Monrovia, California
Monrovia, California is home to some of the top trails and outdoor activities. The Monrovia Canyon Park is a must-visit for those looking for a scenic hike. The trail is moderately difficult, passing by a flowing creek, leading up to a beautiful waterfall. The Sawpit Dam trail is another favorite among hikers, with its unique rock formations and views of the San Gabriel Mountains. For a more relaxed outdoor adventure, the Monrovia Historical Museum offers a peaceful garden and a peek into the city's history. Nearby, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia offers a stunning collection of plant species. These are just a few of the best outdoor attractions in and near Monrovia.
Top Spots in and near Monrovia
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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 -
Topanga, California
The Labyrinth at Tuna Canyon Park
1.45 mi / 299 ft gainThis is a simple but steep 2.4 mile round-trip hike to a clearing on a mountaintop in Topanga/Malibu, about an hour's drive west of downtown LA. At the end of the hike you'll reach a clearing with incredible views. On a cloudy or foggy day, it feels like you're floating above the clouds; on a cle...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 -
Topanga, California
Calabasas Peak Motorway
7.23 mi / 1565 ft gainGetting There You can, from Los Angeles, go one of three ways: take I-405 to US-101 and head west, or from downtown, take US-101 the whole way, OR, get on I-10 from the Westside or east of there and take that until it becomes PCH, then take that to Topanga Canyon (turn left onto Old Topanga Cany...Read more -
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Terranea Beach Sea Cave
4.31.63 mi / 210 ft gainHead to the Pelican Cove parking lot where there’s plenty of free parking right at the trailhead. From the parking lot, take the Terranea Beach Trail and you will see views of the Point Vicente Lighthouse down the coast to your right. Continue on the trail through the luxury Terranea Resort whic...Read more -
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Pelican Cove
0.38 mi / 95 ft gainGetting There Coming from San Pedro, make a U-turn at the Hawthorne Boulevard stoplight onto Palos Verdes Drive South. From here, you can access the parking lot for Pelican Cove, where you'll get a 120° view of the ocean. It might be tempting to take in the sunset from the car, but you should def...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 -
Riverside, California
Hike Mt. Rubidoux
4.32.7 mi / 500 ft gainFeaturing over 161 acres and over 3.5 miles of combined paved and dirt trails, Mount Rubidoux Park in Riverside, CA is a beautiful natural environment and adventure location. Although some say this is just a "hill", this Inland Empire gem offers a quick escape from the pace of city life. Just m...Read more -
Topanga, California
Red Rock Canyon to Calabasas Peak
4.04.53 mi / 1004 ft gainWhen you get to the parking lot be sure to pay the $5 parking fee. You will need to place this in the provided envelope and drop it in the iron ranger. Start the hike by following the fire road behind the gate. About a couple of yards in, you will see a trail on your left which leads to a ghoul...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Newport Beach Back Bay Trail
4.010.62 mi / 499 ft gainThe Newport Beach Back Bay Trail features beautiful wildflowers and is open for use year round. Very minimal elevation gain makes this hike food for all skill levels, but be mindful of the distance. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash. Cooling sea breezes make this one of th...Read more -
Calabasas, California
Hike and Rock Climb at Saddle Peak
5.0This is one of my favorite hikes in the Los Angeles area. Super easy, yet beautiful and a perfect place to get away from the city.Parking for the trailhead is where the three roads intersect. The parking area is a long strip of dirt, there will most likely be cars there when you arrive already th...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 -
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 -
Newport Beach, California
Newport Pier
4.9Newport Pier is located just south of Huntington Beach at the center of the Balboa Peninsula. Balboa Pier, the more crowded pier of Newport Beach, is nearby to the south. Thanks to the awesome weather of Southern California, there’s no reason this beach can’t be enjoyed all year long, which means...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Stand Up Paddle around Balboa Island, Newport Beach
5.0Balboa Island, located in Newport Bay, is a fun destination on its own, but add a relaxing SUP to the mix and you’ve got yourself an adventure. There are two ways to get onto island: cross the Marine Avenue Bridge, or take the Balboa Island Ferry (directly inland from Balboa Pier and south of New...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Cave of Munits
4.51.53 mi / 299 ft gainAre you looking for a hike that offers trail running, scenic views, hiking, and CAVE exploring? This short, but exciting trail leads you on a short 0.8 mile hike to the Cave of Munits. When starting at the main trailhead, El Scorpion Park, take the wide paved dirt road all the way till you get to...Read more
