three T's" refer to Telegraph Peak (8,985 ft), Thunder Mountain (8,587 ...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Cedar Glen Camp
4.88 mi / 1650 ft gainCedar Glen Camp is a great beginner backpacking trip just outside of Los Angeles, California. Starting from the Icehouse Trailhead (also used for Cucamonga Peak), head out on the Icehouse Canyon Trail from the parking area. The trail will intersect with the Chapman Trail, at which point, you'll t...Read more -
Valyermo, California
Blue Ridge Trail via Inspiration Point
4.97 mi / 692 ft gainThere are two trail heads for the Blue Ridge Trail, one via the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, and the other across from Inspiration Point. When parking gets crowded over at Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, than parking at Inspiration Point is the better option. To access the Blue Ridge Trail from In...Read more -
Redlands, California
Run the Carriage Trail
3.52.5 mi / 300 ft gainThere is room to park just off San Timoteo Road. On the other side of the trail is more parking off Alessandro. You can park your car on either side and start your run/walk/bike ride. This is a nice little "get away" trail to take a break from suburbia.Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Summit Mt. Baldy
4.812.12 mi / 5958 ft gainLocated only an hour’s drive from Los Angeles is the top of highest mountain in LA County—at 10,064 feet. Bear Flat Trail (also called the Old Mt. Baldy Trail) offers some of the finest scenery and most rewarding views in the San Gabriel Mountains high country. With nearly 6000 ft of elevation g...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Sunset Peak via South Trailhead
4.07.16 mi / 1493 ft gainIn order to get to the Sunset Peak Trailhead, utilize Google Maps to take you to the location provided. There is very little parking (only a small pull off along Glendora Ridge Road), but this trail is rarely traveled, so there should be enough space regardless of the time you decide to hike! Jus...Read more -
Azusa, California
Summit Mt. Baden-Powell
5.07.86 mi / 2808 ft gainThis well maintained and well traveled trail is a popular route with day hikers, backpackers, and Pacific Crest Trail through hikers. Since the trail is on the face of the mountain, snow may linger late into the season. The Pacific Crest Trail is clearly marked on the western corner of the Vinc...Read more -
Azusa, California
Bighorn Mine Trail
5.03.69 mi / 607 ft gainIf you decide to head over to Wrightwood for some skiing during the winter, make sure to get a hike in while you’re at it. There are several trail systems along the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2), and one of them is scenic Big Horn Mine Trail. The end point of the hike is the historic and abandone...Read more -
Claremont, California
Stoddard Canyon Falls (Baldy Slide Waterfall)
0.74 mi / 174 ft gainLocated near the Angeles National Forest, it's a short hike, approx. 0.75 miles roundtrip and just about anybody can go. To get there, input the intersection of Mt. Baldy Rd. and Barrett Stoddard Truck Trail into your GPS. This will bring you to a small dirt parking lot. The trailhead starts a...Read more -
Claremont, California
Stoddard Peak Trail
4.05.93 mi / 1129 ft gainOn the way to Mount Baldy and within the trail system of the San Gabriel mountain range is the Stoddard Peak Trail. The Stoddard Peak Trail, which is basically the old Barrett-Stoddard fire road, goes through the Stoddard Canyon into Stoddard Flat, and then eventually leads to Stoddard Peak. The ...Read more -
Forest Falls, California
Mt. San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek
4.717.83 mi / 5627 ft gainA hiking permit is required to hike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Apply for the permit early as the Vivian Creek Trail is the second most popular trailhead for the area and quotas fill up in advance. The permits are free and the entire process can be handled via fax or mail. All the information...Read more -
Riverside, California
Hike Two Trees Trail
2.5 mi / 977 ft gainParking is free at the trailhead, but there is only room for approximately five cars. The trailhead is on the edge of a neighborhood, so you can park there if needed. From the parking lot, head west, and immediately veer right and across the bridge. If you go left at the first fork, you can stay ...Read more -
Dawson Saddle, California
Hike to Throop Peak, Mt. Hawkins, and Mt. Burnham
8 mi / 2000 ft gainThe trailhead, or pair of trailheads actually, is at a location on the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) called Dawson's Saddle. There are a couple of parking areas along the side of the highway, and each of the pair of trailheads begins at either end of this parking area. The trailheads aren't mark...Read more -
La Verne, California
Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail
4.59.65 mi / 1798 ft gainThe trail on this 10-mile hike is predominately slow and steady, but can be a little rocky, so be prepared to scramble. When you’re fording the river, the water level can range from knee to chest high, especially in the wet months. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is helpful, but water shoe...Read more -
Riverside, California
Hike Mt. Rubidoux
4.22.7 mi / 500 ft gainFeaturing over 161 acres and over 3.5 miles of combined paved and dirt trails, Mount Rubidoux Park in Riverside, CA is a beautiful natural environment and adventure location. Although some say this is just a "hill", this Inland Empire gem offers a quick escape from the pace of city life. Just m...Read more
