Summer may have passed, but that doesn’t mean hiking season is quite over. We are so fortunate here in Southern California to be so close to some of the most beautiful hiking trails that are accessible year round. With hiking burning 400 – 550 calories an hour, there’s no better way to start off the Fall season than with a little exercise with beautiful views.
Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa
Located in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains, this trail is a moderate climb from the Pacific Palisades through the Topanga State Park to the top of Parker Mesa. Here you will experience some of the most beautiful coastal views of the city.
Malibu State Creek
Malibu State Creek has trails and hikes for people of all experience levels from flat strolls along the Canyon floor to climbing the ridge of the Castro Crest. Here you can rock climb, hike through lakes and rivers, all while viewing some impressive film history. This one is worth the drive.
Top of the World
Located in Laguna Beach, this is one of our favorite hikes in Orange County. It is an easy 2.5 miles round trip with beautiful 360-degree views of Southern California. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Catalina Island to the West and the San Gabriel Mountains to the North.
Bridge to Nowhere
This is definitely a hike for the more experienced. This 10-mile round trip hike takes you through rivers, forgotten LA history, and deep into the San Gabriel Mountains. Here you will see where engineers tried to build a road in the 1930s but were washed away in a flood. The only thing that remains is a 120-foot arched bridge that leads to nowhere, hence the name.
Red Rock Canyon
Located in Lake Forest, this four-mile trek takes you through the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park with Instagram-worthy views of red sandstone canyons. The best time to hike this trail is in the evening, just as the sun is setting.