Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California is a must-visit for outdoor adventures and boasts some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The scenic El Dorado Nature Center Trail is a top pick for hiking, with its 2-mile loop offering glimpses of streams, lakes, and unique rock formations. For a more challenging trek, the Dominguez Gap Wetlands Trails presents a 7-mile round trip through a diverse landscape of wetlands and river views. If water activities are more your style, kayaking in the Naples Canals is a popular choice. Nearby, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers bird-watching opportunities, with over 200 species spotted annually. These outdoor attractions make Long Beach a hub for those seeking scenic, active pursuits.
Top Spots in and near Long Beach
-
Pearblossom, California
Snowshoe Buckhorn Ridge Trail
2.5 mi / 700 ft gainLocated 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...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Reseda Point
4.00.2 mi / 30 ft gainFrom the 118 FWY, exit Reseda and head north until you pass by Calle Vista Circle. Once passed, make a U-turn and park on the side of the street. Here you will find the trailhead for the Palisades Trail Hike. To get to the scenic lookout, simply walk up the short trail leading up the hill, and h...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Cooper Canyon Trail Camp
5.37 mi / 1214 ft gainThere's a small parking lot just below Cloudburst Summit on the way to Mount Waterman. 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 e...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Mt. Waterman
5.05.87 mi / 1499 ft gainMt. 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...Read more -
Claremont, California
Stoddard Peak Trail
4.05.93 mi / 1129 ft gainOn the way to Mount Baldy and within the trail system of the San Gabriel mountain range is the Stoddard Peak Trail. The Stoddard Peak Trail, which is basically the old Barrett-Stoddard fire road, goes through the Stoddard Canyon into Stoddard Flat, and then eventually leads to Stoddard Peak. The ...Read more -
Claremont, California
Stoddard Canyon Falls (Baldy Slide Waterfall)
0.74 mi / 174 ft gainLocated near the Angeles National Forest, it's a short hike, approx. 0.75 miles roundtrip and just about anybody can go. To get there, input the intersection of Mt. Baldy Rd. and Barrett Stoddard Truck Trail into your GPS. This will bring you to a small dirt parking lot. The trailhead starts a...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Cooper Canyon Falls via Burkhart Trail
5.03.01 mi / 755 ft gainBurkhart 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...Read more -
San Clemente, California
San Clemente State Beach
4.54.58 mi / 26 ft gainSan Clemente State Beach is an out-and-back trail that takes past scenic surroundings located near San Clemente, California.Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Sunset Peak via South Trailhead
4.07.16 mi / 1493 ft gainIn order to get to the Sunset Peak Trailhead, utilize Google Maps to take you to the location provided. There is very little parking (only a small pull off along Glendora Ridge Road), but this trail is rarely traveled, so there should be enough space regardless of the time you decide to hike! Jus...Read more -
Malibu, California
Hike the Backbone East from Latigo Canyon
3.8 mi / 780 ft gainStarting in a dusty, generally empty parking lot, at about 2,000' ASL, you'll go immediately due north, up a few more feet before you drop down into another canyon covered in live oaks (and poison oak), thistles, ferns, and wildflowers. There's only one trail. It's windy, it's not hilly, it just ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Porter Ranch Ridge
4.03.36 mi / 548 ft gainPorter Ranch Ridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Los Angeles, California.Read more -
Lake Elsinore, California
Ride the San Juan Trail
4.511 mi / 3400 ft gainThe San Juan Trail is located off the Ortega Highway (Hwy 74) in Southern Orange County. It is done frequently as a long, 11 mile climb that is rewarded by an almost continuous descent of 3400ft. The out-and-back trail head is back Hot Spring Canyon Rd from the San Juan Fire Station. It can also ...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Ladyface Peak
4.52.05 mi / 971 ft gainLadyface is a volcanic ridge that juts up over Agoura Hills. It is a short but steep hike up the ridgeline, and it offers amazing views to either side. Sections of the trail are steep and sandy so it can be challenging to maintain your footing. Trekking poles are optional and can help with the de...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Stoney Point via North End
4.01.42 mi / 240 ft gainStoney Point via North End is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Chatsworth, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hike up Chatsworth Park North
1 miFrom the parking lot, make your way through the park until you reach the bottom of a hill filled with huge rocks and boulders. It is very hard to miss.From here, you can pick any trail you wish. They will all lead up to the top. There's a lot of rock scrambling involved, as well as boulder hoppin...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Stoney Point Park Loop
4.00.73 mi / 141 ft gainOnce you've parked along Topanga Canyon Blvd, make your way down the street and start the trail off near the steel gate, close to the horse stables. As you make your way in, you will notice some rock climbers practicing on the lower elevation rocks. Make your way around this rocky park, counter-...Read more
