Choose Your Trail
Stoddard Peak Hiking Guide: Map, Directions, & Fun Facts
5.9 miles Time: 2.5 Hours Roundtrip Difficulty: Moderate Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 1224 ft Peak Elevation: 4611 ft Trail Type: Out & Back Restrooms? Not Available Dogs Allowed? Yes, on a leash Take a windy dirt road up Stoddard Canyon to be rewarded with...
Henninger Flats: Hike to a Scenic Forest Nursery
Distance: 5.04 miles roundtrip Time: 3.5 hours Difficulty: moderate Best Season: All year Elevation Gain: 1531 ft Max Elevation: 2543 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Dogs: Allowed on a leash Restrooms: Available at the flats Feel like learning a bit of local mountain...
Sunset Peak Trail Guide: 2 Routes + Maps & Directions
Distance 7.2 MilesTime 3.5 HrsDifficulty Moderate Season All Year Elevation Gain 1281 Ft Dogs allowed on a leash Out & Back Trail No Restrooms available You can't go wrong with a trail in the Mt Baldy area. Lower temperatures, possible snow, and amazing views....
Etiwanda Falls: San Bernardino’s Most Popular Waterfall
Distance 3.19 MilesTime2 HrsDifficulty ModerateSeasonAll YearElevation Gain803 Ft No dogs allowed Out & Back trail Restrooms not available Take a stroll through the foothills of the Angeles Forest and into a woodsy canyon where you'll be rewarded with a beautiful...
Tin Mine Canyon Trail: Corona’s Forgotten Past
Distance 4.38 Miles Time 2.5 Hrs Difficulty Easy Season All Year Elevation Gain 705 Ft Dogs allowed on a leash Out & Back Trail Restrooms Not Available Deep in the Corona woods, an abandoned mine lays waiting to be explored. Tell me this doesn't get your heart...
Two Trees Trail in Box Springs Mountain Regional Park
Distance 2.5 MilesTime1.5 HrsDifficulty ModerateSeasonAll YearElevation Gain977 Ft Dogs allowed on a leash Out & Back Trail Restrooms Not Available Looking for a short hike before or after work? Two Trees Trail is just the hike for you! Two Trees Trail is a short...
Cowles Mountain: #1 Trail in San Diego County
Distance 3 Miles Time 1.5 HrsDifficulty ModerateSeason All YearElevation Gain 908 Ft Dogs allowed on a leash Out & Back Trail Restrooms Available at The Trailhead Ready for a quick adventure to a sunny peak in the San Carlos neighborhood? If so, I have just the...
Quail Hill Trail in Irvine Open Space Preserve
Distance 1.8 MilesTime45 minDifficulty EasySeasonAll YearElevation Gain141 Ft Trail type: Loop Restrooms: Yes, in the parking lot Dogs: Yes, on a leash Didn't have enough time to get outside this weekend? Checkout this hike, especially if you live in or near Orange...
Ho Chi Mihn Trail in San Diego: Slot Canyon & Waterfall!
Distance 0.7 Miles Time 45 minDifficulty HardSeason All YearElevation Gain 282 ft Out & Back No Restroom Available Dogs are not allowed on this trail I hope you guys are ready for a one of a kind adventure because there are very few hikes like this one! Named by...
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve: Avoid The Summer Heat
Distance 5.2 MilesTime2 HrsDifficulty EasySeasonAll YearElevation Gain226 ftNot a fan of Socal's brutal heat? Visit Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve to enjoy a beautiful coastal hike surrounded by white cliffs and amazing sunsets. The scenic preserve is a 5.2-mile...
Switzer Falls: 2-Tier Cascade in Bear Canyon
Distance 4.6 MilesTime2.5 HrsDifficulty ModerateSeasonMid-Late SpringElevation Gain695 FtLooking for a trail that offers everything from epic views, ruins, a luscious green canyon, and a beautiful waterfall? Visit Swtizter Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains. The...
7 Must-Do Waterfalls in Southern California: 2023 Update
Looking for breathtaking waterfalls in Southern California? After 12 years of exploring our local mountains, I'd be more than happy to share with you what I think are the 7 most awe inspiring cascades, many of which are also the largest in Socal. Here are a few things...
