Duarte, California

Hidden in the small community of La Canada, California, the trailhead is pretty hidden! From the 210, take the exit for Highway 2/Angeles Crest Highway. Head north (towards the mountains) for about a mile. As the highway begins to curve, you will come across a small side-street, Harter Lane. Turn...

Located deep in the Angeles National Forest above Azusa, this short but at times challenging hike rewards you with a beautiful fifty-foot waterfall. The base of the waterfall is only a foot at its deepest, so I wouldn't rush to bring a bathing suit with you. Protected by the heavy forestry around...

The Horse Flats Campground is located 29 miles up Highway 2 from Interstate 210. You will turn left at the Santa Clara Divide Road(this intersection is also known as 3 Points). 3 miles down the road you will turn left to enter the campground. I have camped here a few times and its always been pre...

Located 1 mile east of the Mt Waterman Ski Resort, Buckhorn Ski Hill is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll through a snow-covered forest, complete with views of towering Mt Waterman. To get here take I-210 toward La Canada, exit on to California Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) heading no...

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...

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...

Nibley Park is a small and secluded park with lots of trees and green area. There are a number of picnic tables and a restroom, that is ADA compliant. The playground is small but two separate play areas that are marked for their specific ages for young kids to have fun. There is also a half court...

For the most direct directions to the swing, plug in "Swing on top of Elysian Park" into google maps, which will take you directly to the trailhead. If you want to do it the more old fashion way, the swing is on top of a hill at the intersection of Angels Point Drive and Park Row Drive in Elysian...

Recently opened in 2021, right behind the LA Library in Chinatown, you’ll find this secret gem, tucked away in the corner. Covered picnic tables, with checkerboard game boards in place, and all gender bathrooms with changing tables for the little ones. Two play areas as well as a small climbing w...

I learned about these remnants of Los Angeles history, just a few months ago. When I found myself in L.A. this past month, I decided to find some of these stairs, and find out what they’re all about. Back in the 1920’s these stairs were created for pedestrians to have direct routes to the trans...

The Mattachine Steps, also known as the Cove Avenue stairway, is dedicated to the Mattachine Society (The name was taken from a medieval French secret society that set out to right wrongs.) in 2012 in memory of Harry Hay, who cofounded the gay rights group. Right along this stairway is a small ho...

Park at the Condor Peak Trailhead, please note that this trail head is unmarked so keep your eyes peeled on the right side of the turnout for a small single track trail. The trail gradually climbs along the side of the canyon until reaching a 4 way intersection. To your left and to your right wil...

The trailhead is immediately off of Angeles Crest Highway CA-2 at Islip Saddle.  It's just a touch over 2 miles to reach the summit, through which you'll be hiking among the pine tree forest practically the entire way up (part of this trail doubles as the Pacific Crest Trail).  The summit is larg...

Take Hwy 2 out of La Canada north along Angeles Crest Highway. Follow this for quite some time enjoying the fine views in all directions. After traveling through two consecutive tunnels continue to the Islip Saddle parking lot (on left). There will be a vault toilet & a picnic table. Display ...

Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles has a loop that is about 1 mile around. It’s a pretty busy park, that has ducks and geese everywhere. Beautiful lotus blossoms and iris flowers in the lake. Generally flat and one tiny incline that can easily be avoided. You can also rent swan paddleboats that light ...

Vista Hermosa Natural Park is part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Located in the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, it’s very easy to drive by this hidden gem if you’re not looking for it. This park is the perfect mix of ur...