Now that March is here, it sure seems like a great time to brush off that hiking bucket list and go hit some of Southern California’s best hiking trails. If your bucket list is in need of a little refreshing, here are 11 hikes that will give you a dose of inspiration. Number six is my personal favorite. Which one is tops on your list?
- Point Dume – 27807 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
flickr/liza agsalud If you love wildflowers and ocean views, then you might just fall in love with this splendid two-mile hike in Malibu. At the highest point along Point Dume get ready for stunning views of Point Mugu and the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s beyond breathtaking.
- Echo Mountain via Sam MerrillTrail – E Loma Alta Dr At Lake Ave in Altadena.
flickr/traveling man This scenic hike to Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail is 5-miles of pure bliss. There is a bit of an incline on this trail so make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring a full bottle of water. But once you reach the top you’ll be treated to an unbelievable view of Pasadena and the surrounding areas which makes all that huffing and puffing worth it.
- San Clemente Beach Trail
flickr/rails to trails conservancy Only pedestrians are allowed on this picturesque trail in San Clemente, which makes for a peaceful stroll along this 2.3 mile stretch of coastal beauty.
- The Ferndell Trail – Fern Dell Drive & Black Oak Drive in Los Angeles inside Griffith Park.
yelp/michelle b.
yelp/jo s. For a super quick and easy trail that’s approximately a half-mile round trip, make sure to check out the Ferndell Trail inside Griffith Park. You’ll find a stunning canopy of trees, lush and exotic ferns, a charming bridge, and a tranquil pond all in a single hike that will take you less than an hour. Pure bliss!
- Peters Canyon Regional Park in Orange County –8548 E Canyon View Ave inOrange, CA.
yelp/leanna c. There are 10 trails to choose from at Peters Canyon Regional Park, with the longest trail spanning 5.5 miles. So, when you head to this scenic park, your biggest decision of the day will be which trail to choose.
- Castle Rock Trail – Big Bear Boulevard
flickr/daveynin This stunning forest nature trail dotted with pine and cedar trees is three miles of perfection. Located only a short drive from Big Bear Lake, you’ll have some time to drive into town and grab a bite to eat in the heart of the village after spending some time in the woods.
- The Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument – 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive in San Diego
yelp/kelly j. Located inside the Cabrillo National Monument you’ll find a heavenly two-mile trail that provides breathtaking views of San Diego Bay. Time your visit on a clear and sunny afternoon and you’ll see all sorts of boat activity inside the water. This is one special trail you won’t want to miss.
- Oso Creek Trail – 24932 Veterans Way in Mission Viejo, CA
yelp/Ingrid v.
yelp/chanie s. The Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo is a trail most locals know and love but it’s sure worth a drive for those who are not in the immediate area. One of the most delightful parts of this magnificent nature trail is ending up in a magical and unexpected garden labyrinth. Such a sublime sight to see!
- Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve – 18000 Pacific Coast Hwy in Huntington Beach.
flickr/corey seeman There are many trails to choose from at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and they all offer a variety of nature and wildlife to see along the way. From pelicans and sandpipers and rabbits to coyotes, you never know what you might see at this nature retreat in Huntington Beach.
- Coral Canyon State Park– 25623 Pacific Coast Hwy in Malibu, CA.
yelp/stephanie p. Nothing quite beats a scenic hike in the Santa Monica Mountains and Coral Canyon State Park is no different. This tranquil 2.5 mile loop is quite easy and breezy. And the soaring ocean views of the Malibu Coast definitely does not disappoint.
- Sycamore Canyon Park – 22930 Golden Springs Drive in Diamond Bar, CA.
yelp/raymond r. This nature setting is quite the treasure in Diamond Bar. You’ll find a pristine park setting full of nature trails, lush greenery, a quaint creek, and lots of benches to rest and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Are you as excited to get out on the trail as I am? For more outdoor adventures in Southern California, make sure to take a look at our Only In Your State homepage where you can find an abundance of unique SoCal outings that will get you out in nature in no time.
flickr/liza agsalud
If you love wildflowers and ocean views, then you might just fall in love with this splendid two-mile hike in Malibu. At the highest point along Point Dume get ready for stunning views of Point Mugu and the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s beyond breathtaking.
flickr/traveling man
This scenic hike to Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail is 5-miles of pure bliss. There is a bit of an incline on this trail so make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring a full bottle of water. But once you reach the top you’ll be treated to an unbelievable view of Pasadena and the surrounding areas which makes all that huffing and puffing worth it.
flickr/rails to trails conservancy
Only pedestrians are allowed on this picturesque trail in San Clemente, which makes for a peaceful stroll along this 2.3 mile stretch of coastal beauty.
yelp/michelle b.
yelp/jo s.
For a super quick and easy trail that’s approximately a half-mile round trip, make sure to check out the Ferndell Trail inside Griffith Park. You’ll find a stunning canopy of trees, lush and exotic ferns, a charming bridge, and a tranquil pond all in a single hike that will take you less than an hour. Pure bliss!
yelp/leanna c.
There are 10 trails to choose from at Peters Canyon Regional Park, with the longest trail spanning 5.5 miles. So, when you head to this scenic park, your biggest decision of the day will be which trail to choose.
flickr/daveynin
This stunning forest nature trail dotted with pine and cedar trees is three miles of perfection. Located only a short drive from Big Bear Lake, you’ll have some time to drive into town and grab a bite to eat in the heart of the village after spending some time in the woods.
yelp/kelly j.
Located inside the Cabrillo National Monument you’ll find a heavenly two-mile trail that provides breathtaking views of San Diego Bay. Time your visit on a clear and sunny afternoon and you’ll see all sorts of boat activity inside the water. This is one special trail you won’t want to miss.
yelp/Ingrid v.
yelp/chanie s.
The Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo is a trail most locals know and love but it’s sure worth a drive for those who are not in the immediate area. One of the most delightful parts of this magnificent nature trail is ending up in a magical and unexpected garden labyrinth. Such a sublime sight to see!
flickr/corey seeman
There are many trails to choose from at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and they all offer a variety of nature and wildlife to see along the way. From pelicans and sandpipers and rabbits to coyotes, you never know what you might see at this nature retreat in Huntington Beach.
yelp/stephanie p.
Nothing quite beats a scenic hike in the Santa Monica Mountains and Coral Canyon State Park is no different. This tranquil 2.5 mile loop is quite easy and breezy. And the soaring ocean views of the Malibu Coast definitely does not disappoint.
yelp/raymond r.
This nature setting is quite the treasure in Diamond Bar. You’ll find a pristine park setting full of nature trails, lush greenery, a quaint creek, and lots of benches to rest and take in the beautiful surroundings.
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