Feeling a little adventurous or want to change up your workout at the gym? Well, take a hike… literally. Hiking has an assortment of benefits for both the body and the mind. It doesn’t cost a thing, and great place to begin, so one can participate no matter their fitness level. Most people live within driving or walking distance of great hiking spots, that are waiting to be discovered. Below are some hiking trails in Southern California, that I suggest you try! Enjoy 🙂
Trail: Griffith Observatory West Trail Loop
Distance: About 2.5 miles
Special Feature: Views of Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign and the LA Basin
Distance: About 3 miles round-trip
Special Feature: The views at Cloud’s Rest, the off-leash policy for dogs and the occasional celebrity sighting
“By no means is this hike a wilderness experience, so if you’re looking for solitude, you might want to try other trails. On the other hand, this is a great hike for people-watching, and it gives beginning hikers a chance to check out the Hollywood Hills and the amazing views at the trail summit, known as Cloud’s Rest. Whether you’re wearing the latest hiking gear or just sneakers and sun hats, this is a fun hike highlighted by million dollar mansions and priceless views of the Hollywood sign, the Sunset Strip and the LA Basin.”
Santa Monica Mountains Waterfall Trek
Trail: Escondido Canyon and Falls
Distance: 4.2 miles round-trip
Special Feature: The waterfall at the end of the trail
“From the trailhead, it’s about a mile-long trek to the falls. The trail crosses Escondido Canyon Creek several times, so prepare to get your feet wet if you’re hiking in the rainy season. This is a gradual climb that drifts in and out of tree covering, alongside canyon walls. Soon, you’ll be standing at the base of the 50-foot-high Escondido Falls, admiring the multi-tiered cataract flowing over moss-covered rocks. In the springtime, the waterfall is usually quite active, but the amount of water varies depending on the time of year. Scramble up the rocks to see the upper level and even more of the falls — the upper tier is about 100 feet high. Wading in the pool beneath the falls is a great way to cool off before heading back along the same route.”
Third Stream Falls
Third Stream Falls is an eighty foot waterfall located in a remote canyon in the Cucamonga Wilderness just above Rancho Cucamonga California. Unlike many of the waterfalls in Southern California, Third Stream Falls flows steadily for most of the year.
Sycamore Canyon Park
2930 Golden Springs Dr
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
The river provides habitat for important wildlife and native plants species. Adjoining the Santa River corridor is Mount Rubidoux offering an extraordinary urban open space feature.
Sapphire Falls
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701 Duration: 2 hour and 28 minutes
Length: 4.2 miles Special Feature: Beautiful waterfall that is easy to hike to, boasts a rope that allows you to climb up it and you can slide down the waterfall when coming back down. All of these things make it a must see during the summer months. Make sure you plan lots of time for it as well as you can swim, and if you are able to climb the waterfall you can even continue walking to a second waterfall.
Wherever you live, you are sure to find a great place to hike! Try google or yelp to discover new adventures!
enjoy 🙂
Mission Inn Run 