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Half Day LA Hikes

Half Day LA Hikes. Our Los Angeles based hiking group goes to all the amazing trails near LA. Where the pavement ends the fun begins

Our Half Day LA Hikes are the perfect way to enjoy nature

Our half day LA hikes are the perfect compliment to your wellness journey. Studies have shown that spending at least 2 hours a week outside, in nature, has significant mental and physical health benefits!  These shorter half day hikes, around 4-7 miles in length, are a nice compliment to your yoga and wellness journey and offer a chance to explore new places with fun, like minded people.  

Whether you are an experienced hiker looking for a short adventure nearby, or if you have always wanted to hit the trails but don’t know where to start, these experiences are perfect for any level and close to LA.  

You’ll build the strength, stamina, and confidence to enjoy more challenging outdoor adventures or prepare for one of our amazing yoga adventure travel destinations! 

You don’t have to be a member of RDY to sign up so bring your family and friends for a great half day in nature.  Pets on leash are welcome on most trails, check out the specific hiking location for park regulations. 

Note: Specific information for each hike will be provided prior to the day of the hike including carpooling information, directions to the trailhead, and specific route info. Trailhead parking can be difficult and permits or fees are usually charged on a per car basis so we coordinate a carpooling option for those who don’t want to drive.

Half Day LA Hikes 2024 Schedule

Trippet Ranch to Parker Mesa January 1st 2024

Trippet Ranch to Parker Mesa

Date: January 1st 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Topanga Canyon State Park

Length: 6.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,171 feet

Peak Elevation: 1,550 feet

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Permits: Parking Fee at Trippet Ranch $10 or State Park Pass

Lunch: Yes

Dogs: No

Is there a better way to start the New Year than a hike to the beautiful Parker Mesa overlook?

Winter and spring are the perfect seasons for hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains when the area is green from the winter rains and spring wildflowers are in full bloom.  Our winter schedule is focused mostly in this beautiful area!

Trippet Ranch in Topanga Canyon State Park has a wonderful network of trails and a ridgeline with sweeping views of the ocean and the LA Basin.  Our first hike in 2024 is an out and back that will take us to Parker Mesa, which has arguably one of the best views in all the Santa Monica Mountains. 

We will begin our hike at the Trippet Ranch trailhead at 9am taking our time to reach the mesa around 11:30 for an early lunch.  We will linger here and enjoy the incredible views of the Santa Monica Bay, the LA Basin, the snowcapped San Bernadino’s and on a clear day Catalina Island.  It’s truly a majestic site and a perfect spot to stop and have a little lunch!

Our return trip is mostly downhill and generally moves a lot faster, so we plan to finish up by 1:30 or so depending on how long we linger at the mesa. 

With all the rain we have had, expect the trail to be muddy in spots.

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

Parking at the trailhead fills up quickly so please consider our carpooling options.

Charmlee Wilderness Loop January 13th 2024

Charmlee Wilderness Loop

Date: January 13th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Santa Monica Mountains 

Length: 3.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 640 feet

Peak Elevation: N/A

Difficulty: Easy

Permits: $4.00 Parking Fee for the Park

Lunch: Snacks at overlook

Dogs: Yes on leash

Charmlee Wilderness Park is located near Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains.  This hike will combine a couple of trails in the park to create a counter-clockwise loop.  This hike has a little bit of everything, from the depths of Clyde Canyon to the beautiful ocean views from the rolling coastal hills.  The trail passes through oak forests, grassy meadows with wildflowers nearly always in blooming and along coastal bluffs.  

We will begin the hike through Clyde Canyon rising gently to the cliffs above the ocean.  We will stop to enjoy amazing ocean views and a snack before heading back through the rolling grasslands to the trailhead.   

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks!

Trailhead Directions

Parking at the trailhead can be difficult please consider carpooling.

Eagle Rock Loop January 28th 2024

Eagle Rock Loop

Date: January 28th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Topanga State Park

Length: 6.6 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1200 feet

Peak Elevation: 2068 feet

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Permits: Parking Fee at Trippet Ranch $10

Lunch: Yes

Pets: No

Eagle Rock loop is perhaps THE iconic hike in Topanga state park.  The namesake rock formation is one of many boulder outcroppings throughout the park and boast some of the most amazing views in the park.  We will hike this trail counterclockwise enjoying the views along the way.  Our hike will take us to Eagle Rock where we will stop for lunch. 

 

Most of the uphill gain is in the first half of the hike starting to come down from our peak elevation just before Eagle Rock.  We plan to have lunch around noon and enjoy the views. Our return hike is mostly downhill and will not take as long to get back to the trailhead.  We plan to be finished around 2pm or so depending on how much time we spend at the top.

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

Parking is limited at the trailhead so please consider our carpooling option!

