Chino Hills, California

The trail switchbacks up the mountain before reaching the first historic marker, in 3 miles. These are the remains of the Mount Lowe Railroad, which brought customers to Echo Mountain Resort, also in ruins, nearby. Explore the historic sites, then head up Castle Canyon Trail. A steep climb will ...

Tucked into the San Gabriel Mountains above the small mountain town of Wrightwood, California, the Acorn Trail to Pine Mountain is one of the most demanding day hikes in Angeles National Forest. The route gains nearly 3,900 feet in under 5 miles one-way — a relentless, sustained climb that reward...

This trail may still be closed due to trail maintenance. Please contact Trabuco Ranger at 951-736-1811 before heading out.  This a long day hike of 16 miles roundtrip, so it's best to get an early start (before sunrise). Get amazing views of Mt. San Antonio, San Jacinto, and San Gorgonio, and Ca...

To start, directions on how to get to the trail there are two different ways, the most common , which I will explain, being through Rancho Santa Margarita you will head east on Santa Margarita Parkway, turn left at the dead end (into a parking lot for a shopping center) on Plano Trabuco Road, thi...

Burkhart Trail is well-defined and easy to follow through an unbelievable old growth of Jeffrey pines, incense-cedars and surprisingly, redwoods! At 0.25 miles, there is a steep spur trail near a large pile of boulders that leads to a popular swimming area, often frequented by guests of the campg...

Parking 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 ...

The 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...

This hike will be about going from the Bellview Trailhead to Dove Lake and back. Note that once you get to Dove Lake there are numerous offshoots that can take you in different directions (you can follow the road into the Dove Canyon housing community, take a paved road back to the Bellview parki...

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail is great for birding and wildlife viewing. If you want a longer hike, you can extend the mileage by heading down the riverbed trail. The trail is open year-round. Dogs are not allowed in Bolsa Chica.  Bolsa Chica State Beach is easily accessible from Oran...

If 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...

This 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...

There 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...

The City View and Walnut Forest Trails in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park are just outside of downtown Los Angeles, and are perfect for all abilities. The trails are most commonly used by dog walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers and families. The top of the hike features a unique pond. Dogs are a...

Mt. Waterman is accessed along Highway 2 in the Angeles National Forest. Heading east from La Canada look for mileage marker 58.0 (34 miles from La Canada) just past the closed ski resort. Park at one of the large paved turnouts on your left. Display an Adventure Pass ($5 at Ranger Station or Big...

The Newport Beach Back Bay Trail features beautiful wildflowers and is open for use year round. Very minimal elevation gain makes this hike food for all skill levels, but be mindful of the distance. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Cooling sea breezes make this one of th...

From the 210 Freeway in La Cañada, take California Highway 2 north 14 miles up into the San Gabriel Mountains. Make sure you have your National Forest Pass (sold at REI or Ranger Station) or your Interagency Pass because they have started checking parked vehicles. At the Red Box Picnic area, make...