Rancho Santa Margarita, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Rancho Santa Margarita

  • Los Angeles, California

    Silver Lake Reservoir Trail

    4.0
    2.18 mi / 79 ft gain
    Silver 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...
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  • Altadena, California

    Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point Loop

    4.1
    10.16 mi / 3369 ft gain
    The 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 ...
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  • Wrightwood, California

    Pine Mountain via the Acorn Trail

    9.94 mi / 3877.95 ft gain
    Tucked into the San Gabriel Mountains above the small mountain town of Wrightwood, California, the Acorn Trail to Pine Mountain is one of the most demanding day hikes in Angeles National Forest. The route gains nearly 3,900 feet in under 5 miles one-way — a relentless, sustained climb that reward...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Secret Stairs Astro Loop

    2.3
    4.21 mi / 600 ft gain
    I 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...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    San Gabriel Peak

    4.0
    2.79 mi / 1040 ft gain
    At 6,000 feet, San Gabriel Peak gives you one of the best views of the Los Angeles basin on the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. As you pass through Muller Tunnel, the trail will be littered with rocks and boulders. A little over 100 feet in, the road will fork in thre...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Bikepack Catalina Island

    5.0
    43.5 mi / 5700 ft gain
    This is a great introductory overnight bikepacking adventure. With restaurants, water, and stores at each end of the ride, your packing list is minimal. Head out on Saturday morning and make it back in time for dinner on Sunday evening. Packing List Your Bike – I did this ride on my drop bar grav...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Idlehour Trail

    4.0
    14.89 mi / 4665 ft gain
    Idlehour Trail located near Mount Wilson, California, is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous and can take 8-10 hours if done all at once. There are opportunities to camp off the trail, making this a backpacking trail in the Angeles National Forest as well.  To access the Idlehour Campground ...
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