Rustic Canyon to Murphy’s Ranch Loop February 10th 2024

Rustic Canyon to Murphy’s Ranch Loop

Date: February 10th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Will Rogers State Park

Length: 5 Miles

Elevation Gain: 950 feet

Peak Elevation: N/A

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Permits: Parking Fee at Will Rogers $12

Lunch: Yes

Pets: No

This beautiful hike starts off ‘old school’ on a small and barely visible single track running along the creek.  After we pass the waterfall, we continue up the trail to one of the most bizarre ruins in LA, Murphy’s Ranch.  This place was designed in the 1930’s as a self-contained compound for Nazi sympathizers living in LA with its own power generating capability, water, and gardens carved into the canyon walls.  The main house was designed by the same architect who built the house at Solstice Canyon but was never built.  The original owners were taken into custody after the bombing of Peal Harbor.  But the ruins still remain, and we can explore them.

From here we will continue up the canyon toward the Boy Scout camp before turning left for a short but steep ascent to the Backbone Trail.   We will make a stop at Inspiration Point for lunch with an amazing view before returning on the well-maintained trail to the trailhead near the Polo Field.  

Hiking poles are definitely a plus for this one as the first 2 miles of trail is often muddy and somewhat overgrown with occasional streal crossings. 

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

Escondido Falls February 25th, 2024

Escondido Falls

Date: February 25th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Malibu

Length: 3.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 534 feet

Peak Elevation: N/A

Difficulty: Easy

Permits: none required.  $12.00 parking fee

Lunch: No

Dogs: Yes, on leash.

Escondido falls is a beautiful 50’ cascade runs strong this time of the year.  Expect a few stream crossings and depending on the water levels you may get your feet wet! This is an easy half day hike, but the scenery is beautiful and for waterfall lovers its one of the best in SoCal. 

We will hike to the falls and enjoy the lower falls.  

For the more adventurous there is a trail on the side of the falls that leads to the upper fall in about a 1/10th of a mile but its over 200 feet in elevation gain and may not be passable depending on the weather leading up to the hike.  The upper falls are unbelievable, over 3X the height of the lower falls!  

Bring snacks to enjoy at the falls, we will linger for a while!  Dogs on leash are welcome in this park.

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity.  Bring plenty of snacks.

Trailhead Directions

Parking is limited at the trailhead please consider our carpooling options.

Echo Mountain March 9th 2024

Echo Mountain

Date: March 9th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Angeles National Forest-Altadena, CA

Length: 5.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1417 Feet

Peak Elevation: 3223

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits: None (trailhead is outside the forest boundary)

Lunch: Yes

Pets: Yes, on Leash

Echo Mountain is one of the best hikes in LA!  In fact, it’s hard to find a list of top-rated trails that doesn’t include this one, even national trail lists and yes, the haunted hikes of LA list.  The trailhead begins through the ruins of the historical Cobb estate which is the alleged haunted part then follows much of the historic Mount Lowe railway route.  The railway was designed as a tourist attraction in conjunction with the resort at Echo Mountain.  

We will hike to the top where you can enjoy the ruins of the 1890’s resort and the old train mechanics.  The railway was abandoned in 1938 and was the only electrical traction scenic railway ever built in the United States. 

The views are amazing on Echo Mountain and one of the coolest features is the Echo Phone!  You have to come on the hike to see what that’s all about.  We will have lunch and linger at Echo Mountain before returning.  

We will return down the same trail to the trailhead and have some time to explore the Cobb estate.  This was originally a family estate, then a convent, and eventually owned by the Marx brothers before becoming a park in 1971. 

The hike will finish around 2pm.  

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

Trailhead parking is limited so please consider participating in our carpool!

Sandstone Peak March 17th, 2024 (S)

Sandstone Peak 

Date: March 17th, 2024

Time: 9:00am

Location: Santa Monica Mountains

Length: 6 miles 

Elevation Gain:1,400 feet

Peak Elevation: 3114 feet

Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate

Permits: None required

Lunch: No

Dogs: Yes on leash

Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica mountains and the first hike in the annual RDY 7 Summits of SoCal challenge.  

We will hike this loop in a counterclockwise direction enjoying the wildflowers and views of the canyon as we go.  This section of the hike has some cover from the sun but the trail becomes more exposed as we climb toward the summit.  At the top we will enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and linger a bit.  It’s a great place to have a snack!

We will meet at the trail head at 9:00 am and should be finished around 1 depending on our pace and how long we linger.  

This is a beautiful hike typical of the range with amazing views.  There isn’t much shade or large trees along the way so be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen!

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks, we won’t have lunch at the peak on this one because it’s a shorter distance hike.  

Trailhead Directions

Parking is limited at the trailhead so please consider our carpooling option.

Zuma Canyon April 21st 2024 Route change due to trail conditions! (easier)

Zuma Canyon

Date: April 21st, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Santa Monica Mountains NRA-Malibu CA

Length: 9 miles

Elevation Gain: 1700 Feet

Peak Elevation: n/a

Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

Permits: None (trailhead is outside the forest boundary)

Lunch: Yes

Pets: Yes, on Leash

Zuma in the Chumash language means abundance and this hike certainly has all that!  This route is generally rated as hard but don’t let that stop you, if you have been on our group hikes before you should be fine with this one although it will certainly be a challenge.  We will hike up the stream about 2 miles by trail through the beautiful grasses, wildflower and trees that line the canyon.  Then the fun part, we will continue up the stream “off trail” for two miles.  This section usually does have bits of trail because its popular among experienced hikers.  We will be climbing over boulders, stream crossings and likely thick vegetation in some areas. 

