Glendale, California
Glendale, California offers a lot of options for those looking for some of the best trails and outdoor activities. From hiking to camping to kayaking, there are plenty of must-visit spots with scenic views. The San Rafael Hills provide a great panorama of the city and the Verdugo Mountains offer fun and exciting hikes. The Glendale Narrows is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. The Glendale Sports Complex offers a great selection of outdoor sports and activities. The nearby Griffith Park provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are also plenty of picnic spots and other attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a day of relaxation, Glendale, California has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Glendale
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Lake Forest, California
Hike Borrego Canyon to Red Rock Canyon Trails
4.64.2 mi / 500 ft gainJust south east of the city of Irvine, on the southern end of Orange County, is the scenic Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Don't let the newly developed shopping centers restaurants fool you, because just beyond the parking lot ($3 Daily Use Fee) of the Borrego Canyon Trailhead, you will find your...Read more -
Malibu, California
Hike Point Mugu Peak
4.52 mi / 1250 ft gainPoint Mugu State Park offers some amazing rolling mountains, sweeping meadows of tall grass, and beautiful coastal views. I suggest going in the spring. I recently went, and the wildflowers were blooming everywhere. There are campgrounds available in different parts of the park that you can make ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Hike Mugu Peak Loop via Chumash Trail
5.06.5 mi / 1255 ft gainFrom the parking lot at the trailhead, follow the steep trail going up the mountain. This part is quite challenging, so I recommend stretching out your legs before starting the hike. Once you reach the top, you will see your first junction. Go right if you want to go straight for the peak, and th...Read more -
Orange, CaliforniaCrystal Cove Beach Loop
5.05.13 mi / 151 ft gainThis is a favorite morning or evening hike, run or stroll. Park in the lot with a state pass, head down the cliff and back, and you'll get an amazing workout. Tip: Time your outings for low tide as there will be more beach to walk on.Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
El Moro Canyon Trail to Lower Moro Campground
3.56.37 mi / 997 ft gainLocated off of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park. There are three primitive sites located in Crystal Cove: Deer Canyon, Upper Moro, and Lower Moro. The site I stayed at was Lower Moro campground. All three of these sites require the backpacker to hike everything in...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
El Moro Canyon Trail
5.04.94 mi / 814 ft gainThe trail features a waterfall and is open year-round, but is best used in the spring. Remember to bring $15 cash for the parking fee. The Laguna Beach trail is shared by trail runners, mountain bikers, hikers, and the occasional horseback rider. Dogs are not allowed in Crystal Cove State Park.Read more -
Lake Hughes, California
Hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Horse Trail to Bear Campground
11.63 mi / 2396 ft gainThis is part of the Pacific Crest Trail. If you're through-hiking or sectional hiking, you'll have to hit it eventually. Try and avoid it in the late summer or early fall because of heat, and gnats. Find a way to check the bug report, we got marauded by gnats 90% of the way (early October) and ap...Read more -
Silverado, California
Harding Falls Trail
5.05.96 mi / 1378 ft gainThe lot provides free parking, with plenty of spaces available throughout the day. The first few miles feature a descent into the canyon on a defined trail out in the open. The way back up is a decent incline in the sun! Be prepared, because even though 6+ miles may not seem too hard, this h...Read more -
Silverado, California
Bedford Peak Trail
5.06.78 mi / 1972 ft gainThe Bedford Peak Trail in Silverado, California is a challenging hike that offers a variety of natural features. The trail spans 6.78 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 1,972 feet. It is rated as difficult due to its steep inclines and rocky terrain. The trail begins in a dense oak w...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
B.F.I. Trail in Crystal Cove State Park
5.00.78 mi / 125 ft gainTo get to the trailhead, enter Crystal Cove State Park through the Crystal Cove El Moro Campground entrance immediately next to El Moro Elementary School. Follow the road behind the school which leads to the main gate where you will need to pay a day-use parking fee of $15. Drive past the Campgr...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Crystal Cove Loop Trail
4.04.05 mi / 676 ft gainThe trail begins and ends at the El Moro Visitor Center. Parking requires either a $15 day use parking pass, which is available in the visitor center. This hike we are focusing on is called the Difficult Loop Trail and it is the third most difficult trail the canyon offers. You take Moro Canyon,...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Photograph the Pacific Coast Highway over Crystal Cove Beach
4.4To get to the bluffs overlooking Crystal Cove State Park Beach to the south, you'll need to pull off onto the side of the Pacific Coast Highway *before* Morro Ridge Road.The easiest and most obvious turnoff is on the right side of the highway southbound, just past the "Adopt a Highway" sign and w...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Hike Willow Canyon, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
5.06.7 mi / 1208 ft gainThis hike has been a must do since I was young. Do you love scenic views of the ocean and wildlife? You'll see plenty of both, from hawks searching for food to squirrels and deer running through the brush. This is my favorite route in this area but there are plenty of other trails to shorten or a...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Emerald Canyon & Bommer Ridge Loop
5 mi / 873 ft gainThere a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and are quite popular for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. A great mountain biking loop begins in Emerald Canyon at the end of Emerald Canyon Road an...Read more -
Trabuco Canyon, California
The Luge: Santiago Truck Trail Loop
5.07.46 mi / 1371 ft gainThe Luge: Santiago Truck Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Lake Forest, California.Read more -
Aliso Viejo, California
Top of the World via West Ridge Trail
5.04.76 mi / 443 ft gainDirections to get here are pretty straight forward via the map. You park your car in a residential neighborhood along the street, and from there, you can't miss the entrance. The trail is paved for the first 100yds or so and after you make a right turn at the top, you'll be on dirt and sand the r...Read more