Bonita Falls: 2nd Largest Waterfall in Socal + Bonus Tiers
Distance 1.4 MilesTime1.5 HrsDifficulty EasySeasonAll YearElevation Gain334 FtMost people have hiked to Bonita Falls, but what they don't know is that two secret tiers lay directly above, and when added together, measure a total of 495ft! Bonita is a beautiful...
San Gabriel Peak Hiking Trail Via Eaton Saddle
Distance 2.8 MilesTime~1-1.5 HrsDifficulty ModerateSeasonAll YearElevation Gain971+ FtExperience breathtaking birds-eye views of various local sites of interest, such as Mount Wilson and Mount Lowe Peak, atop San Gabriel Peak. San Gabriel Peak is a moderate-level,...
Top of The World Hike At Laguna Beach: 2023 Guide
Distance 2.2 MilesTime~1.5 HrsDifficulty ModerateSeasonAll YearElevation Gain862 FtOne of the most popular hikes in the beautiful and breezy city of Laguna Beach is definitely the Top of the World hike. It's a nice and easy trail to the top with amazing views of the...
11 Best Hikes in Southern California: Falls, Ruins, Peaks
Looking for abandoned creepy places, breathtaking views, and stunning waterfalls? Say no more. After hiking in Socal my entire life, I'm going to share with you what I believe to be the eleven best hikes in no particular order. Here’s a quick rundown of the places: ...
Cedar Creek Falls & Huge Swimming Hole in SD
Distance 5.6 MilesTime3 HrsDifficulty ModerateSeasonFall, Winter, SpringElevation Gain1,049 FtWant to visit a huge waterfall in San Diego County? Cedar Creek Falls is a super popular, yet surprisingly well-kept falls, with the largest swimming pool I've seen in SoCal....
Cuyamaca Peak: San Diego Winter Wonderland
Distance 7.7 MilesTime~4 HrsDifficulty HardSeasonAll YearElevation Gain1,833 FtCuyamaca Peak via the Azalea Glen Trail is a 7.7 round trip mile hike beginning at the Paso Picacho campground in an oak woodland forest. The trail offers the opportunity to experience an...
500ft Big Falls: Largest Waterfall in SoCal
Distance 0.7 MilesTime~30 MinDifficulty EasySeasonAll YearElevation Gain112 FtMost of the waterfalls in SoCal are dead dry in the middle of the summer. Well, not Big Falls Trail! These colossal, multi-tiered falls are flowing pretty much all year-round. Big Falls...
Top 5 Hiking Trails in Los Angeles 2023 Update
Los Angelinos have been in love with hiking since the late 1800’s. With the never-ending list of trails growing each year since the hiking boom at the turn of the 20th century, finding the best hiking trails in Los Angeles can be daunting. But not to worry, I'm here...
Trail Canyon Falls Hike in Tujunga: Bonus Seasonal Falls
Distance 4.5 MilesTime2 HrsDifficulty ModerateSeasonFall, Winter, SpringElevation Gain990 FtLooking for an adventure? Check out Trail Canyon Falls in Angeles National Forest. This amazing hike is LITTERED with seasonal waterfalls, which you can enjoy if you know when...
Best Big Bear Hikes: For Beginners & Experienced
Big Bear, CA is a beautiful mountain town located in the San Bernardino National Forest. It’s home to ancient Western Juniper trees, Big Bear Lake, two winter resorts, and of course, multiple forest hikes. Today I’d like to share with you the four best Big Bear...
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area: A Little Known SGV Gem
Distance 3.7 MilesTime2 HrsDifficulty EasySeasonAll YearElevation Gain75 FtSanta Fe Dam holds a very special place in my memories because my parents would bring me here every year in the summer to swim at the lake. It's the perfect place for a day out with the family,...
Woodland Trail: Best Big Bear Snow Hike For Kids
Distance 1.6 MilesTime1-1.5 HrsDifficulty EasySeasonAll YearElevation Gain232 FtThe Woodland Trail is an easy 1.5-mile round trip hike for the whole family located in Big Bear, CA. The loop includes 16 numbered markers along the trail which can be used along with a...
