Hi guys!

Welcome to my new series where I hike different trails throughout Southern California and rate them!

It took me more than 13 years to finally get into hiking and I can honestly say I find it exciting and fulfilling! I have been building up endurance over the past 2 months and at the moment I am only comfortable hiking easy to moderately challenging trails that are between 2 – 4 hours round trip.

I use All Trails as a main source of where to find hikes that I would be the most comfortable with. I also like to watch a YouTube Channel called The Hiking Guy. I try and hike about 1 – 2 new trails a week.

I only have videos from my TikToks that I have done. I want to try and do a better job at taking more photos on my hikes but I get so caught up with capturing video sometimes. I embedded the videos below.

This page will be updated regularly, so I hope you enjoy! As always, don’t forget to dress appropriately for the weather, wear good shoes and pack plenty of water and snacks!

Eaton Canyon Trail – Pasadena

October 2023

Eaton Canyon is the first trail I ever did in Southern California since I live in Pasadena! It has one of the most popular waterfalls hikes in the LA area. I took the short route through the Pinecrest Gate and it takes about 1 1/2 hours round trip, 3 1/2 miles out and back.

According to the Eaton Canyon Nature Center Association, the trail was “originally called ‘El Precipicio’ by the Spanish settlers because of its steep gorges. It is now named after Judge Benjamin Eaton, who built the first Fair Oaks Ranch House in 1865 not far from Eaton Creek. Judge Eaton was also the first to use irrigation from the creek to grow grapes on the slopes. He was also instrumental in the development of the Mount Wilson Toll Road in 1891, and proposed a tramway to Mount Wilson which later was built to Mount Lowe instead.”

Besides hiking a trail, you have to cross the creek about 8 times and also climb some boulders to get to the waterfall. I did not have any water shoes and I was shocked I only got my tennis shoes slightly wet! Had I built up more endurance I would’ve found this hike easy but to me it was slightly challenging at the time.

Rating: 3.5/5

Cobb Estate / Sam Merrill Trail – Altadena

November 2023

The Cobb Estate / Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain is another trail I definitely wished I had built more endurance on other trails. It leads you to the top of the old Mt. Lowe Railway system from the late 1800s to early 1900s and also has some artifacts. A bit further up toward Inspiration Point, you can view through telescopes of Catalina Island and other areas around the LA area.

It takes about 3 hours round trip to complete and is 5.3 miles out and back. Unfortunately, I only made it halfway through before I decided to head back down, it was a bit challenging. I definitely want to try this trail again once I build more endurance and also hike this with a friend!

Rating: 3/5

Lower Old Zoo Loop – Griffith Park, Los Angeles

November 2023

The Lower Old Zoo Loop is one of my favorite trails because it’s simple and easy, LOL! This was also my first ever hike in Griffith Park. It takes a little over an hour to complete and is about 2 1/2 miles out and back.

I loved seeing the site of where the Old LA Zoo was from 1912 – 1966, there is so much history. There are the cages and boulder areas that used to house the animals, you can even climb in them! I would recommend this hike for the kids as well, they will have a blast!

Rating: 5/5

Painted Stairways – Silver Lake, Los Angeles

November 2023

There are many Painted Stairway Hikes in Silver Lake through a group called the SoCal Stair Climbers. I decided to hike the 5 mile route, which I did not end up completing. I thought it would be easy and simple but OMG….those steps gave me a workout! I would say this route is moderately challenging.

I believe there were 14 staircases on this hike and I only saw about half of them. It is worth it to see how art was incorporated into staircases. I was still proud of myself though!

Rating: 3/5

Ernest E. Debs Park Loop – Montecito Hills, Los Angeles

November 2023

To date, the Ernest E. Debs Park Loop is my favorite. There are only about 2 – 3 steep inclines and many areas explore! According to the UCLA Center for Oral History Research, “Debs was a California State Assembly member from 1942 to 1947, a Los Angeles city councilman from 1947 to 1958 and a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from 1958 to 1974.” There’s a lake with turtles (although I didn’t see the turtles that day), a swing, artwork, a view of the San Gabriel Valley Mountains and DTLA, and other hidden gems!

