Signal Hill, California

Signal Hill, California is a top destination for those seeking outdoor adventures. The Hilltop Park Trail is a must-visit, offering panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. This easy, paved trail is perfect for a casual stroll or a quick jog. Another scenic hiking trail is the Discovery Well Park Trail, known for its historical oil wells and beautiful city views. For those who prefer water activities, the nearby Long Beach offers kayaking and paddleboarding. For a unique outdoor attraction, visit the Signal Hill Petroleum Viewing Structure - a fascinating insight into the city's oil history. Indeed, Signal Hill offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities in California.

Top Spots in and near Signal Hill

  • Los Angeles County, California

    Mt. Williamson via Islip Saddle

    4.16 mi / 1519 ft gain
    The trailhead is immediately off of Angeles Crest Highway CA-2 at Islip Saddle.  It's just a touch over 2 miles to reach the summit, through which you'll be hiking among the pine tree forest practically the entire way up (part of this trail doubles as the Pacific Crest Trail).  The summit is larg...
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  • Azusa, California

    Little Jimmy Trail Camp

    4.3
    3.36 mi / 607 ft gain
    Take Hwy 2 out of La Canada north along Angeles Crest Highway. Follow this for quite some time enjoying the fine views in all directions. After traveling through two consecutive tunnels continue to the Islip Saddle parking lot (on left). There will be a vault toilet & a picnic table. Display ...
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  • San Clemente, California

    San Clemente State Beach

    4.5
    4.58 mi / 26 ft gain
    San Clemente State Beach is an out-and-back trail that takes past scenic surroundings located near San Clemente, California.
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  • Lake Elsinore, California

    Ride the San Juan Trail

    4.5
    11 mi / 3400 ft gain
    The San Juan Trail is located off the Ortega Highway (Hwy 74) in Southern Orange County. It is done frequently as a long, 11 mile climb that is rewarded by an almost continuous descent of 3400ft. The out-and-back trail head is back Hot Spring Canyon Rd from the San Juan Fire Station. It can also ...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Placerita Canyon Falls

    5.0
    4.7 mi / 764 ft gain
    Placerita Canyon Falls in Los Angeles County, California is a moderately difficult trail due to the 4.7-mile roundtrip hike and 760+ft of elevation gain. If hiking, plan for a couple of hours to complete this trail.   The trail is open year-round, but the waterfall is best after a recent rain. D...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Cedar Glen Camp

    4.88 mi / 1650 ft gain
    Cedar Glen Camp is a great beginner backpacking trip just outside of Los Angeles, California. Starting from the Icehouse Trailhead (also used for Cucamonga Peak), head out on the Icehouse Canyon Trail from the parking area. The trail will intersect with the Chapman Trail, at which point, you'll t...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon

    4.6
    11.13 mi / 4157 ft gain
    Start hiking early, before the sun rises so you can maximize the day out of the heat and to give yourself plenty of time for the hike. As you get to higher elevations, it will be a little cooler and there might be snow on the ground, so be sure to pack layers. This hike requires a permit. If yo...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Icehouse Saddle via Icehouse Canyon Trail

    3.8
    6.62 mi / 2562 ft gain
    The hike is accessible in all seasons, but in winter there can be snow and ice so special equipment may be useful, but not required. In mid-January there were patches of ice on the trail but were easily crossed in boots and trainers. You can take the trail and end at Ice house Saddle or continue ...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon Trailhead

    16.22 mi / 5610 ft gain
    We started out at 8am on a Sunday, usually parking at Ice House Saddle can be tricky, I would advise going earlier. We headed out on our journey hiking up to the saddle, when you reach the switchbacks there is a fresh water spring, it's the last place you can get water...so stock up! We pressed o...
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  • Malibu, California

    El Matador Beach

    4.6
    There's something magical about this strip of beach and it never fails to deliver at sunset. Lined with strange and jagged rock formations/caves, there are endless opportunities for finding unique compositions and new perspectives. Although it's become quite the popular spot for photographers and...
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  • Oak Park, California

    China Flat Trail to Simi Peak

    5.0
    5.03 mi / 1398 ft gain
    From the trailhead, simply follow the trail headed up the mountain. The first 2 miles is the hardest part of the hike, because of the steep ascent.  Continue on until you hit a junction. Turn left, and you will eventually see an old rusty gate, and a sign which says "China Flat Trail". You will ...
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  • Dawson Saddle, California

    Hike to Throop Peak, Mt. Hawkins, and Mt. Burnham

    8 mi / 2000 ft gain
    The trailhead, or pair of trailheads actually, is at a location on the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) called Dawson's Saddle.  There are a couple of parking areas along the side of the highway, and each of the pair of trailheads begins at either end of this parking area.  The trailheads aren't mark...
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  • Stevenson Ranch, California

    Towsley Canyon Loop

    4.5
    5.84 mi / 1460 ft gain
    The Towsley Canyon Loop can be done in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise loop. The clockwise path starts with a gradual ascent through Wiley Canyon and steep descent into the Towsley Gorge while a counter-clockwise route starts with a steep climb out of Towsley Canyon and a gradual descent ...
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  • Malibu, California

    Ocean Overlook Loop Trail

    4.0
    2.7 mi / 397 ft gain
    Ocean Overlook Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Malibu, California.
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  • Malibu, California

    Reservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop

    2.3 mi / 334 ft gain
    Reservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Malibu, California
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) via the Ski Hut Trail

    5.0
    9.7 mi / 3990 ft gain
    Mt. 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...
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