 

Then we will reach the Edison fire road.  We will take this road around the top of the canyon and back down to the trailhead stopping for lunch near the high point above the canyon.  The early part of this hike is slow going but fun, so we plan to have lunch around 1pm.  Bring plenty of snacks AND plenty of water.  You will want sturdy shoes for this one and trekking poles. I also recommend long pants because we will likely encounter poison oak as you would expect around any stream or wet area in SoCal.  

The road back is longer than the trail through the canyon but it’s mostly downhill and it’s a fire road trail, so we expect to be finished between 3 and 4 in the afternoon depending on how long we take hiking up the canyon. 

Note: this is not a good first-time hike.  If you have never hiked before I recommend that you start with one of our shorter hikes in the easy to moderate range before trying this one.  

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

Parking is limited at the trailhead so please consider our carpooling option.

Poppy Fields Loop April 20th 2024

California Poppy Fields Loop

Date: April 20th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve SP

Length: 5.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 590 feet

Peak Elevation: N/A

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Permits: CA State Park Pass OR $10 Parking Fee

Lunch: yes

Dogs: No

Springtime brings beautiful wildflower displays on almost every hike, but few can match the vast swaths of orange and yellow blanketing the rolling hills of Antelope Valley. This is a relatively easy hike that takes us to all of the best overlooks, hilltops and buttes in the California Poppy Preserve State Park.  The hike combines two loop trails into a figure 8 that fully explores this beautiful park.

We will meet at the visitors center at 9am to set out on our trek.  Plan to have a light lunch or heavy snack on one of the hilltop overlooks before we return to the trailhead around 12:30 depending on how long we linger on the way.  This weekend brings the Lancaster Poppy Festival which we will plan to stop and enjoy in the afternoon on the way back to LA.  The festival is fun and there are usually a lot of vendors, rides, and of course fried fair food check their website for event info and pricing. 

This hike is fully exposed with little or no shade most of the way.  So, plan to bring plenty of water and wear a hat!  

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

This is a popular weekend due to the poppy Festival so parking may be tight, please consider carpooling.

Dawn Mine and Sunset Loop May 12th 2024

Dawn Mine and Sunset Loop

Date: May 12th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: San Gabriel Mountains-Altadena

Length: 5.6 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1587 feet

Peak Elevation: 3600 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits: FS Adventure Pass or NPS America The Beautiful Pass

Lunch: Yes

Dogs: Yes on leash

Mining is a huge part of the California story from the 1800’s to present and it’s not hard to find historic mines especially in the San Gabriel’s, which were part of the Los Angeles gold rush in the 1890’s.  The Dawn mine in Millard Canyon is one of these mines.  We will visit Dawn on this hike which follows much of the old infrastructure that was put in place for the mining and resort operations that dominated these mountains from the late 1800’s through the mid 20th century. 

This hike is a beautiful journey with a couple of stream crossings, a waterfall (perhaps we will take a side trip to the base), amazing views from Sunset trail, and parts of the old Lowe Mountain Railway route.  We will hike it clockwise starting at the Cheney trailhead.  Parking is limited there, and the directions take you to the road which you will take back until it dead ends into a small lot.  

We will plan to have lunch near the site of the old Dawn Mine Station, which was a stop along the railway for tourists on their way to Echo Mountain. With all the rain we are having the streams are running strong and hiking poles are highly encouraged for stability in stream crossings but also for the descent.  The mine has been gated by the Forest Service for safety reasons so you can’t get very far into the mine itself.  We plan to be finished with this hike around 1pm if we do the side trail to the waterfall base.

 

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

Trailhead parking is extremely limited here. Please consider carpooling.

Switzer Falls May 18th, 2024

Switzer Falls

Date: May 18th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: San Gabriel Mountains-Angeles National Forest

Length: 4 miles

Elevation Gain: 700 feet

Peak Elevation: N/A

Difficulty: Easy

Permits: FS Adventure Pass or NPS America the Beautiful

Lunch: Yes

Dogs: Yes on Leash

This is one of the best waterfall hikes in LA.  While some falls may be more spectacular, this one is beautiful and along the way you’ll experience old ruins from Switzer Land and the original Switzer Camp from the 1920’s, stream crossings and even some light climbing. 

 

This is an out and back trail.  Near the beginning we will pass through the ruins of the old Switzer Camp that was later operated as more of a resort/venue called Switzer Land.  We will have some time to explore on the way back if we want to.  

We will hike to the lower falls and then go up the side to reach the larger 50-foot upper falls.  We will return to the lower falls to enjoy lunch and if you want to swim or soak your feet you are welcome to do so, there is a nice pool below the falls. With all the rain and snow expect the falls to be beautiful!

When we are finished, we hike back the way we came.  There is an extension to this hike into Bear Canyon that’s another mile or so down the Arroyo Seco that we can take if the falls are crowded.  

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

Parking at the trailhead is limited please consider carpooling.