It’s a moderate hike that takes about 1 1/2 hours to complete and is about 2 1/2 miles out and back. This is also another fun trail for the kids!

Rating: 4.5/5

Bronson Cave Trail – Griffith Park, Los Angeles

November 2023

You have probably seen the Bronson Cave in many TV shows and movies such as Batman and Star Trek. It was originally used as an evacuation route back in the early 1900s, according to Brice Bischoff. I read mixed reviews that the cave was or was not fenced off due to falling rocks. When I went, it was fenced off on both sides.

It is so easy to hike, it too me about 15 minutes round trip and is 1 mile out and back. I would still recommend going and seeing a piece of Hollywood movie history!

Rating: 4.5/5

Griffith Observatory – Griffith Park, Los Angeles

November 2023

Griffith Observatory is a very popular hike around Griffith Park! I started at the Ferndell Trail and made my way up the East Trail and came back down on the West Trail (I felt like the East Trail was a bit easier to climb). There is an amazing overlook of West Hollywood and DTLA and I even found a small area further up the incline with flowers popping out of a tree trunk and a view of DTLA. You can also see a view of the Hollywood sign at the top of the observatory and down the West Trail. There was even a couple having their wedding photos taken when I went around the observatory!

The whole route takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete and is about 2 1/5 miles out and back. There were a few steep inclines and I would consider this route moderate. I highly recommend doing this trail!

Rating: 4/5

Eagle Rock Canyon – Eagle Rock, Los Angeles

November 2023

I kept reading about how the Eagle Rock Canyon Trail had poison oak everywhere and overgrown brush. I thought, it’s only a 1 mile out and back trail that takes about 30 minutes to complete, how bad could it be?

It wasn’t great and the trail is not well maintained. I couldn’t find the trail at first and ended up climbing up this steep hill to a staircase that was broken, only to later find that it was fenced off at the top to the rock. So I went back down to where I started and found the trail hidden amongst the trees. The trail was very narrow, full of brush and hard to navigate at times. At the top, not only was it fenced off and the entryways were locked up, there were a ton of bees! Also, you cannot access the rock at all!

I immediately went back down. If you go, enter at your own risk!

Rating: 1/5

Paramount Ranch – Agoura Hills

November 2023

For the Paramount Ranch Perimeter Loop, my GPS took me to where the horse trail begins. I was walking all over the place thinking the ranch was back into the mountains – boy was I wrong! I finally ended up walking about another mile on another trail until I saw the ranch. I knew that most of it was destroyed during the Woolsey Fire in 2018 and only saw the church and bridge from HBO’s “Westworld.” It is also under construction for a new event center that will open in fall 2024.

You can also access the Santa Monica Mountains but there was a lot of overgrown brush and I did not feel like hiking through all of it. Overall, this easy hike it takes about 50 minutes and is 2 miles out and back.

Rating: 3.5/5

Hollywood Sign – Lake Hollywood Park, Los Angeles

December 2023

You can’t live in LA without hiking the Hollywood Sign at least once! This is obviously a very popular hike with many routes through Griffith Park but I found one on TikTok starting and ending at Lake Hollywood Park. You have to cut through residential neighborhoods, chained off areas, gates, a driveway and take a few trails but it was worth it, LOL! It looked a bit uncertain and unbelievable when I first did this hike but trust me…it worked great!

There are many views of the Hollywood Sign from the bottom of the trail to almost the top. When you get to the top, you are behind the sign but there is a small hill to climb up so you can get a better view looking over it. There are also amazing views of Hollywood, DTLA and the Lake Hollywood Park Reservoir.

It took about 2 hours round trip and about 2 1/2 miles out and back. It is worth it!

