Santa Ana, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Santa Ana, California, offer a unique blend of scenic beauty and physical challenge. One of the top must-visit trails is the Santiago Creek Trail. It's an easy-to-moderate trail that winds along a beautiful creek. Along the way, you'll see unique rock formations and a variety of local flora and fauna. For a more challenging outdoor adventure, try the Peter's Canyon Trail. This trail features steep inclines, a variety of terrain, and stunning views of the surrounding area. It's a perfect trail for those looking to push their limits while enjoying the scenic beauty of Santa Ana. For a relaxing day, visit the Santa Ana River Trail, a paved path perfect for biking, running, or a leisurely walk. The trail offers beautiful views of the river and is a popular spot for bird watching. These trails are just a few examples of the outdoor activities and attractions available in and near Santa Ana.
Top Spots in and near Santa Ana
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La Cañada Flintridge, California
Teepee Trail
5.02.55 mi / 1145 ft gainHidden in the small community of La Canada, California, the trailhead is pretty hidden! From the 210, take the exit for Highway 2/Angeles Crest Highway. Head north (towards the mountains) for about a mile. As the highway begins to curve, you will come across a small side-street, Harter Lane. Turn...Read more -
Azusa, California
Lewis Falls
1 mi / 732 ft gainLocated deep in the Angeles National Forest above Azusa, this short but at times challenging hike rewards you with a beautiful fifty-foot waterfall. The base of the waterfall is only a foot at its deepest, so I wouldn't rush to bring a bathing suit with you. Protected by the heavy forestry around...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) via the Ski Hut Trail
5.09.7 mi / 3990 ft gainMt. San Antonio, or Mt. Baldy as it is known locally, is one of the cans of the challenging "six-pack of peaks" in Southern California. For this one, start before the Manker campground and head up the fire road. This is known as the "Baldy Bowl or Ski-Hut Trail". You'll see some cabins on your l...Read more -
Avalon, California
Trans-Catalina Trail
5.037.67 mi / 8189 ft gainThis adventure is a great way to see the entire island of Santa Catalina. Catalina Island is situated less than 30 miles off the coast of Southern California, and can be reached by ferry from Dana Point, San Pedro, or Long Beach. Catalina Express in the company that operates the ferry. This adve...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Binocular Building
Frank Gehry's "Giant Binoculars" is a striking sculpture located in Venice, California. Designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry in collaboration with artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, this oversized artwork stands as a whimsical and surreal landmark. The sculpture itself res...Read more -
Palmdale, California
Hike to Vetter Mountain and the Fire Lookout Tower
2.8 mi / 550 ft gainIf you're looking for an easy mountain to hike, and perhaps give the kids something interesting to learn about at the top, then Vetter Mountain may fit the bill. At 5,908', and with a trailhead at about 5,350', this 1.4 mile (one way) hike only climbs about 550' vertical. The trailhead is loca...Read more -
Altadena, California
Gabrieleno Trail: Switzer Falls to Hahamonga Watershed
5.010.14 mi / 814 ft gainGabrieleno Trail: Switzer Falls to Hahamonga Watershed is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a waterfall located near La Canada Flintridge, California.Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Switzer Falls
3.43.66 mi / 728 ft gainSwitzer Falls via Gabrielino Trail: LA's Most Scenic Waterfall Hike Switzer Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls near Los Angeles. This 3.6-mile out-and-back hike on the Gabrielino Trail follows Arroyo Seco through shaded canyon, passes historic resort ruins, and rewards hikers with a stun...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Bear Canyon via Switzer Falls Trailhead
6.67 mi / 1273 ft gainParking: Parking is available at the Switzer Falls Picnic Area, or in the two overflow lots on the hill. You will need an Adventure Pass to leave your car parked here. Make sure to follow posted signs - there are some parking spots that do not allow overnight parking. Amenities: Bear Canyon has...Read more -
Lytle Creek, California
Old CC Spur Trail via Big Tree Cucamonga Rd
5.11 mi / 1138 ft gainOld CC Spur Trail via Big Tree Cucamonga Rd is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Fontana, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
Explore the beauty of nature at the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden in Los Angeles. Nestled within the UCLA campus, this enchanting garden showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Wander through lush landscapes, serene ponds, and peaceful trails, perfect for nature lo...Read more -
Lytle Creek, California
Bonita Falls Trail
1.53 mi / 486 ft gainBonita Falls is a great Little hike to a 100 foot waterfall not far out of the city. It's a 1.8 mile out-and-back hike that takes just under and hour to complete. The trail is very family, kid, and dog-friendly, but your pup must be on a leash. The hike to the waterfall begins along the creek u...Read more -
Burbank, California
Wildwood Canyon Loop
3.98 mi / 1680 ft gainThe Vital Link Trail is a steep and narrow out-and-back trail accessed though the Wildwood Canyon Park located in Burbank, CA. Parking at Wildwood Canyon is free and easy, and will be determined by which of the four trailheads you choose to start from. For the shortest and most direct route you...Read more -
Burbank, California
Vital Link Trail
4.03.72 mi / 1775 ft gainFrom I-5, take the Burbank Blvd exit. Drive north on Burbank Blvd. and take a right on N 3rd. Left on E Harvard. Right on Wildwood Canyon after 1.5 miles. There are a few ways you can begin your hike: from the parking lot, the entrance will be to the left past the gate. Here you were have a stee...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Bikepack Catalina Island
5.043.5 mi / 5700 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica Pier
4.0Unlimited photography options with the ferris wheel, beach, ocean, and sunsets Abundant people watching opportunities Plenty of ways to get a workout in including swimming, volleyball courts, running, or riding a bike There is a bike and walking path that runs along the coast. One of my favo...Read more