Cougar Crest Trail: Best Big Bear Lake View
Distance 5.6 MilesTime2.5-3 HrsDifficulty ModerateSeasonAll YearElevation Gain895 FtAre you looking for the best views of Big Bear Lake? Look no further, and hike up to Cougar Crest. Cougar Crest Trail is a 5.6-mile hike located in the San Bernardino mountains that...
Eaton Canyon Falls 2023: Trail, Directions, & Map
Distance: 4.02 miles roundtrip Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Easy Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 455 ft Max Elevation: 1370 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Dogs: Allowed on a leash Restrooms: Available at the parking lot Are you interested in hiking to Eaton Canyon...
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: HB’s Saltwater Wetlands
Distance 3 MilesTime1.5 HrsDifficulty EasySeasonAll YearElevation Gain72 FtBolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a 1400 acre saltwater marsh with seasonal estuarine conditions located alongside Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, CA. It boasts five miles of trail...
Shoemaker Canyon Road: LA’s Nuclear Escape Tunnels
On this adventure, we visited some tunnels in LA with a very interesting backstory. There are four tunnels to check out, two of them being off-trail. I’ll show you how to get to them!
La Canada Teepee Trail: Bee Farm, Lavender Fields and Views
Distance 5.1 MilesTime ~2.5 HrsDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 1,033 FtThe Teepee trail is a really easy and fun hike within the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. You'll be able to experience fall colors during the autumn months, a fun teepee,...
Dripping Cave Trail: Secret Hideout for Robbers in 1800s
Distance 5.1 MilesTime ~2.5 HrsDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 400 FtWithin the canyons of Laguna Niguel, you'll find a cave known as Dripping Cave with a shocking past pertaining to 19th-century thieves! You'll love this Orange County hike that'll take...
7 Best San Diego Hikes You Must Explore!
San Diego is one of the most beautiful counties in SoCal. Not only does it have amazing coastal beaches, but there are tons of amazing hikes both by the ocean and in the mountains of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. You can wait to experience the snow in the winter months...
![3 Best Hikes in Laguna Beach [OC Resident]](https://cahikingadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/shutterstock_1032597355-min-400x250.jpg)
3 Best Hikes in Laguna Beach [OC Resident]
As a current resident of Huntington Beach, I can assure you that some of the best hikes in Orange County can be found at Laguna Beach, more specifically Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness Park. Due to the stunning views of the ocean and downtown Laguna Beach, the 4500...
Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop: This SD Hike is a Must!
Distance 3.1+ Miles Time ~2.5 Hrs Difficulty Easy Season All Year Elevation Gain 338 Ft Torrey Pines State Beach has some of the most breathtaking beach views and beach trails in SoCal. Escape the warm weather and treat yourself to a very breezy and dreamy adventure!...
Mt Rubidoux Trail: 360 Aerial Views of Giant Cross
Distance 2.7 MilesTime ~2 HrsDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 393 FtMount Rubidoux Trail is a 2.7-mile hike in the city of Riverside, California. It's an easy hike with only 393 feet of elevation gain. The Peace Bridge and cross at the summit are relics...
Old LA Zoo: Exploring the Abandoned Ruins at Griffith Park
Distance ~2.5 MilesTime ~2 HrsDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 383 FtIf you're looking for something spooky and exciting to do, the Old LA Zoo is most certainly perfect for you! Check out the ruins of this once very popular attraction. The Old LA is an...
7 Best Pasadena Hiking Trails 2023: Peaks, Falls, & Mines
Pasadena is a beautiful city nestled in the foothills of the LA forest with a hiking history that goes as far back as the 1800’s. I grew up near the City of Roses, as it’s commonly referred to, and actually attended Pasadena City College. Therefore, I’m very familiar...
Claremont Loop: Easy 5-Mile Hike with Views (Drone Shots!)
Distance 5 MilesTime ~3 HrsDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 839 FtClaremont Loop is a very popular hike nestled in the foothills of the LA National Forest, but only the locals really know about it. It features a nice overlook with multiple benches flanked...