Rating: 4.5/5

Elysian Park – Los Angeles

December 2023

To be honest, I really wasn’t a fan of Elysian Park. It just was dirty with trash and broken glass, there was so much graffiti I have ever seen all over a park before, I saw 3 different groups of people doing drugs, the trails are too scattered and a coyote. Not that the coyote bothered me, but it looked skinny, weak and there was even a park worker who told me he feeds it a piece of meat around the same time daily.

I had to drive to a few different sections to hike. Overall, the loop would take about 1 1/2 – 2 hours for a 2 – 3 miles out and back. It was worth getting the photos of DTLA and Dodger Stadium from the top but if you go, be vigilant!

Rating: 2.5/5

Annandale Canyon Park – Pasadena

January 2024

I loved hiking Annandale Canyon because it was short and sweet. I passed some houses in the canyons and even got a nice view of Los Angeles from the top. This is a great hike for someone who has a packed day but wants to get a quick hike in!

It took 30 minutes round trip and is 1 mile out and back.

Rating: 4/5

Bailey Canyon Nature Trail – Sierra Madre

January 2024

I found the hike to the waterfall (aka the “dead end”) of the Bailey Canyon Nature Trail to be fairly doable and peaceful. I did have to climb some some minor terrain, cross wet rocks and a trickling of water but it was fun!

The trail is more than 1 mile out and back and took me less than an hour round trip. It’s important to note the the waterfall is on the lower end of the trail where the sign says 2/10th of a mile, not on the way up to Jones Peak! Also, you want to go when the weather conditions are sunny. With heavy rain, the trail floods easily.

Rating: 3.5/5

Pumpkin Rock Trail – Norco

January 2024

I really enjoyed hiking Pumpkin Rock Trail! I had to park at Pikes Peak Park and then made my way to the trail. There is a section on the lower part where you can view the horse sculptures. Then there is a trail that goes all the way up to Pumpkin Rock. There were some steep inclines at times and some of the trail was sunk in (I’m assuming from a slide, rain or earthquake) but it was still doable. It was awesome to see a big rock like that painted as a pumpkin!

It took under an hour round trip and is 1.6 miles out and back.

Rating: 3.5/5

Mount Rubidoux Trail – Riverside

January 2024

I consider hiking Mount Rubidoux Trail very peaceful and fun! I had to park near Ryan Bonamino Park and then walk a short ways to Mount Rubidoux Park. The trail is pavement, so it is easy to walk. The inclines weren’t too treacherous either and you can get amazing views of Jurupa Valley from all sides of the trail! You do have to climb some large, steep steps and rocks at times to get to Serra Cross and the Peace Tower but it is easy!

It took about 1 1/2 hours to complete and is a 3.2 mile loop. You can hit the Serra Cross, Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge no matter which way you go! I later learned at Serra Cross there is an annual Easter Sunrise Service since 1909!

Rating: 4/5

Swizter Falls Trail – Angeles National Forest

January 2024

Hiking to Switzer Falls via the Gabrielino Trail in the Angeles National Forest was a mix of emotions: fun, challenging and beautiful! The trail is named after Commodore Perry Switzer, who built a wilderness resort in the area during 1884, according to Hike-Los Angeles. I am so glad I brought my poles, you will need them. Also, wear sturdy shoes and you will need an annual or daily Adventure Pass!

The first part of the trail from the picnic area in the lower lot I followed the creek. I crossed the creek many times and then I saw a sign for Switzer Falls, the trail to the right going upward. I saw another waterfall from the top (you can’t hike to it from the bottom) and I kept going through a lot of rocky areas in the canyon. Eventually, I made my way downward and there is a sign for Switzer Falls. There is also swing before the falls, I had fun on it!

The trail is little more than 3 1/2 miles out and back and takes around 2 hours to complete. 