Cooper Canyon Falls June 15th, 2024

Cooper Canyon Falls

Date: June 15th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: San Gabriel Mountains

Length: 6.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 1358 feet

Peak Elevation: N/A

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits: FS Adventure Pass or NPS America the Beautiful Pass

Lunch: yes

Dogs: Yes on Leash

Cooper Canyon Falls is a beautiful hike in the Angeles National Forest especially this time of the year.  The 30ft waterfall’s flow is driven by snow melt and so it will be roaring loudly this time of year.  We will be hiking clockwise loop that takes up along a beautiful section of the Pacific Crest Trail through pine and cedar forests.  We will pass through the PCT’s Cooper Canyon Camp listening to the sounds of the creek along the way before arriving at the waterfall.  

It’s a steep climb to get down to the base of the fall but well worth the effort. We will have lunch and enjoy the area before continuing along the Burkhart Trail through Buckhorn Campground on our way back to the parking area.

Cooper Canyon Falls is one of the most beautiful falls in the area, but unlike many of the waterfall hikes, this one earns a moderate rating because of the steepness, especially getting down to the base of the falls where there is a rope in place to assist, so we will enjoy the falls without the crowds!  But we will take our time so it’s an accessible hike to most people and well worth the effort.

As with most hikes around LA this one has some steep sections and I highly recommend hiking shoes and hiking poles.  If you want to get in the water and walk back to the fall you might bring a pair of water shoes but its snowmelt and so its very cold.  

We will meet at the trailhead to head out at 9am and should be finished by 2 depending on how long we linger at the falls and nearby springs.  There are two trailheads for this loop so please be sure to meet at the one below. 

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

Trailhead parking can be crowded so please consider carpooling which we coordinate in the WhatsApp group.

Mount Wilson June 16th 2024 (S)

Mt Wilson

Location: San Gabriel Mountains (Pasadena area)

Date: June 16th, 8:30am

Length: 14.5 miles 

Elevation Gain: 5640 feet

Peak Elevation: 5713 feet

Difficulty Level: Hard

Permits: None Required

Lunch: yes

Dogs: Yes on Leash

This is also on our Seven Summits Hiking Challenge List.  Mt Wilson is a beautiful hike through the pines and one of the epic summit hikes in SoCal. It’s approximately 7.2 miles to the top where you will enjoy sweeping views of Los Angeles, an Observatory and even a restaurant!  So you can bring your lunch or just buy something at the restaurant.

We will be hiking the original route to the top through Orchard Camp from Little Santa Anita Canyon, it’s a long climb to the top but very accessible.  The difficult part for most is just the idea of hiking uphill for 7 miles but for the most part it’s not extremely steep.  We will take our time and take breaks to rest and have snacks as often as we need.  Since its close to Summer Solstice, we have plenty of daylight and can enjoy the beauty of the mountain and the lush vegetation. We will hike to the top and take a break for lunch and hang out at the peak for a bit and refill our water.

The hike down is much faster as we will be moving downhill. We plan to finish up around 4-5pm depending on our pace and how long we want to linger at the top!

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

Trailhead parking is in a neighborhood and very limited so please consider carpooling.

Inspiration Point June 29th, 2024

Inspiration Point

Date: June 29th 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: San Gabriel Mountains

Length: 9.8 Miles

Elevation Gain: 2755 feet

Peak Elevation: 4543

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits: None (trailhead is outside the forest boundary)

Lunch: Yes

Pets: Yes, on Leash

Echo Mountain is one of the best hikes in LA and tacking on the extra 4 mile loop to Inspiration Point is well worth the effort!  In fact, it’s hard to find a list of top-rated trails that doesn’t include this one, even national trail lists and yes, the haunted hikes of LA list.  The trailhead begins through the ruins of the historical Cobb estate which is the alleged haunted part then follows much of the historic Mount Lowe railway route.  The railway was designed as a tourist attraction in conjunction with the resort at Echo Mountain.  

We will hike to top of Echo Mountain where you can take a break to enjoy the ruins of the 1890’s resort and the old train mechanics.  The railway was abandoned in 1938 and was the only electrical traction scenic railway ever built in the United States. The views are amazing on Echo Mountain and one of the coolest features is the Echo Phone!  The loop trail to Inspiration point begins here and you will be able to see the structure as we carry on.  

We will reach the summit and viewing pavilion at Inspiration point where we will have lunch and enjoy the view.  Telescope View is one of the unique features of this place with viewing tubes set up to look at different landmarks all around.  On a clear day you can even see Catalina Island from here.  e

We will return to Echo Mountain and rejoin the Sam Merrill trail down to the trailhead and if you have some time you can explore the Cobb estate.  This was originally a family estate, then a convent, and eventually owned by the Marx brothers before becoming a park in 1971. 

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

Trailhead parking is on the street and is limited so please consider carpooling.

Sawmill Mountain July 21st, 2024 (S)

Sawmill Mountain

Date: July 21st at 9:00am

Location: Chumash Wilderness-Los Padres National Forest 

Length: 7.4 Miles 

Elevation Change: 1500 feet 

Peak Elevation: 8822 Elevation

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits: None

Lunch: Yes

Dogs: Yes on leash

Sawmill is the highest peak in Kern County and home to the condor sanctuary in the rugged Chumash preserve.  Mt Pinos is the highest peak in Ventura County and on this trail, we will stand on both! We will begin this hike a little later because it’s a little more driving distance to get there and we will have reasonably good tree cover for the hike.  

