Mission Viejo, California
Looking for the best hiking in Mission Viejo? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Mission Viejo. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Mission Viejo
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Los Angeles, California
Elysian Park
4.01.88 mi / 282 ft gainThe trail at Elysian Park in Los Angeles, California, is a moderate difficulty hike that spans approximately 1.88 miles. The trail is well-marked and offers a variety of terrain, including dirt paths and paved roads. The trail is known for its panoramic views of the city, including the iconic Dod...Read more -
Pauma Valley, California
Boucher Trail and Palomar Mountain Loop
5.0estled within Palomar Mountain State Park in Pauma Valley, California, the Boucher Trail and Palomar Mountain Loop offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding experience. This 9-mile loop trail is renowned for its lush forests, panoramic vistas, and the historic Boucher Hill Fire Lookout. On aver...Read more -
Escondido, California
Camp at Dixon Lake
2.1 mi / 295 ft gainDixon Lake is Escondido's best kept secret! A man-made reservoir located right next to Daley Ranch, Dixon Lake offers overnight camping, boat rentals, fishing, and hiking, along with picnic areas, a kids park, and more. The campground is open year-round and is located next to the lake with a lof...Read more -
Solana Beach, California
Annie’s Canyon via N Rios
4.71.34 mi / 92 ft gainIf you're looking for a super short hike, this 10 minute flat walk couldn't be more ideal. Start at 840 N Rios Avenue, Solana beach and walk east towards the FWY 5 where you will see Annie’s Canyon on your right. There is only one way to go up the canyons and it gets pretty tight in places, but y...Read more -
Pasadena, California
Arroyo Terrace Trail
5.01.54 mi / 194 ft gainArroyo Terrace Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Pasadena, California.Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Lower Doane and French Valley
5.03.03 mi / 344 ft gainWhen it comes to Palomar Mountain State Park, most people stick to Doane Lake and Upper Doane Valley. Yet on the far right of the parking lot at Doane Pond, there is actually a trailhead that will guide you to a completely different section of the park. The Lower Doane Valley trail is, in my opti...Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Thunder Spring and Chimney Flat Loop
3.53.92 mi / 781 ft gainPalomar Mountain is the hidden gem of San Diego. Well, not so hidden per se- but most don't know that the little climb up the mountain can transport you from the prevalent brush-filled terrain of SD to a lush, diverse forest. The great thing about Palomar is that every day you visit could be com...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Silver Lake Reservoir Trail
4.02.18 mi / 79 ft gainSilver Lake Reservoir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This urban escape is used by people running, walking, and birding. The trail is stroller-friendly, so you may see parents along the trail with their younger fam...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Secret Stairs Astro Loop
2.34.21 mi / 600 ft gainI 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...Read more -
Azusa, California
Smith Mountain Trail
6.69 mi / 3189 ft gainSmith Mountain Trail is an awesome day hike located near Glendora, California. This out-and-back trail offers great views of the Los Angeles National Forest and the potential for continuation to Bear Creek for even more variety of scenery. Smith Mountain is a moderately strenuous hike with an el...Read more -
Avalon, California
Camp at Catalina's Two Harbors
4.8An island camping escape is a mere 50 minute boat ride away from the southern California coast. If you're feeling generous with your funds, you can also opt for a helicopter ride, leaving out of Long Beach and 15 minutes later landing in Catalina Island.Two Harbors campground is unique with the a...Read more -
Avalon, California
Visit Two Harbors, Catalina Island
5.0Just 30 miles from the commotion and congestion of Los Angeles, is a small island village that time seems to have left behind. You won't find the usual traffic, development, and big crowds here. You won't find movie theaters, concert venues, hotels, nightclubs, or sporting events either. At Cata...Read more -
Two Harbors, California
Day Hike across Catalina: Two Harbors to Avalon
21 miThis hike was one of the most difficult and definitely one of the most memorable hikes I’ve ever done. The view of the island and the surrounding water is surreal and I am yet to be anywhere like this hike. The dry California vegetation of the mountains matched with the bright blue endless backgr...Read more -
Altadena, California
Thalehaha Falls
1.71 mi / 679 ft gainThe trails starts in a foothill neighborhood of Altadena CA at the corner of Pleasantridge Dr. and Rubio Vista Rd. This is one of the better entries into the Angeles National Forest because it is one of the lesser known. Find a place to park on the street and head out on the trail into Rubio Cany...Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Palomar Observatory Trail
4.35.09 mi / 768 ft gainSituated in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Observatory Campground offers many amenities for enjoyable camping and exploring the area. A portion of the campsites loop has been cleared of trees with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their own telescopes. Dr...Read more -
Altadena, California
San Gabriel via Sam Merrill and Mount Lowe Trails
17.55 mi / 5614 ft gainSan Gabriel via Sam Merrill and Mount Lowe Trails is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Altadena, California.Read more