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
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Palmdale, California
Hike to Vetter Mountain and the Fire Lookout Tower
2.8 mi / 550 ft gainIf you're looking for an easy mountain to hike, and perhaps give the kids something interesting to learn about at the top, then Vetter Mountain may fit the bill. At 5,908', and with a trailhead at about 5,350', this 1.4 mile (one way) hike only climbs about 550' vertical. The trailhead is loca...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Mt. Williamson via Islip Saddle
4.16 mi / 1519 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Big Tujunga Canyon Lookouts
1.22 mi / 453 ft gainPark 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...Read more -
Castaic, California
Paddle Castaic Lake State Recreational Area
6 miCastaic Lake is a man made reservoir located 41 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, CA in the town of Castaic. Made up of two bodies of water, separated by a 425-foot dam, Upper and Lower Castaic Lakes have a combined 29 miles of shoreline forming the Castaic Lake State Recreational Area. The s...Read more -
Azusa, California
Little Jimmy Trail Camp
4.33.36 mi / 607 ft gainTake 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 ...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 -
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 -
Altadena, California
Gabrieleno Trail: Switzer Falls to Hahamonga Watershed
5.010.14 mi / 814 ft gainGabrieleno Trail: Switzer Falls to Hahamonga Watershed is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a waterfall located near La Canada Flintridge, California.Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Switzer Falls
3.43.66 mi / 728 ft gainJust off the Angeles Crest highway, you’ll find one of LA’s best waterfalls, Switzer Falls. There is a parking lot just next to the trailhead. If you go on the weekend and run into a crowd, there’s parking near the highway, adding a little distance to your trek. Once you’ve walked through the Sw...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Bear Canyon via Switzer Falls Trailhead
6.67 mi / 1273 ft gainParking: Parking is available at the Switzer Falls Picnic Area, or in the two overflow lots on the hill. You will need an Adventure Pass to leave your car parked here. Make sure to follow posted signs - there are some parking spots that do not allow overnight parking. Amenities: Bear Canyon has...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Mt. Disappointment via Billy Riley Trail
3.5 mi / 1132 ft gainFrom 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...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 -
Los Angeles County, California
Idlehour Trail
4.014.89 mi / 4665 ft gainIdlehour Trail located near Mount Wilson, California, is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous and can take 8-10 hours if done all at once. There are opportunities to camp off the trail, making this a backpacking trail in the Angeles National Forest as well. To access the Idlehour Campground ...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
San Gabriel Peak
4.02.79 mi / 1040 ft gainAt 6,000 feet, San Gabriel Peak gives you one of the best views of the Los Angeles basin on the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. As you pass through Muller Tunnel, the trail will be littered with rocks and boulders. A little over 100 feet in, the road will fork in thre...Read more -
La Cañada Flintridge, California
Teepee Trail
5.02.55 mi / 1145 ft gainHidden 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...Read more