This is a fun hike that is very accessible to anyone with a reasonably good fitness level and the views from the summit are breathtaking.  We will hike to the top of Sawmill Mountain with its massive cairn where we will linger and eat our lunch while enjoying the sweeping view across the central valley.

What to bring: 3 liters of water, electrolytes, sunscreen, hat, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, hiking poles (optional but always a good idea), day pack or hydration pack with snacks and lunch.

Trailhead Directions

Parking at the trailhead is plentiful but please consider carpooling to save on gas! We will have the carpool thread set up in WhatsApp.

Eaton Canyon Falls July 27th 2024

Eaton Canyon Falls

Date: July 27th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Eaton Canyon Nature Park

Length: 4 miles

Elevation Gain: 450 feet

Peak Elevation: 1377 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Permits: None it’s a County Park

Lunch: Yes

Dogs: Yes on leash

 Eaton Canyon falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes near LA, and for good reason, it’s a fun hike with stream crossings, historical ruins and a nice waterfall at the end.  But its popularity means it can get very crowded especially since it’s a mostly shaded trail close by in the summer.  

This is a easy out and back hike.  Be prepared to get your feet wet, you will not stay dry getting all the way back to the waterfall.  Hiking poles are very helpful at stream crossings and water shoes of some sort are a plus.  We will hike back to the waterfall and have a snack or lunch before heading back.  We plan to finish up around 12:30.  

 This trail starts and ends with a very exposed section of trail so sun protection is important.  Much of the hike is in the canyon along the stream and will be cooler and shaded. 

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

There is a large parking area near the visitors center but carpooling is always suggested.

Old Baldy (Mt San Antonio) August 11th 2024 (S)

“Old Baldy” (Mt San Antonio)

Location: East San Gabriel Mountains

Date: August 11th 8:30am

Length: 11 miles

Elevation Gain: 3990 feet

Peak Elevation: 10,064 feet

Difficulty: Hard

Permits: USFS Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass.

Lunch: yes

Dogs: Yes on Leash

MAX Group: 10 people

Mt San Antonio is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains and LA County. It’s a hike that should be on every SoCal hiking bucket list.  This is also one of our Seven Summits Challenge Hikes.

We leave the trailhead at 8:30am and hike the entire trail clockwise.  That is 11 miles with an elevation gain of 3990 feet.  The first part of the trail will be mostly covered from the sun so it will be comfortable although as we approach the top it’s a lot of loose rock so can be slow going.

We will descend the Devil’s Backbone with amazing views on both sides.  We will stop for a break at the ski area where there is a deck outside the restaurant that overlooks the canyon and way back to the trailhead.  You can refill water here if needed. The views from Baldy are amazing and we will hang out at the top for a bit, relax, and have lunch to soak it all in!  We should finish up our hike around 4:30pm depending on how long we linger at the top.

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What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

Parking at the trailhead can be tight so please consider carpooling!

Bighorn Mine August 17th 2024

Bighorn Mine

Date: August 17th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Sheep Mountain Wilderness, San Gabriel Mountains

Length: 5 miles including the Vincent Cabin option

Elevation Gain: 690 Feet

Peak Elevation: 6,913 Feet

Difficulty: Easy

Permits: Yes. $5 Big Pines Parking Pass for paved lot at Vincent’s Gap. USFS Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass for parking in non paved areas.

Lunch: Yes

Pets: Yes, on leash

Bighorn Horn mine is a must-see piece of SoCal mining history.  Originally discovered in 1891 the mine opened in 1895 and was continuously operated until 1985.   You can explore the ruins carefully but the mine shafts, like others in the Angeles National Forest, have been gated for safety.  

The hike is beautiful along the side of Mount Baden Powell and relatively easy as the trial follows the ridge with only mild elevation gain.  We will hike to the mine and have our lunch/snacks to enjoy the ruins themselves but also the beautiful views over the mountains.  This area is the headwaters to the east fork of the San Gabriel River.  On return we will take an optional short side trail to the Vincent Cabin.

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is highly recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch.

Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon August 25th 2024 (S)

Cucamonga Peak Via Icehouse Canyon (S)

Date: August 25th, 2024

Time: 8:30 AM

Location: Eastern San Gabriel Mountains

Length: 12 miles

Elevation Gain: 4186 feet

Peak Elevation: 8862 feet

Difficulty: Hard

Permits: Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency plus Wilderness Permit

Lunch: Yes

Dogs: Yes on leash

MAX Group: 10 People

This is a beautiful hike in the peaks near Mt Baldy and very similar to Baldy in terms of terrain and difficulty. We will hike up the Icehouse Canyon approach to the summit where we will enjoy the amazing views and have our lunch.  The summit on this trail is particularly interesting and one of the most IG worthy summits in the area.

You will need a pass for parking but we will secure the wilderness permit for the group. If you go on your own there are a couple of options for the Wilderness Permit.  You can bring a pen and fill out a permit at the trailhead OR for this one you can also do the permit online at here.  The wilderness permits are free the parking is not.  