Paramount Ranch: Old Western Movie Set in LA
Distance 2.1 MilesDifficulty EasySeason All YearHours of Visitation 8AM - 8PMOne of the most "LA" things you can do is visit an old movie set. Paramount Ranch is definitely one you'll want to check out. Tons of classic movies and popular TV shows were shot in this...
1940s Car Wreck Trail Hike in Laguna Beach
Distance 3.4 MilesTime ~2.5 HrsDifficulty ModerateSeason All YearElevation Gain 836 FtLooking for an interesting and cool hike to beat the summer heat? Car Wreck Trail takes you to an abandoned car wreck deep in the woods where deer and coyotes run wild. Car Wreck...
San Antonio Falls: Short Hike to 75-Foot Waterfall in LA
Distance 1.4 Miles Time ~45 Min Difficulty Easy Season Late Winter - Spring Elevation Gain 285 Ft Looking for an easy weekend adventure? Checkout 75 foot San Antonio Falls in the Angeles National Forest! The trail at San Antonio Falls totals 1.4-miles roundtrip, and...
Topanga Lookout Trail: Epic Sunset Views on Ledge
Distance 2.2 MilesTime ~1.5 HrsDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 160 FtSummer nights call for breathtaking sunsets! This short hike in the Santa Monica Mountains takes you to a ledge where you'll get insane aerial views and the best cotton candy skies!...
Bell View Trail to Flag Summit: OC’s Scenic Hike to a Flag
Distance 3.2 MilesTime ~2.5 HrsDifficulty ModerateBest Time to Visit Oct - Early JuneElevation Gain 1,167 FtWant to take awesome pictures with an American flag and see panoramic views as far as the ocean? I have a special treat for you! The Bell View Trail to Flag...
Annie’s Canyon Trail: Family Friendly Slot Canyon Hike
Distance: 1.3 miles roundtrip Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 144 ft Max Elevation: 270 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Dogs: Allowed on a leash Restrooms: Not available Take your family on a fun hike featuring a slot canyon and...
Kitchen Creek Falls: Hike to Natural Pools and Waterfall
Distance 4.8 MilesTime ~2.5 HrsDifficulty Easy-ModerateSeason April - JuneElevation Gain 813 FtThis has to be one of my top favorite hikes in San Diego. Not only are there multiple natural pools, but there's also a pretty large hidden waterfall at the end! This place...
Murphy Ranch Trail: Hike to An Abandoned Nazi Utopia
2.6 MilesNoModerate≈ 2 HrsAll Year633 ftWho would've thought that Rustic Canyon, in LA County, has so much eerie and shocking history related to Nazis and WW2? Yeah, you read that right. Crazy! Murphy Ranch is a 2.6-mile hike in Rustic Canyon, near Pacific Palisades....
Millard Canyon Falls Guide: 50ft Falls & Scenic Trail
Distance 1.2 MilesTime ~1 HrDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 308 FtMillard Canyon Falls is an easy, 1.2-mile hike located near Altadena, California. The trail features a 50-foot waterfall and creek crossings. It's a child-friendly and dog-friendly hike. ...
Fall Creek Falls: Secret 200 ft Waterfall in LA
Distance 4.6 MilesTime ~2 HrsDifficulty ModerateBest Season SpringElevation Gain 941 FtWho doesn't love hidden waterfalls? Well, we're super excited to share this colossal gem with you! Fall Creek Falls is a 4-tier, 200-foot waterfall located in Big Tujunga. The hike...
Kwaay Paay Peak Trail: A Hike with Panoramic Views
Distance 2.3 Miles Time ~1.5 HrsDifficulty ModerateElevation Gain 875 ftSeason All YearBathrooms No Kwaay Paay Peak is a 2.3-mile trail located in Mission Trails Regional Park near Santee, California. It's considered to be a moderate hike because of steep inclines....
Brown Mountain Dam: 2 Trails Included
Distance 2 MilesTime ~1 HrDifficulty ModerateSeason All YearElevation Gain 628 FtBrown Mountain Dam Waterfall is a must-do for SoCal residents! The breathtaking cascade towers above the abundant trees and forms a shallow 3-4 foot pool for you to cool off. Brown...
