• Highlights: Wooded forest, stream
• Near: Mount Wilson, CA
• Distance: 5 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1800 ft
• Hike Time: 3 hours
• Difficulty: 4/10
• Trail Condition: well maintained trail
• Trail head map: Click here for Google map
• Restrictions: Adventure Pass required to park
• Rating:

Summary:

Nice trail descending a the stream-laced canyon of the San Gabriel mountains. Valley Forge campground is located alongside a flowing river with several benches, bathrooms and beautiful green flora.

You will pass cabins which were homestead to pioneers and settlers in the early 1900s where gold was panned. On the way back, take the service road for nice change of pace.

Trailhead:

From Los Angeles: 210 fwy (east) to Hwy 2 (right) to Mount Wilson Red Box Rd. (right) to parking lot.

leopard lilly

crossing mossy stream

ken on gabrialeno trail

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Highlights: Sandy beach, views, tide pools, beautiful houses

• Near: Redondo Beach, CA
• Distance: 4 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 ft.
• Hike Time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: 3/10
• Trail Condition: well maintained trail, paved road, sandy beach
• Trail head map: Click here for Google map
• Rating:

Summary:

This is a good trainer hike with some nice views of Santa Monica Bay and Malaga Cove. The route starts at Torrance Beach which is actually in Redondo Beach (go figure) and ends up in beautiful Malaga Cove. During the trip you will be walking through soft sand, hard sand, light trail and pavement. Try this at sunset for a change of pace or bring a swim suit for a nice dip afterwards.

Trailhead:

From Los Angeles – 405 fwy (south) to Hawthorne Bl. (south) to Torrance Bl. (right) to Catalina Av. (left) to Esplande (right) to parking lot.

malage cove from bench

surfers at malaga cove

palos verdes from redondo beach

malaga cove sunset

malaga cove pool at sunset

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Highlights: Forest and stream, rustic cabins, watershed, high country views

• Near: Mount Baldy, CA
• Distance: 12 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 4000 ft.
• Hike Time: 2 days
• Difficulty: 7/10
• Trail Condition: well maintained trail
• Restrictions: Adventure Pass required to park
• Trail head map: Click here for Google map
• Rating:

Summary:

This backpack takes you through the lush and beautiful Icehouse Canyon and up to Icehouse Saddle where you reach Kelly’s Camp. The camp is nice and roomy with plenty of trees for shade. As of this writing there was a PVC water pipe stuck in the ground that percolated fresh water for the camp guests. From there you go on to Ontario Peak. The views are spectacular on a clear day. You can make out all of Southern California with a 360 degree view. The Icehouse Canyon trail is for serious hikers. Either take extra time, lots of breaks or be in fantastic shape.

Trailhead:

From Los Angeles – I-210 (east) to Baseline Rd. (left) to Padua Av. (right) to Mount Baldy Rd. (right) to Icehouse Canyon Rd. (right) to trailhead.

ken at ontario view point

ken climbing tree

icehouse canyon trail

ontario peak tree in lens flare

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