We will plan to leave the trailhead at 8:30 am and return around 3:00pm depending on how long we linger at the summit.  This is one of the ‘alternate’ hikes for our Seven Summits challenge but is accessible to anyone with a good fitness level.  Like all of the summit hikes we rate this one as hard due to the length of the ascent and elevation gain.  But the peak elevation is 2k less than Baldy so you won’t have the same altitude effect and the summit will be very pleasant but not as cold. 

What to bring: 3 liters of water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Ontario Peak Via Icehouse Canyon September 8th 2024 (S)

Ontario Peak Via Icehouse Canyon (S)

Date: September 8th, 2024

Time: 8:30 AM

Location: Eastern San Gabriel Mountains

Length: 12.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 3894 feet

Peak Elevation: 8696 feet

Difficulty: Hard

Permits: Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency plus Wilderness Permit

Lunch: Yes

Dogs: Yes on leash (not recommended)

Max group size: 10 (plus leaders)

This is a beautiful hike in the peaks near Mt Baldy and very similar to Cucamonga Peak in terms of terrain and difficulty. We will hike up the Icehouse Canyon approach to Icehouse Saddle where we will take a break before the final stretch to the summit. The summit on this trail is particularly interesting and one of the most IG worthy summits in the area (along with its neighbor Cucamonga Peak).  We will take a break there to enjoy lunch and the incredible view before we head back down.

You will need a pass for parking (Adventure or America the Beautiful) and  The wilderness permits are free at the trailhead.  

We will plan to leave the trailhead at 8:30 am and return around 3:00pm depending on how long we linger at the summit.  This is one of the ‘alternate’ hikes for our Seven Summits challenge but is accessible to anyone with a good fitness level.  Like all of the summit hikes we rate this one as hard due to the length of the ascent and elevation gain.  But the peak elevation is 2k less than Baldy so you won’t have the same altitude effect and the summit will be very pleasant but not as cold. 

What to bring: 3 liters of water, sunscreen/protective clothing, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Parking at the Trailhead is limited so please consider carpooling!

San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek Trail Cancelled 2024 (S)

San Gorgonio Mountain

Length: 18 miles 

Date: Cancelled

Location: San Bernardino Mountains-San Gorgonio Wilderness Area

Elevation Gain: 5700 feet 

Peak Elevation: 11,499 feet

Difficulty Level: Hard

Permits: A Wilderness Permit for hiking and a parking permit, Adventure or National Park Pass

Lunch: Yes

Pets: Yes on leash but NOT recommended

MAX Group: 10

San Gorgonio is the tallest peak in the San Bernardino range and that says a lot given the elevation of the range.  Altitude will be a consideration on this one so we will plan to move at a slower pace and make sure everyone has an enjoyable albeit challenging experience. We are leaving earlier than most hikes due to the distance.

We will be hiking in mixed forest much of the way until we get to tree line where the rest of the way is very exposed so wear a hat and bring your sunscreen.  Water is also going to be an important consideration.  There are streams along the route from Vivian Creek however many of these dry up after the snow has fully melted so we will check the conditions before we go and plan accordingly.

The hike is beautiful, and we will have lunch at the peak to soak in views from the ocean to Nevada!  We plan to finish up around 4pm depending on our pace and how long we linger at the summit. 

Be sure to wear hiking boots and plan to layer for the summit.  It will be much colder and windier up there than at the trailhead.  

What to bring: 3 liters of water+1, electrolytes, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes, hiking poles (optional but a good idea), day pack or hydration pack with plenty of snacks and lunch.

San Jacinto Peak Via Aerial Tramway September 22nd 2024 (S)

San Jacinto

Tramway Route

Location: San Jacinto Mountains-Palm Springs

Date: Sept 22nd, 9am

Length: 11 miles 

Elevation Gain: 2620 feet 

Peak Elevation: 10,834 feet

Difficulty: Moderate-difficult due to altitude and length

Permits: Aerial Tramway ticket on site for $31 free wilderness permit at trailhead.

Lunch: Yes

Dogs: No

MAX Group: 10 people including C2C

San Jacinto Peak is one of the classic summits in SoCal.  The views are mind-blowing in every direction but especially looking out over the desert that is more than 10k feet below.  This route is the easiest route to summit San Jacinto, but it’s still very challenging.  You will be hiking at a much higher elevation than where you will start out and its 6 miles to the top.  The hike itself is one of the most beautiful in the area.  

We will start out hiking through a high valley that is popular with rock climbers before heading up through pine forest.  You will notice the crowds thinning as you continue on toward the summit.  There are several high camps that are popular with hikers utilizing the lower part of the trail.  The last 2 miles of the hike are in the boulder fields, adding to the beauty and the challenge.  It’s a really great hike!

Regardless of the temperature in the desert, it will likely be very chilly at the top and extremely windy.  Layering is key and you should plan to carry a jacket to put on as you get into the higher elevation areas.  Gloves and ear protection are also important because the normally high winds blowing cold air will make any exposed skin feel extremely uncomfortable.  We will find a sheltered place at the summit to enjoy our lunch in the warm sun!  

As you return from the summit you will shed your layers going lower.  I do NOT recommend wearing shorts for this hike.  

