Lancaster, California

The best trails and outdoor activities in Lancaster, California, offer a variety of scenic landscapes and challenges for hikers of all skill levels. The Pacific Crest Trail, a must-visit, winds through the Antelope Valley, showcasing stunning desert views and unique rock formations. The trail is moderately difficult, making it suitable for seasoned hikers. Prime Desert Woodland Preserve offers easy trails, perfect for family outings, and a chance to spot local wildlife. For water-based activities, Apollo Community Regional Park features a beautiful lake for fishing and boating. Near Lancaster, the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a top destination for rock climbing and horseback riding. These outdoor adventures in and around Lancaster offer something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Lancaster

Palmdale, California
California Aqueduct Trail

7.67 mi / 213 ft gain

California Aqueduct Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palmdale, California.
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Lancaster, California
Visit the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

5.0

2 mi / 900 ft gain

If you're going during wildflower season, start your adventure at the visitors center at the end of 150th St. W. Parking in the lot outside the visitors center is $10, but there is ample street parking that is free. In the visitors center you can read more about the reserve, plan your hike, and s...
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Lancaster, California
Little Butte Trail

4.0

2.09 mi / 213 ft gain

Little Butte Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Llano, California.
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Lancaster, California
Saddleback Butte State Park Loop

0.58 mi / 46 ft gain

Saddleback Butte State Park is a state park in the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert. It’s oftentimes looked over, but you’d be surprised what you can find there. Definitely a place to stop. It is located east of Lancaster. It can get hot so make sure to bring lots of water and wear su...
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Santa Clarita, California
Hike the PCT and Foot Trail Loop through Vasquez Rocks

5.0

5.5 mi / 287 ft gain

The Pacific Crest Trail and foot trail hike is a 5-mile loop with a quick PCT branch-off that leads under the 14 freeway through a long, well-maintained (but very dark) tunnel. Pull into the well-marked parking lot and stop in the visitor center to take a look at the topographical park model and...
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Agua Dulce, California
Vasquez Rocks

5.0

2.42 mi / 367 ft gain

This is a Natural Park Area located in Santa Clarita, within the Sierra Pelona Mountains. It features amazing diagonal rock formations, created because of the force between two tectonic plates pushing against each other. This place is a photographer's paradise, and every spot in this 900+ acre l...
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Santa Clarita, California
Hike to Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument

3.2 mi / 153 ft gain

The Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument, established in 2019, memorializes the site where the Saint Francis Dam, built by famed engineer William Mulholland, collapsed in 1929, tragically killing more than 400 people in the middle of the night as a 150+ foot wave of water crashed through ...
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Pearblossom, California
Devil's Punchbowl and Devil's Chair

4.5

7.37 mi / 1870 ft gain

What a hidden gem! A martian landscape full of faultline desert rock formations and joshua trees against a mountainous backdrop of the San Gabriels. Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area features a 1 mile well-marked, well-maintained single track loop trail inside the Punchbowl (great for kids) and a 7 ...
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Pearblossom, California
Camp at Horse Flats Campground

3.0

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...
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Pearblossom, California
Hike to the Cooper Canyon Trail Camp

5 mi / -765 ft gain

There's a small parking lot just below Cloudburst Summit on the way to Waterman Mountain. Start your adventure there. I'd be hard pressed to say it's more than 15 yards from the sign for the summit (7018' AMSL). There's a fire road, if you're newer to altitude and don't know how to read a map (or...
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Palmdale, California
Camp at Chilao Campground

4.3

While not as popular as shady Buckhorn Campground up the road, Chilao offers the better views and greater chances of scoring a peaceful and private campsite. There are two campsites located here (and two group camps down in the valley). Sites are first come, first serve, and cost $12 (bring exact...
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Palmdale, California
Camp at Manzanita Loop in Chilao Campground

5.0

Chilao Camp is located at an elevation of 5,300 feet, in the San Gabriel Mountains, and is divided into two different loops called the Manzanita and Pine.This specific adventure is for the Manzanita Loop, which is pretty much known as the more scenic loop, mainly because the area overlooks the Bi...
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Pearblossom, California
Hike Mt. Waterman

5.0

6 mi

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 turn outs on your left. Display an Adventure Pass ($5 at Ranger Station or Bi...
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Pearblossom, California
Burkhart Trail to Cooper Canyon Falls

5.0

4.77 mi / 981 ft gain

Burkhart Trail to Cooper Canyon Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Mount Wilson, California.
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Pearblossom, California
Cooper Canyon Falls

5.0

3.01 mi / 755 ft gain

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...
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Pearblossom, California
Snowshoe Buckhorn Ridge Trail

2.5 mi / 700 ft gain

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...
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