• Highlights:Ocean and mountain views, sandstone formations
• Near: Malibu, CA
• Distance: 6 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 600 ft
• Hike Time: 3 hours
• Difficulty: 3/10
• Trail Condition: Fire road
• Trail head map: Click here for Google map
• Rating:

Summary:

The hike follows a 2,000 foot ridge which offers great views of the ocean to the west and Calabasas to the east. There is no shade on the hike so choose a day that’s not too hot. On a clear day you can see Catalina and the Channel Islands. You can make this a longer hike by continuing along the fire road to Malibu Canyon Road.

Trailhead:
From Los Angeles: Pacific Coast Hwy (north) to Corral Canyon Rd. to parking lot at end of paved road.

Rock Art at Castro Crest

Castro Crest View with Buckwheat

Cast Crest Trail View

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• Highlights:Sycamore grove, meadows, bird watching, wildflowers, caves
• Near: Laguna Niguel, CA
• Distance: 8 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 400 ft
• Hike Time: 3 hours
• Difficulty: 4/10
• Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
• Trail head map: Click here for Google map
• Rating:

Summary:
Aliso & Wood Canyons Regional Park is the largest park in the hills above Laguna Beach which preserves 3,400 acres of pastoral Orange County.

Most locals and other hikers refer to the low hills that back the Orange County coast from Corona del Mar to Dana Point as the Laguna Hills or “the mountains behind Laguna Beach.” Actually, the northerly hills are the San Joaquin Hills, their cousins to the south the Sheep Hills.

The shallow caves have been formed by erosion where old time bandits have found refuge. Heavy ceiling soot is the only evidence of its storied past.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for this hike since it can get hot in this canyon. You will be sharing the trail with numerous mountain bikers. The park has many trails to choose from. Click here for a park map.

Trailhead:
From Los Angeles: 405 fwy (south) to 5 fwy (south) to Alicia Pkwy (west) to Awma Rd. (right) to parking lot.

 

Aliso and Wood Canyon Overview

Aliso Caves

Dudleya - Looks like Rock Art

Flowering Calabazilla

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• Highlights: Deep wooded canyons, beautiful creek, mountain peak
• Near: Sierra Madre, CA
• Distance: 9 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1500 ft
• Hike Time: 5 hours
• Difficulty: 6/10
• Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
• Trail head: Click here for Google map
• Adventure Pass Required to park
• Rating:

Summary:
This hike is best done in spring, but can be hiked anytime of the year. The trail is mostly shaded with tall pine trees, so the summer-time heat is kept at a minimum. You will enjoy this pretty trail even though the view at Mount Zion is not the best. Get to the trailhead before 8 AM on weekends since this is one of the most popular spots to hike. This is a good trainer hike for backpacking trips on more vigorous journeys. You can even camp overnight at Spruce Grove Campground.

Trailhead:
From Los Angeles – 210 fwy (east) to Santa Anita Av. (north) to end of road.

View of Chantry Flats

Mount Wilson From Trail

Mount Zion View

Creek Along Trail

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