County

Stoddard Peak Hiking Guide: Map, Directions, & Fun Facts

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...

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Henninger Flats: Hike to a Scenic Forest Nursery

Henninger Flats: Hike to a Scenic Forest Nursery

Distance 5.04 MilesTime3.5 HrsDifficulty ModerateSeasonAll YearElevation Gain1531 FtFeel like learning a bit of history on your next hike? If so, I highly suggest paying a visit to Henninger Flats. Henninger Flats is a wooded flats located above Eaton Canyon and...

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Sunset Peak Trail Guide: 2 Routes + Maps & Directions

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....

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Etiwanda Falls: San Bernardino’s Most Popular Waterfall

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...

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Tin Mine Canyon Trail: Corona’s Forgotten Past

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...

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Two Trees Trail in Box Springs Mountain Regional Park

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...

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Cowles Mountain: #1 Trail in San Diego County

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...

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Quail Hill Trail in Irvine Open Space Preserve

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...

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Ho Chi Mihn Trail in San Diego: Slot Canyon & Waterfall!

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...

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Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve: Avoid The Summer Heat

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...

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Switzer Falls: 2-Tier Cascade in Bear Canyon

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...

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Bonita Falls: 2nd Largest Waterfall in Socal + Bonus Tiers

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...

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San Gabriel Peak Hiking Trail Via Eaton Saddle

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,...

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Top of The World Hike At Laguna Beach: 2023 Guide

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...

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11 Best Hikes in Southern California: Falls, Ruins, Peaks

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: ...

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Cedar Creek Falls & Huge Swimming Hole in SD

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....

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Cuyamaca Peak: San Diego Winter Wonderland

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...

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500ft Big Falls: Largest Waterfall in SoCal

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...

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Top 5 Hiking Trails in Los Angeles 2022 Update

Top 5 Hiking Trails in Los Angeles 2022 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...

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Trail Canyon Falls Hike in Tujunga: Bonus Seasonal Falls

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...

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Best Big Bear Hikes: For Beginners & Experienced

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...

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Woodland Trail: Best Big Bear Snow Hike For Kids

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...

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Cougar Crest Trail: Best Big Bear Lake View

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...

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Eaton Canyon Falls 2023: Trail, Directions, & Map

Eaton Canyon Falls 2023: Trail, Directions, & Map

Distance  4.4 Miles Time ~3 Hrs Difficulty Easy Season Spring Elevation Gain 521 Ft Are you interested in hiking to Eaton Canyon Falls, but need a guide to make the best of your visit? You've come to the right place. Eaton Canyon Falls is the most popular waterfall in...

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Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: HB’s Saltwater Wetlands

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...

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Shoemaker Canyon Road: LA’s Nuclear Escape Tunnels

Shoemaker Canyon Road: LA’s Nuclear Escape Tunnels

Distance 5 MilesTime2.5 HrsDifficulty EasySeasonFall, Winter, SpringElevation Gain1,404 FtDid you know LA has two abandoned tunnels that were built in order to escape nuclear attacks during the Cold War? You don’t want to miss walking through the deserted Shoemaker...

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Dripping Cave Trail: Secret Hideout for Robbers in 1800s

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...

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7 Best San Diego Hikes You Must Explore!

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...

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3 Best Hikes in Laguna Beach [OC Resident]

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...

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Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop: This SD Hike is a Must!

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!...

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Mt Rubidoux Trail: 360 Aerial Views of Giant Cross

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...

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Old LA Zoo: Exploring the Abandoned Ruins at Griffith Park

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...

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7 Best Pasadena Hiking Trails 2022: Peaks, Falls, & Mines

7 Best Pasadena Hiking Trails 2022: 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...

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Claremont Loop: Easy 5-Mile Hike with Views (Drone Shots!)

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...

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Paramount Ranch: Old Western Movie Set in LA

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...

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1940s Car Wreck Trail Hike in Laguna Beach

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...

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San Antonio Falls: Short Hike to 75-Foot Waterfall in LA

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...

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Topanga Lookout Trail: Epic Sunset Views on Ledge

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!...

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Annie’s Canyon Trail: Fun Hike Through A Slot Canyon

Annie’s Canyon Trail: Fun Hike Through A Slot Canyon

Distance  1.4 MilesTime ~1 HrDifficulty EasySeason All YearElevation Gain 100 FtAnnie's Slot Canyon Trail is an easy 1.4-mile roundtrip hike in San Diego County featuring an abundance of wildflowers, ocean views, and of course, a fun and exciting slot canyon waiting...

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Kitchen Creek Falls: Hike to Natural Pools and Waterfall

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...

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Murphy Ranch Trail: Hike to An Abandoned Nazi Utopia

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....

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Millard Canyon Falls Guide: 50ft Falls & Scenic Trail

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. ...

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Fall Creek Falls: Secret 200 ft Waterfall in LA

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...

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Kwaay Paay Peak Trail: A Hike with Panoramic Views

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....

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Brown Mountain Dam: 2 Trails Included

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...

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Pumpkin Rock Trail: Easy Hike to a 15-Foot Pumpkin

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...

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The Vanalden Caves: A Hike You’ll Never Forget

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...

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Three Sisters Falls Trail: Best Waterfall in San Diego

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...

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Big Horn Mine Trail: Map, Directions, & Bonus Cabin Ruins

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...

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Dawn Mine Trail: Hike to an Abandoned Gold Mine from 1895

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...

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Stonewall Peak: Breathtaking Panoramic Views

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...

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Mount Lowe Hike: Wander to A Peak Above the Clouds

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...

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50ft Lewis Falls: Download Map, Bonus Falls, Directions

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...

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Castle Rock Trail: Fun Hike at Big Bear Lake

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...

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Heart Rock Trail: 25ft Falls at Seeley Creek & Directions

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...

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Lake Gregory Complete Guide & Events

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...

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Norco Powerhouse: Spooky Riverside Relic [DEMOLISHED]

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...

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Hello, There!

I’m Phillip, and just like you, I feel very passionate about California and the outdoors. After many years of exploring amazing and hidden places, I thought I’d share them with you. Life goes by fast so get out there and enjoy it.  

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