We should be finished up by 5pm or so depending on how long we linger at the summit and will catch the next available tramway back down.  

The cost of the tram is $31 round trip, and you will need to purchase your ticket when we get there.  Advanced purchases are limited. 

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), midweight gloves and ear protection recommended, hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is highly recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch there is a high calorie burn on this route so be sure to have breakfast!

  

Trailhead Directions

We will have a carpool chat going in Whats App.

Strawberry Peak via Redbox October 13th 2024

Strawberry Peak Via Redbox

Location: San Gabriel Mountains 

Date: October 13th 9am

Length: 7.3 miles 

Elevation Gain: 1772 feet 

Peak Elevation: 6,158 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits: USFS Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency  

Lunch: Yes

Dogs: Yes on Leash (climb to the peak is not pet friendly)

This moderate trail in the heart of the San Gabriel’s rewards you with some of the most spectacular views in the area.  This up and back is short and scenic with a fun scramble to the summit.   Views of the surrounding mountains including Baldy are amazing and when we are finished soaking it all in over lunch we will head back down.  

We will begin from Red Box parking area and make it to the summit and return around 2pm. This is a little steep and will be a little slower on the trip up and the summit is worth some time to linger.

What to bring: 3 liters of water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Devil’s Punchbowl October 19th 2024

Devil’s Chair Hike

Date: October 19th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area

Length: 7.5 Miles (Plus 1 mile punchbowl trail)

Elevation Gain: 1850 feet

Peak Elevation: 5330 feet

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Permits: None it’s a County Park

Lunch: Yes

Dogs: Yes on leash

Devil’s Punchbowl is one of the most beautiful and unique places to hike around LA.  Its located on the northeastern side of Angeles National Forest when the Mohave Desert meets the San Gabriel’s. The Punchbowl fault runs parallel to the San Andreas fault and created the surreal landscape of the canyon.  Massive slabs of sandstone set up on end and then eroded over time.  

We begin our hike to Devils Chair in a desert landscape that quickly gives way to a beautiful hike through the pine forests of the San Gabriel’s.  

The Devil’s Chair is a breathtaking point overlooking the 300-foot-deep canyon with the unique rock formations, behind you the mountain rises to 8,000 feet!  We will return from the point and stop for lunch along the way overlooking the canyon before heading back the way we came.  

When we return to the parking area and visitors center, you will have an option to hike around the Punchbowl formation itself which is well worth the extra mile.  

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch!

Trailhead Directions

There is a large parking area near the visitors center but carpooling is always suggested.

Sturtevant Falls and Camp Via Chantry Flat November 9th 2024

Sturtevant Falls and Camp Via Chantry Flat

Date: November 9th 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Chantry Flat San Gabriel Mountains 

Length: 7.5 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1919 feet

Peak Elevation: 3200 feet

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Permits: USFS Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass

Lunch: Yes

Dogs: Yes on Leash

Chantry Flat was closed for many years due to the Bobcat Fire in 2020 but has reopened many of the trails including this one.  This lollipop trail is one of the best shorter hikes in the area.  The trail will take us first to the base of Sturtevant Falls which is a 70’ waterfall flowing year around most years.  Then we double back a short distance and take the trail to the top of the falls.  Here the trail follows the river past several pools.  

When we reach the junction to loop back and continue up to visit Sturtevant Camp.  This mountain cabin ‘resort’ is one of the only ones left from the Golden Age of Hiking during the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s.  It was built in 1893 and is reopening after the fire closure as well.  It’s still serviced by Adams Pack Station which is the last remaining pack station in SoCal!  We will make a stop at the Pack Station after the hike to check out the store and they also have a restaurant and snack shop.

We will return the way we came to the junction and go right around the loop and back to the trailhead. 

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is highly recommended.  Bring lunch and plenty of snacks.

Parking is tight at the trailhead and we always recommend carpooling if you can!

Bridge To Nowhere November 9th 2024 CANCELLED DUE TO FIRE CLOSURE!

Date: November 9th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: San Gabriel Mountains

Length: 9.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1246 feet

Peak Elevation: 2,755

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits: Parking Fee or Adventure Pass

Lunch: Yes, pack a lunch!

Dogs: Yes, on leash.

This is one of the most amazing hikes around.  You will experience the beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains, hike a rugged trail with several stream crossings, and in the end arrive at one of the most interesting sites in SoCal.   The bridge spanning the San Gabriel River was built back in the 1930’s as part of a road project through the canyon.  The road washed away a few years later and was never rebuilt.  So now all that’s left is a large bridge leading nowhere.  You probably recognize this area on social media, film and television commercials. 

We will hike to the bridge and have lunch and spend some time soaking in the beauty of the canyon and the bridge.  There are swimming holes under the bridge too if you want to wear your swimming suit under your hiking clothes.

Anyone who would like to try the famous bungee jump that has operated on this bridge for decades can. But this is not part of what we are offering. You can visit their website and book through them. You will need to hike to the bridge with the bungee company and then you can have lunch and hike out with us. The bridge is owned by Bungee America and you can reserve a jump at https://www.bungeeamerica.com if you wish.