Rating: 3/5

Bark Park Trail – Calabasas

January 2024

I hiked Bark Park Trail on Jan. 26, 2024 to the site where Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and others crashed into the Santa Monica Mountains in Calabasas. It was nice to see the memorabilia people have left at the exact spot the helicopter crashed and pay tribute to the victims.

To get to the site, I parked in Bark Park and then took the trail up. Keep hiking to the left until you get to the memorial with photos, t-shirts and other items. I did hike up a bit further but found nothing of significance. The trail also allows you to take the New Millennium Loop, which is more than 12 miles, but Bark Park Trail itself is a little more than 2 miles out and back.

It takes a little over an hour roundtrip and is an easy hike.

Rating: 4.5/5

Franklin Canyon Loop – Beverly Hills

January 2024

I took a brief hike through Franklin Canyon Park (the Upper Reservoir) where “The Andy Griffith Show” and other movies and album covers were filmed (I included some photos in the TikTok). There was even a pond with some cute ducks swimming. It’s very peaceful yet simple and I highly recommend it! 

The loop is about 2 miles and takes 1 hour to complete, it’s pretty easy. Most of the trails surrounding it run back into the main loop, however, a couple were closed off due to the recent rain. 

Rating: 3.5/5

Flint Canyon Trail – La Canada Flintridge

February 2024

I hiked a small portion of Flint Canyon Trail in La Canada Flintridge to see the Devil’s Gate Reservoir/Dam and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory after the recent storms we had in Southern California! I parked at Hahamongna Watershed Park and make my way around the loop. It is super easy, fun and it was so pretty to see all of the water flowing!

This loop trail was a little more than 2 miles and took me about 1 1/2 hours to complete. 

Rating: 4.5/5

Paradise Falls, Teepee and Lizard Rock Trail – Thousand Oaks

February 2024

It was nice to hike to Paradise Falls, the Teepee and Lizard Rock in Thousand Oaks! The Teepee is on the way to the falls and is an easy stop. I later learned there’s The Little Cave about a half mile below it on another trail but I was so far ahead already that I didn’t want to back track. 

When hiking to Paradise Falls, you can see the falls from the top and the bottom. For a better view of the falls it is best to cross the creek. The rocks were a bit slippery but I managed!

For Lizard Rock, there is a good chunk of the loop going uphill. It is very steep and rocky, I am so glad I had my hiking poles with me!

The loop trail is more than 4 miles and took me about 2 1/2 hours to complete.

Rating: 3.5/5

Millard Canyon Falls Trail – Altadena

February 2024

Millard Canyon Falls in Altadena has been my favorite waterfall hike so far! The creek was definitely flowing from all of the recent rain in Southern California. I had to cross the creek about 8 times and a few of them were a bit tricky but doable. Definitely bring your hiking poles!

The trail is 1.2 miles out and back and took about an 1 hour to complete.

Rating: 4/5

Tunnels to Nowhere Trail – Azusa

February 2024

It was interesting hiking the Tunnels to Nowhere in the San Gabriel Valley Mountains near Azusa! The tunnels were originally built as escape routes during the Cold War. Construction began in 1956 with the first tunnel completed in 1961 and the second in 1964. The road was never finished.

The hike is off Shoemaker Canyon Road Trail and there are about 3 spots where you need to trek uphill – the trail is very rocky but doable! I saw no wildlife but there were gnats and bees. The tunnels have graffiti in them so it was interesting to check out the art! There was also a mini waterfall into the forest.

The trail is 5 miles out and back and took 2 hours to complete.

Rating: 3/5

Bonita Falls Trail – Lytle Creek

February 2024

Hiking to Bonita Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains was one of my favorite waterfall hikes so far! You have to follow the creek in and there are a ton of different rock sizes. There is also a slight incline to go up to the falls – be on the lookout for spray painted arrows on the rocks that guide the way. This was the tallest waterfall I have seen so far and all of the rain we recently got in Southern California made it extra special!

