Palmdale, California
Palmdale, California is a great place to explore outdoor activities and attractions. With its stunning landscapes, mesmerizing trails, and remarkable natural features, it is an ideal destination for outdoor adventurers. Popular attractions in and near the area include the Antelope Valley Indian Museum, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, and the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve. These attractions offer visitors the opportunity to explore the area's unique culture, flora, and fauna. The Antelope Valley Indian Museum is a great place to learn about the area's past and its native inhabitants, while the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is the perfect spot to witness its mesmerizing wildflower blooms. The Prime Desert Woodland Preserve provides visitors with a chance to explore the region's unique desert ecosystem. Also, for those longing for a more active experience, there are plenty of amazing trails to explore, such as the Angeles National Forest and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. No matter what type of outdoor adventure you're looking for, Palmdale, California is the perfect place to go.
Top Spots in and near Palmdale
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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 -
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 -
Los Angeles, California
Summit Verdugo Peak
5.07.5 mi / 1838 ft gainVerdugo Peak, at 3000 feet, is accessible from multiple directions and trails along the Verdugo Range. The most direct route to the top is Hostetter Fire Road, a 3.6 mile hard packed dirt trail that climbs 1600 feet to the 3,126 foot summit. The hike begins at the dirt parking lot off of La Tuna ...Read more -
Altadena, California
Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point Loop
4.110.16 mi / 3369 ft gainThe trail switchbacks up the mountain before reaching the first historic marker, in 3 miles. These are the remains of the Mount Lowe Railroad, which brought customers to Echo Mountain Resort, also in ruins, nearby. Explore the historic sites, then head up Castle Canyon Trail. A steep climb will ...Read more -
Altadena, California
Hike to and Rapel Thalehaha Falls in Rubio Canyon
3 mi / 710 ft gainIf you are new to canyoneering and want to do an adventure like this, reach out to the guys and girls at The Blue 8 target="_blank" who guided us through Rubio Canyon. They are a dedicated team of stunt professionals who train and offer personal instruction on everything action-adventure from can...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 -
San Fernando, California
Pacoima Park Natural Wash Park
0.54 mi / 13 ft gainPacoima Park Natural Wash Park makes for a wonderful & pleasant walk. The entrance to the park is located at the corner of Newton St and 8th St and runs up to Foothill Blvd in San Fernando California. The park is ADA accessible and allows for dogs on leash. There are also picnic tables and dr...Read more -
Verdugo Mountains, California
Hike the Verdugo Mountain Traverse
5.012.3 mi / 1540 ft gainThe Verdugo Mountain Range is a small, rugged range spanning across the northeast end of the San Fernando Valley from Sun Valley to Glendale. With close to 50 miles of graded and well maintained trails, the Verdugos are surprisingly underutilized and make a great place for someone looking to esca...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Sturtevant Falls
4.61.61 mi / 423 ft gainThis trail is currently closed. Visit the Forest Service website for updates. As you head down to Roberts Camp, a historic set of historic cabins, you’ll head out on a steep, paved road for approximately 0.6 miles. Once you reach the camp, head over the bridge and keep an eye out for the sign f...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Mt. Wilson Loop from Chantry Flat
4.512.74 mi / 4852 ft gainMt. Wilson is one of the more difficult mountains in the San Gabriel to hike, making this adventure Intermediate. While 5,700 feet doesn't seem that tall, the mountain has a prominence of almost 5,300 feet, meaning that hike is steeper and longer than some of the other popular mountains that star...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Hermit Falls Trail
4.82.49 mi / 1014 ft gainNote: Hermit Falls is Temporarily Closed From Roberts Camp, many hikers will head to Sturtevant Falls, which is an amazing 60-foot waterfall. But, if you choose to head in the opposite direction on First Water Trail, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh water swimming hole at this 35-foot tumbling wa...Read more -
Valyermo, California
Hike the Blue Ridge Trail via Inspiration Point
5.2 mi / 1050 ft gainThere are two trail heads for the Blue Ridge Trail, one via the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, and the other across from Inspiration Point. When parking gets crowded over at Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, than parking at Inspiration Point is the better option. To access the Blue Ridge Trail from In...Read more -
Burbank, California
Run the Old Youth Camp Loop
2.6 mi / 700 ft gainThe Old Youth Camp Loop is a 2.6-mile loop with over 700 feet of elevation gain that can be ran, hiked, or even mountain biked if you prefer. While not completely empty the area receives very little visitors and is a great place to enjoy a little more solitude than near by hiking locations. The l...Read more -
Glendale, California
Hike the Beaudry Loop
5.8 mi / 1594 ft gainThe Beaudry Loop trail features a bench at the top with 360 degree views of the greater LA area. The trailhead is a little hidden on Beaudry Blvd. As Beaudry Blvd turns into Beaudry Terrace, you'll see cars parked at the paved trailhead. There is very little shade on the trail so bring ample sun ...Read more -
Llano, California
Table Mountain Campground
Table Mountain Campground is a hilly campground that offers ADA-accessible sites, pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, BB! grill, water, and parking spaces for a two-car limit. Rules are strictly enforced, which is great, so we can enjoy nature and not someone’s party/music. Book your campgro...Read more -
Pasadena, California
Eaton Canyon Falls via Eaton Canyon Trailhead
4.23.54 mi / 528 ft gainThe hidden forty-foot-tall Eaton Canyon Falls fills an amphitheater at the top of Eaton Canyon Trail, tumbling into a wide pool that you can rest alongside or wade in. Normally the water is waist deep, but during this recent trip, we found the water only to stop at our ankles as it tends to fluct...Read more
