Just because summer is over doesn't mean you have to stop hiking. Simply hit the trails that fit in with the season, such as the following ten spooky hikes. These trails include various abandoned ruins, many of which hold very dark secrets, while others gave me eerie...
Not all trails are steep, sun exposed, backpack-lugging adventures. In fact, a huge portion of them are the complete opposite, and therefore, suitable for small children. I browsed through my entire website to put together a list of the best SoCal hikes for small...
Miles: 1.7 Time: 35 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 80 ft Max Elevation: 490 ft Type of Trail: Loop Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 30 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: Moderate Pics Taken On: Apr 15, 2023 Although...
Total Miles: 2 Time: 45 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 286 ft Max Elevation: 1431 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 20 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Available On The Trail Trail Popularity: Moderate Pics Taken...
Miles: 3.3 Time: 90 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 370 ft Max Elevation: 617 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 20 cars Dogs: Not Allowed Restrooms: Available At The Trailhead Trail Popularity: High Pics Taken On: Aug 9,...
Miles: 0.7 Time: 20 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 75 ft Max Elevation: 4640 ft Type of Trail: Loop Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 20 cars Dogs: Not Allowed Restrooms: Available At The Trailhead Trail Popularity: Moderate Pics Taken On: Jul 25, 2023...
Miles: 1.92 Time: 45 min Difficulty: Moderate Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 707 ft Max Elevation: 1907 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Turnout, Fits ≈ 20 cars Dogs: Allowed on a leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: Low - Moderate Pics...
Miles: 0.2 Time: 25 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 67 ft Max Elevation: 2198 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Turnout, Fits 20+ cars Dogs: Allowed on a leash Restrooms: Not Available Excluding the plethora of graffiti, Ortega...
Miles: 0.75 Time: 45 min Difficulty: Moderate Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 160 ft Max Elevation: 3781 Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Dirt Lot, Fits 30+ Cars Dogs: Allowed on a leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: High Pics Taken On: May...
Miles: 3 Time: 1 Hour Difficulty: Easy Season: Late Spring Elevation Gain: 617 ft Max Elevation: 2352 ft Trail Type: Out & Back Parking Lot: Dirt Lot, Fits ≈ 20 Cars Restrooms? 1 Porta Potty Available Dogs Allowed? Yes, on a leash What can possibly be better than...
Miles: 5.9 Roundtrip 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...
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...
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....
Miles: 3.19 Time: 1.5 hrs Difficulty: Easy Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 756 ft Max Elevation: 2823 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Dirt Lot Fits 30+ Cars Dogs: Not Allowed Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: Very High Pics Taken On: Nov 30,...
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...
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...
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...
Distance 1.8 MilesTime45 minDifficulty EasySeasonAll YearElevation Gain152 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...
Total Miles: 0.62 Time: 20 min Difficulty: Hard Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 278 ft Max Elevation: 330 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Street Parking Dogs: Not Allowed Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: High Pics Taken On: Sept 28, 2022...
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...
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...
Miles: 1.28 Time: 45 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 443 ft Max Elevation: 3269 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 10 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Available At The Campground Trail Popularity: Very High Pics Taken...
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,...
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...
Looking for abandoned creepy places, breathtaking views, and stunning waterfalls? Say no more. I browsed through my entire site and chose the trails which I believe are the most breathtaking, jaw-dropping, hikes that'll leave you thinking, "How is this located in...
Miles: 5.5 Time: 3 hrs Difficulty: Moderate Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 1026 ft Max Elevation: 1836 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits 15+ cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Available At The Parking Lot Trail Popularity: Very High Pics...
Total Miles: 7.24 Time: 4 Hrs Difficulty: Moderate - Hard Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain:1815 ft Max Elevation: 6463 ft Type of Trail: Loop Parking Lot: Available At The Campground Dogs: Not Allowed On Trail Restrooms: Available At The Campground Trail...
Total Miles: 0.66 Time: 25 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: Spring - Summer Elevation Gain: 174 ft Max Elevation: 6016 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 20 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Available At The Parking Lot Trail Popularity: High...
Los Angelinos have been in love with hiking since the late 1800s. 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 to...
Total Miles: 4.54 Time: 2.5 Hrs Difficulty: Moderate Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 1067 Ft Max Elevation: 2481 Ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 20 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: High Pics Taken On:...
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...
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...
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...
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. I've probably hiked this trail more than any other. I know it like the back of my hand, and now I'm going to teach you how to make the...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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)
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...
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!...
Total Miles: 3.13 Time: 60 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 551 ft Max Elevation: 1323 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits 30+ Cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Available At The Parking Lot Trail Popularity: Very High...
Total Miles: 2.63 Time: 60 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 374 ft Max Elevation: 704 ft Type of Trail: Loop Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 40 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Available At The Merry Go Round Trail Popularity: Moderate Pics Taken...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Miles: 1.33 Time: 30 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 277 ft Max Elevation: 6425 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits 30+ cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: Very High Looking for an easy...
Total Miles: 2.26 Time: 60 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 348 ft Max Elevation: 2426 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 10 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: Very High Pics Taken On:...
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...
Total Miles: 1.3 Time: 45 Min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 224 ft Max Elevation: 145 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Dogs: Allowed On A Leash (Except The Slot Canyon) Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: Very High Take your family on a...
Total Miles: 4.84 Time: 2 Hrs Difficulty: Moderate Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 956 ft Max Elevation: 3794 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 10 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: High Pics Taken On: May...
Total Miles: 2.26 Time: 45 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 615 ft Max Elevation: 849 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Street Parking Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: Very High Pics Taken On:...
Miles: 1.3 Time: 45 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: Mid-Late Spring Elevation Gain: 308 ft Max Elevation: 2108 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits 30+ cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Available At The Trailhead/Campground Trail Popularity:...
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...
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 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 Mountain Dam Waterfall is a scenic hike which can be accessed via two trailheads. The...
Total Miles: 1.69 Time: 45 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 458 ft Max Elevation: 1164 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits 20+ cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Available At The Parking Lot Trail Popularity: High Are you...
Total Miles: 2.65 Time: 60 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 510 ft Max Elevation: 1778 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits 20+ Cars Dogs: Not Allowed Restrooms: Available At The Parking Lot Trail Popularity: Moderate Pics Taken...
Total Miles: 3.39 Time: 2.5 hrs Difficulty: Moderate - Hard Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 1069 ft Max Elevation: 2936 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits 40+ cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Available At The Parking Lot Trail...
Total Miles: 3.84 Time: 2.5 Hrs Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 983 ft Max Elevation: 6894 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 30 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Available At The Parking Lot Trail Popularity: Very High...
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...
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...
Distance 3.2 MilesTime 2 HrsDifficulty 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 your next...
Total Miles: 0.73 Time: 35 min Difficulty: Moderate Best Season: Spring - Fall Elevation Gain: 328 ft Max Elevation: 4197 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 5 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: High Pics Taken...
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...
Total Miles: 1.87 Time: 45 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 392 Ft Max Elevation: 4175 Ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 15 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: High Looking for an easy and...
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)
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...
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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