The trail is 1.5 miles out and back and took me a little over an hour to complete. Bring hiking poles!

Rating: 3.5/5

Fiji Hill Trail – Los Angeles

February 2024

Fiji Hill is located on the Occidental College campus and offers nice views of the Eagle Rock area and other parts of Los Angeles! There is also a swing, wildflowers, a view of the outdoor theater and supposedly coyotes but I never saw them. There are also some steep inclines, so take your time!

The trail is a 1.3 mile loop and you can access it through a variety of dirt trails near the Yosemite Recreation Center.

Rating: 3.5/5

Dawn Mine Loop Trail – Altadena

March 2024

Dawn Mine in Altadena is quite the hike! It is by far the most challenging hike I have done so far. 

Gold was discovered in Millard Canyon in 1895 and there are still some artifacts from Dawn Mine remaining (the mine itself was fenced off). There are multiple creek crossings (maybe under 20) and you will need hiking poles and waterproof boots! There are many stone stairs and boulders to climb as well along with different inclines. There were some rock slides from the recent storms as well. 

I did the loop from Sunridge Trail back to Mount Lowe Road at 5 1/2 miles in under 4 hours. I can not express enough to use the All Trails app, I got off course twice!

Rating: 2/5

Potato Mountain Trail – Claremont

March 2024

Hiking Potato Mountain in Claremont, California is quite the workout! It was the steepest hike I have done to date, bring hiking poles! There are some minor rocks slides and erosion but it was still doable. Seeing the potatoes at the top was funny and neat!

The trail is 4.3 miles out and back and took me about 2 1/2 hours to complete.

Rating: 2/5

Arroyo Seco Trail – Pasadena

March 2024

I always enjoy hiking the Arroyo Seco Trail in Pasadena! There are a lot of wildflowers and other small flowers blooming now that spring is here, including cherry blossoms! There are also birds and horse stables.

The loop trail is a little more than 3 miles and took me 1 1/2 hours to complete. Even with some erosion and a minor rock slide from the recent storms, it’s a very peaceful experience, perfect for spring!

Rating: 4.5/5

Hastings Debris Basin Trail – Pasadena

April 2024

It was a nice hike on the Hastings Debris Basin Trail in Pasadena! There are a lot of birds and wildflowers blooming now that it is spring. It was pretty easy to do and it also goes behind some mansions in Pasadena. There is 1 minor creek crossing as well. If you go slightly toward to end of the trail, you can see some artwork the neighbors have hung up.

The trail is 1 mile out and back and took about 30 minutes.

Rating: 4/5

Bonelli Bluffs Loop Trail – San Dimas

April 2024

The Bonelli Bluffs Loop at the Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas is a mix of tranquility and a workout! I saw 5 coyotes (1 solo and 4 together), they left me alone but I had a biker go up the hill with me on one part of the trail! There are a lot of geese and wildflowers now that spring is here. The Puddingstone Reservoir is full. There is also a flag with stones supposedly that I missed.

The trail is a 3 1/2 mile loop and took me about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete – I recommend using the All Trails app. Some spots are flat on the concrete and others are steep and a bit muddy.

Rating: 3.5/5

Brand Lateral Trail Loop – Glendale

April 2024

It was a workout and peaceful hiking the Brand Lateral Trail Loop in Glendale! The trial is “named after Leslie Coombs Brand, a Glendale pioneer who left his estate and land to the city after his death in 1925,” according to Dad Takes a Hike. I would recommend using the All Trails app, especially toward the end if you go counterclockwise like I did. It was recommended to follow the trail that way or else it would’ve been very tricky to get down! The trail is very steep in the beginning, especially the last quarter! After that it is easy and downhill from there – bring hiking poles!

There is also some history signs about Glendale and Leslie Brand at the top, a small waterfall, some spray paint graffiti and the Brand Cemetery on the way back. I also saw the Doctor’s Office House and the historic Brand Library and artwork before I left! 