Pack your lunch, 3 liters of water, snacks, electrolytes, and hiking poles (you will want those for stream crossings).  Also, for this hike you will want appropriate shoes for the river crossings, you will be in the water on a few of them.  Most crossings will be shallow depending on rain, but a pair of water shoes or flip flops can be nice to keep your boots dry, some people just prefer to go barefoot or just get their boots wet. Weather permitting you may want to wear shorts in case the crossings are deep in places.   

Trailhead Directions

Trailhead parking can be difficult so please consider joining the carpool chat!

Hollywood Sign November 29th 2024

Date: November 29th, 2024

Time: 9:00 am

Location: Griffith Park

Length: 7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,100 Feet

Peak Elevation: 1,709 Feet

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate 

Permits: None

Lunch: Yes there is a great view from Burbank Peak!

Pets: Yes on leash

But its Black Friday!?! 

Many years ago, REI decided to close its stores on largest shopping day of the year and #optoutside…I really loved the idea of consuming the beauty of nature over the chaos of mass consumption door buster deals.  And so, a tradition was born for me.  

This year we have planned a fun but iconic hike in Griffith Park, home to many LA attractions and hiking trails.  On this hike we will check out the Bronson caves, famous from the Batman series, then hike to our ever present Hollywood sign, enjoy our lunch at the Wisdom Tree and return.   

Parts of this hike are paved, and while I always recommend hiking poles (see our day hiking gear list) you may want to put the rubber tips that come with the poles on them to save wear and tear.  Or just stow them on the paved sections.

There are many ways to get to the sign, we will be taking the route that leads from Canyon Drive.  Parking can be tight so try to join a carpool if you can.  

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is highly recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch.

Trailhead Directions

Trailhead parking is tight so please consider joining the carpool chat!

M*A*S*H Hike December 7th 2024

Date: December 7th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Malibu Creek State Park

Length: 4.75 Miles

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Peak Elevation: N/A

Difficulty: Easy

Permits:  There is an $8.00 parking fee for the State Park unless you have an annual pass.

Lunch: Light lunch or snack at the site

Dogs: Yes on leash

Located in Malibu Creek, this really cool hike leads to the MASH site where you will experience the iconic scenery from the set of the popular film and TV series.  The site is marked with the areas where the show’s Army tents once stood, features an old ambulance and even the famous chopper pad.  There are picnic tables under a camouflage net where we can enjoy a snack, explore the area and then return.  Depending on time we may add a couple of spur trails in the area too.  

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is highly recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and a light lunch if you want to enjoy it at the site.

Trailhead Directions

Trailhead parking can be tight so please consider joining the carpool chat!

Solstice Canyon December 21st 2024

Date: December 21st, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Santa Monica Mountains NRA

Length: 6.3 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1,880 feet

Peak Elevation: 1.260 Feet

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Permits: None Required

Lunch: Yes 

Dogs: Yes on leash

This is a fun trail with great views and plenty of cool things to see.  We will hike the loop counterclockwise up the Sostomo trail and then the Deer Valley Loop.   This area has great views of the ocean and canyon below.  Depending on the weather we can have lunch at the top of the Deer Valley loop.  It’s a great spot to stop and soak in the views but sometimes can be very hot.  If its too hot we will eat below at the waterfall. 

Getting the hard part of the hike out of the way early, we will be heading downhill from there.  At the base of the Deer Valley loop we will find the waterfall and the ruins of a house built in the 1950’s by a famous architect.  It burned and was never rebuilt, eventually becoming part of the Santa Monica Mounts NRA.  What remains offers a shady and cool place to take a break and explore the falls.  

Then as we head back along the shaded trail we will pass the Keller House, which burned in a wildfire, but the stone walls are still intact.  This is one of the oldest remaining structures in Malibu.  

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is highly recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks and lunch.

Trailhead Directions

Trailhead parking can be tight so please consider joining the carpool chat!

Temescal Canyon December 26th 2024

Date: December 26th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Pacific Palisades

Length: 3.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 935 feet

Peak Elevation: 1190

Difficulty: Easy

Permits: Parking Fee for the Park

Lunch: No 

Dogs: No

It’s the day after Christmas and time to get out and get some fresh air!   

Temescal Canyon Park is one of several fun but short hikes in the metro area.  The loop can be done in under three miles, but we are going to take a side trip at the top to see Skull Rock, which is a cool rock formation carved by the wind.  

You are going to love the views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu, Downtown, and even Catalina on a clear day!  We will hike this one clockwise and there is plenty of shade cover especially on the return trip heading past the waterfalls.  This is a short hike so we will not plan to have lunch, but definitely bring snacks for the summit. There is a lot of loose gravel coming back down so you will want to have your hiking poles on this one.  

At the end of the trail there is an old conference and retreat center that we will pass through.  It’s a pretty cool spot that was built in the 1920’s as a Presbyterian conference center.  There are picnic tables and a nice park area at that site.  

What to bring: water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes (hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended), hiking poles, day pack or hydration pack with a 3 liter water capacity, an additional bottle containing electrolytes is highly recommended.  Bring plenty of snacks.

Trailhead Directions

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