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Pasadena, California

Looking for the best photography in Pasadena? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Pasadena. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Photography Spots in and near Pasadena

  • Los Angeles, California

    Hike to Vanalden Vista

    2 mi / 300 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead take Vanalden Ave until it dead ends. Follow the trail at the end of the road as it winds up into the mountains and to the left. You can easily find the trail on Google Maps, so you can use this as a guide. The trail will fork to the left after half a mile. The trail, Vana...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Reseda Point

    4.0
    0.2 mi / 30 ft gain
    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 h...
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  • Manhattan Beach, California

    Take a Sunset Surf at Manhattan Beach

    4.4
    Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular spot in the South Bay of Los Angeles for surfers of all levels. With its exposed beach break with consistent surf and more than 300 days of sun per year, you can pretty much always count on good weather in Manhattan Beach so you can surf no matter the season. Ide...
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  • Agua Dulce, California

    Vasquez Rocks

    5.0
    2.42 mi / 367 ft gain
    This is a Natural Park Area located in Santa Clarita, within the Sierra Pelona Mountains. It features amazing diagonal rock formations, created because of the force between two tectonic plates pushing against each other. This place is a photographer's paradise, and every spot in this 900+ acre l...
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  • Signal Hill, California

    Hilltop Park

    4.7
    Hilltop Park is located in Signal Hill and offers an unmatched panoramic view of the Los Angeles Basin. If you go on a clear day, you may even be lucky enough to see Catalina Island and the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains. This park is the perfect spot for families, dogs, and even dates. T...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Parker Mesa Overlook via Paseo Miramar

    4.2
    5.32 mi / 1099 ft gain
    This 5.4-mile out-and back trail takes off from the end of the residential area of Paseo Miramar. Once you hike a little less than a quarter mile in, you'll connect with Los Liones Canyon Trail. Continue on Paseo Miramar Trail, which in another 2.5 miles, will connect you with the Parker Mesa Ove...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Santa Ynez Falls

    3.5
    2.25 mi / 243 ft gain
    The Santa Ynez Canyon Trail is located 10 minutes away from the beach providing you the opportunity to do this hike early in the morning and spend the rest of the day hanging out at the beach. To get to the trailhead, take Vereda de la Montura Road until you reach the private residential area (th...
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  • Hermosa Beach, California

    Surf at El Porto

    4.0
    The South Bay of LA has plenty of good surf. Sand bars are back and its fun...watch out for the sharks.
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  • Malibu, California

    Ratner Beach

    4.5
    Unlike most beaches in Los Angeles, this tiny little stretch of beach is usually empty, and is a little gem! It is the perfect place to get an unobstructed view of the sunset, and the sticks in the ground make for a picturesque sunset picture! Just be warned, this beach is right on PCH, so expect...
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  • Topanga, California

    Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park

    4.4
    5.99 mi / 1106 ft gain
    Eagle Rock is located in Topanga State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains, and it is a unique formation that provides an amazing panoramic view of Santa Monica. On a clear day, the Catalina Islands and Palos Verdes Peninsula are visible. You can park on along the street of Entrada Rd. or pay $10 ...
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  • Topanga, California

    Parker Mesa Overlook via Trippet Ranch

    4.0
    6.75 mi / 1181 ft gain
    This is a 6.8 mile round-trip hike that starts at Trippet Ranch in Topanga Canyon. Even though the range in elevation is 400 feet from peak to trough, the up and down trail totals to approximately 1800 feet elevation gain making this a beginner to intermediate adventure.  The trail itself is pre...
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  • Topanga, California

    Top of Topanga Overlook

    1 mi / 1613 ft gain
    The Top of Topanga Overlook is where you can simply park your car, and sit in one of the benches to view the San Fernando Valley. But there is one hiking trail in that area which lets you get better vantage points, as well as a quick workout. Once you get to the overlook, park your car and safel...
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  • Azusa, California

    Bighorn Mine Trail

    5.0
    3.69 mi / 607 ft gain
    If 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...
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  • Azusa, California

    Summit Mt. Baden-Powell

    5.0
    7.86 mi / 2808 ft gain
    This well maintained and well traveled trail is a popular route with day hikers, backpackers, and Pacific Crest Trail through hikers. Since the trail is on the face of the mountain, snow may linger late into the season. The Pacific Crest Trail is clearly marked on the western corner of the Vinc...
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  • Long Beach, California

    Red Car Greenbelt

    5.0
    0.63 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Greenbelt used to be the right-of-way for the long lost Pacific Electric Red Car, an amazing system of public transportation that connected Long Beach, LA, Orange Coutny, and even San Bernardino. The pathways are landscaped with plants typical of the area and plenty of native flowers for the...
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  • Long Beach, California

    Colorado Lagoon

    5.0
    0.95 mi / 30 ft gain
    The Colorado Lagoon is a wetland that is being restored. To make this 1 mile walk into a loop, you have to walk along sidewalks near the park. This is a very kid-friendly destination. This trail crosses over the lagoon on a boardwalk. It also accesses a sandy swimming beach with restrooms, picnic...
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