The trail is 2 miles and took me 1 1/2 hours to complete.

Rating: 3/5

Legg Lake Loop Trail – South El Monte

April 2024

I really, really enjoyed hiking the Legg Lake Loop Trail at Whitter Narrows Recreation Center in South El Monte! It was very peaceful and there are a variety of birds that live here!

The loop is 2 1/2 miles and took me under 1 hour to complete. There is also a $7 fee. I definitely recommend coming here and I can’t wait to come back and rent a bike! 

Rating: 5/5

Whitney Canyon Falls Trail – Newhall

April 2024

Whitney Canyon Falls in Newhall was a fun hike for the most part! I only made it to the lower falls because you have to start climbing boulders with ropes to see the other falls beyond that point. I didn’t feel comfortable plus my boots got pretty wet and the rocks were slippery. Some other hikers also mentioned it could get a bit sketchy. There are also a couple of big tree trunks you have to duck under or go around and I counted 7 creek crossings one way. 

The trail is 3 miles out and back. Bring hiking poles and waterproof shoes, you will get wet!

Rating: 3.5/5

Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park Trail – Lancaster

April 2024

I took a short hike around the Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park after I attended the California Poppy Festival in Lancaster! It is named after the man himself and grew wheat and barley on a portion of his property until he retired in 1972. Ripley later willed his property to California State Parks, according to the Historical Marker Database. It has many Joshua Trees and Juniper. You can also see the Poppy Reserve in the distance (there is no super bloom this year).

The trail is a little over 1 mile and took about 25-30 minutes to complete.

Rating: 4.5/5

Escondido Falls Trail – Malibu

April 2024

Escondido Falls in Malibu is one of my favorite waterfall trails so far! There are about 5 creek crossings and you can see the Upper Falls in the distance before you reach the Lower Falls. It’s simply gorgeous!

The trail is 3 1/2 miles out and back and took me 1 1/2 hours to complete. Also, bring your poles, wear waterproof shoes and use the All Trails app.

Rating: 4/5

Tee Pee Trail – La Canada Flintridge

April 2024

The Tee Pee Trail near La Canada Flintridge is quite the workout! You hike all the way up and it’s probably very steep in a couple spots, bring poles! The Tee Pee is on private property but the owner made a small trail leading toward it by the mailbox. There is also gorgeous scenery of LA and the San Gabriel Valley Mountains.

The 5 mile out and back trail took me 2 1/2 hours to complete.

Rating: 3/5

Cherry Canyon Park Loop – La Canada Flintridge

May 2024

There are many different routes to take in Cherry Canyon Park in La Canada Flintridge! The loop took me through the Owl Trail, Liz’s Loop and the Descanso Motorway. I parked off Forest Hill Drive but there is no wrong way to do this! There are a lot of rabbits, lush green hills and wildflowers when I went. There is some overgrown brush on certain parts as well.

The loop was about 2 miles and took me 1 hour to complete. I recommend choosing a trail through All Trails!

Rating: 3/5

Brown Mountain Dam – La Canada Flintridge

May 2024

I absolutely had a blast hiking Brown Mountain Dam near La Canada Flintridge! According to the Hiking Guy, “Brown Canyon Barrier Dam was built in 1943 in an attempt to control flooding from the mountains. In 1938 the ‘flood of the century’ led to deaths and damage in LA. It even destroyed an entire resort, Camp Oakwilde, just a short way up from where the dam is.”

There are 11 creek crossings, so be prepared to get wet! I wore my new Keen Hiking Sandals and used my poles. Along the way you’ll see a swing, crystal bowling ball, JPL, lots of different wildflowers, beautiful views of the canyons, some ruins and of course, the waterfall! There is some poison oak, so watch out and have fun!

The out n back trail is 8 1/2 miles and took about 4 hours to complete. Using the All Trails app is also highly recommended.