Pumpkin Rock Trail: Easy Hike to a 15-Foot Pumpkin
Distance 1.7 MilesTime ~1 HrDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 380 FtPumpkin Rock Trail is an easy 1.7-mile hike in Norco, California. The trail features a 15-foot tall pumpkin, horses, and scenic views at a total elevation of 1,165 feet. There are...
The Vanalden Caves: A Hike You’ll Never Forget
Distance 2.7 MilesTime ~1.5 HrsDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 515 FtCaves in Los Angeles? Yup, you read that correctly! These caves are called the Vanalden Caves, and they make for a very enjoyable hike. The Vanalden Caves hike is an easy 2.7-mile trail...
Three Sisters Falls Trail: Best Waterfall in San Diego
Distance 4.1 MilesTime ~3.5-4 HrsDifficulty Moderate - HardSeason Late March - Early JuneElevation Gain 980 FtIf you live in the San Diego area or are planning a trip here, you don’t want to miss out on the best waterfall in all of SD County! This hike is located in...
Big Horn Mine Trail: Map, Directions, & Bonus Cabin Ruins
Distance 4 MilesTime ~2.5 HrsDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 587 FtDeep in the San Gabriel Mountains, a 127 year old abandoned mine is still accessible if you dare to venture inside. But that's not all. The founder, Charles, built a cabin about a mile...
Dawn Mine Trail: Hike to an Abandoned Gold Mine from 1895
Distance 6 MilesTime ~3 HrsDifficulty Easy - ModerateSeason All YearElevation Gain 1,600+ FtThe Dawn Mine Trail via Sunset Ridge is a 6-mile round trip hike to an abandoned gold mine near the city of Altadena, California. It’s a heavily trafficked, easy to moderate...
Stonewall Peak: Breathtaking Panoramic Views
Distance 3.9 MilesTime ~2 HrsDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 830 FtStonewall Peak is a 3.9 mile, roundtrip, hike in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park near Julian, California. It has a total elevation of 5,730 feet, with an elevation gain of 830 feet, and takes...
Mount Lowe Hike: Wander to A Peak Above the Clouds
Distance 3.2 MilesTime ~1.5 HrsDifficulty Easy - ModerateSeason All YearElevation Gain 295 FtDid you know you can view the valley from an altitude of 5,604 feet as well as amazing sunset views of Mount Wilson, Mount Baldy, and Los Angeles? Visit Mount Lowe peak for...
50ft Lewis Falls: Download Map, Bonus Falls, Directions
Distance 1.1 MilesTime ~30 MinDifficulty ModerateSeason All YearElevation Gain 360 FtLooking for a waterfall that flows virtually all year long? Checkout Lewis Falls! The shady hike is a total 1.1-miles located in the North Fork of the San Gabriel River. The scenic...
Castle Rock Trail: Fun Hike at Big Bear Lake
Distance 2.6 MilesTime2 HrsDifficulty Easy-ModerateSeasonAll YearElevation Gain600+ FtCastle Rock Trail in Big Bear, California, is a 2.6 mile hike that is heavily trafficked. The peak allows for an elevation gain of 600 feet, or more, with views of the entire Big...
Heart Rock Trail: 25ft Falls at Seeley Creek & Directions
Distance 1.3 MilesTime2 HrsDifficulty EasySeasonAll YearElevation Gain272 FtLooking for an easy and scenic waterfall hike? Look no further, Heart Rock Trails is a must do. Heart Rock Trail is a 1.3 mile roundtrip trail located in the mountain town of Crestline. This...
Lake Gregory Complete Guide & Events
At Lake Gregory, expect an inflatable water park, sandy beaches, and giant water slides all surrounded by tons of majestic cedar pine trees! The lake, which is an 84-acre reservoir in the town of Crestline, lies within the San Bernardino Mountains at an elevation of...
![Norco Powerhouse: Spooky Riverside Relic [DEMOLISHED]](https://cahikingadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/POWERHOUSE-400x250.jpg)
Norco Powerhouse: Spooky Riverside Relic [DEMOLISHED]
Distance 0.9 MilesTime ~25 MinDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 98 FtBefore getting demolished, the Norco Powerhouse was a spooky Riverside relic dating back to the time when CA was beginning to power its cities. The abandoned building quickly became an...
