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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

  • La Verne, California

    Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail

    4.4
    9.65 mi / 1798 ft gain
    The trail on this 10-mile hike is predominately slow and steady, but can be a little rocky, so be prepared to scramble. When you’re fording the river, the water level can range from knee to chest high, especially in the wet months. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is helpful, but water shoe...
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  • Azusa, California

    Fish Canyon Falls

    2.0
    4.08 mi / 801 ft gain
    This trail is currently closed! Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website. Follow Encanto Parkway towards the hills until you come to a junction with a sign labeled "trail" that points towards a parking lot to your right. Parking is free, though on weekends it may be difficult to find a spot...
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  • La Verne, California

    Hike the Cattle Canyon Trail

    6.4 mi / 750 ft gain
    Within the San Gabriel Mountains from Highway 39 and along East Fork Road is Cattle Canyon. To go through Cattle Canyon, you can access the trail head just south of the Bridge to Nowhere trail head along East Fork Road right after it intersects with Glendora Mountain Road. There is a small parkin...
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  • Stevenson Ranch, California

    Mentryville: Pico Canyon Trail

    7.07 mi / 1388 ft gain
    Mentryville: Pico Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Stevenson Ranch, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Catch a Sunrise or Sunset at Palisades Park in Porter Ranch

    4.0
    From 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 hea...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Porter Ranch Ridge

    4.0
    3.36 mi / 548 ft gain
    Porter Ranch Ridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Los Angeles, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop

    4.0
    2.52 mi / 666 ft gain
    The Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop is a 2.52-mile moderately trafficked loop trail located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. Due to its length and minimal elevation gain of ~670 feet, the hike is open to all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, hiking, and trail running, The Griffith P...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Summit Mount Hollywood via the Fern Canyon Trail

    5.0
    6.5 mi
    At 1,625 feet Mt Hollywood is the second highest point in Griffith Park and provides picturesque views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park Observatory, Downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains. The hike to the Mt Hollywood Summit begins on the northeast side of Griffith Park near the f...
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  • Lake Hughes, California

    Hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Horse Trail to Bear Campground

    11.63 mi / 2396 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Trail Run to Beacon Hill

    5.0
    3.2 mi / 600 ft gain
    The starting point for your run is at the Griffith Park Southern Railroad. From the parking lot walk east crossing Crystal Springs Drive and find the Coolidge Hiking Trail. Begin running up Coolidge Trail toward Upper Beacon Trail making sure to stay straight at the first intersection (0.2 miles)...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Hike to Glendale Peak via Henry's Trail

    4.0
    0.5 mi / 70 ft gain
    While not really a full hiking trail and more of a small detour, Henry's Trail is worth the small uphill climb to Glendale Peak.  The trail is accessed via the East Ridge Trail, about 2.6 miles from the Griffith Park Merry Go Round, on the east side of the bridge. The junction is clearly marked b...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Hollyridge Trail to the Hollywood Sign

    4.1
    3.5 mi / 383 ft gain
    This trail is closed as is the Beachwood Gate which is used to access the Hollyridge Trail will be permanently closed on April 18th, 2017 due to a court order. Check out Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail for an available option.  There are three ways to get to the Hollywood Sign. This route ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Wisdom Tree

    4.8
    0.95 mi / 528 ft gain
    In Griffith Park, park along Lake Hollywood Drive and walk the paved quarter mile up Wonder View Drive to the start of Wonder View Trail. Here, walk through the yellow gate and make the first right after the road turns to dirt. Head up this unmarked single track path heading east up the mountain....
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail

    4.5
    5.04 mi / 1155 ft gain
    Getting to the parking lot near the trailhead and finding an open space can seem like the most daunting part of this whole excursion. There are free parking lots along the road to the trailhead, so keep an eye out. There are also several ways to get to the trailhead from other parking areas; I ad...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Mount Hollywood Trail

    5.0
    2.49 mi / 505 ft gain
    Mount Hollywood Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Los Angeles, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Bronson Bat Caves

    3.3
    0.6 mi / 50 ft gain
    Who doesn't enjoy a short hike to a scenic/remote location? I know I sure do! After hearing about this spot through word of mouth and the internet, and seemingly never having the time to check it out, I honestly have to say it was a worthwhile trip. This short 0.6 out and back hike/walk to the f...
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