Rating: 4/5

Owen Brown Gravesite (El Prieto Loop) – Altadena

May 2024

I originally wanted to hike the El Prieto Loop in Altadena but unfortunately, it started to rain a bit hard and I only made it through the first part to the Owen Brown Gravesite, which is actually the highlight of the trail.

According to Altadena Heritage, Owen was an abolitionist and was the son of John Brown, leader of the pre-Civil War raid on Harpers Ferry, VA that resulted in John being hung for his rejection of slavery. Owen was also part of the raid. After escaping and living as a fugitive for two decades, in 1881 he joined his brother, James, and sister, Ruth, in Pasadena. 

The loop overall is more than 2 1/2 miles and takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. I will have to do it again when the weather is better.

Rating: 4/5

San Antonio Falls Trail -Mount Baldy

May 2024

It is a short and easy hike to San Antonio Falls in the Mount Baldy area! It is very peaceful in the mountains right now. I only needed my hiking poles to get to the bottom of the falls.

The trail is 1 1/2 miles out and back and took 45 minutes to complete.

Rating: 4.5/5

Big Horn Mine Trail – Wrightwood

June 2024

It was quite the adventure hiking Big Horn Mine near Wrightwood! Big Horn Mine was discovered by Charles “Tom” Vincent in 1859 while he was hunting Bighorn Sheep. He found a quartz vein with gold and sold it to prospectors who could afford the machinery. It was operational from 1895-1985 and produced 3,700 ounces of gold, 2,400 ounces of silver and 1,350 ounces of copper.

The trail is washed out in a few spots and there is loose gravel, so be careful! Bring hiking poles, lots of water and sunscreen. You have to walk on some boards and climb up a rock to get into the mine itself. I brought a flashlight and only went a quarter way in with my comfort level. I also saw a bobcat but he scrambled away before I could film him. 

The trail is about 4 miles out n back and took me almost 2 hours to complete. I would definitely recommend using the All Trails app! 

Rating: 3/5

Hansen Dam Loop Trail – Lake View Terrace

September 2024

Hiking the Hansen Dam Rec Area loop in Lake View Terrace was fun! I have never walked a dam area before and there were some bushy areas as well. There was one spot where I had to cross the creek and unfortunately I had the wrong shoes on and I got wet – wear hiking boots if you do the loop!

The dam was built in 1940 by the U.S. Army Corps, LA District in 1940. It is 2 miles long, 97 feet high and has a 1,300 acre reservoir. It is named after horse ranchers Homer and Marie Hansen.

The loop is 4 miles and took me 2 hours to complete.

Rating: 3.5/5

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Trail – Culver City

October 2024

I loved hiking to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook via the Park to Playa Trail in Culver City! I parked at Culver City Park and the overlook had gorgeous views of Culver City, Hollywood and DTLA…you could even see the Pacific Ocean in the distance! There are 282 steps to the top and I only did a small section of them.

The loop was a little over 2 miles out and back and took me 1 hour to complete.

Rating: 4/5

Sturtevant Falls Trail – Santa Anita Canyon

November 2024

After 4 years, the Sturtevant Falls Trail is finally open! It was initially closed due to the Bobcat Fire in September 2020.  There are many cabins, ruins, signs and waterfalls along the trail and 3 water crossings. It is easier going down than coming back up!

The trail is 3.6 miles out and back and took me 2 hours to complete. I highly suggest getting there between 630am – 730am to get a good parking spot, it does get busy! An Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is also required.

Rating: 4/5

Nike Hill Trail – South El Monte

November 2024

Hiking Nike Hill in South El Monte to visit one of the missile sites during the Cold War was quite the workout! There is a watch tower that was used to protect LA residents from enemy aircraft and plaque to commemorate the site from 1956 – 1971. There are many inclines and it is a mix of dirt and cement. 

The trail is about 4 miles out and back. It took 2 hours to complete.

Rating: 3/5