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 moderate trails that are between 2 – 3 hours round trip. Overtime, I would like to hike longer trails but I am not quite there yet.
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
@kitkatw0706 Loved hiking to Eaton Canyon Falls this morning! I did the hike from the Pinecrest Drive Gate, which is 1 1/2 miles out and back. You have to cross the creek at least 8 different times and climb up some steep hills and big rocks. Enjoy!❤️🥾🌿💦#eatoncanyonfalls #eatoncanyon #hiking #pasadena #sangabrielvalley #la #losangeles #latrails #eatoncanyontrail #waterfall #dontgochasingwaterfalls
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.
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
@kitkatw0706 I tried to hike the 2 1/2 miles up to Echo Mountain but I only got so far before I felt a bit fatigued and turned around…I still had another mile to go. Sorry guys, I tried! 🥺🥾⛰️I would definitely recommend doing this hike though! #fyp #hiking #latrails #sammerrilltrail #cobbestatetrailhead #cobbestate #sammerrill #losangeles #la #altadena #echomountain #mountlowerailway
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
@kitkatw0706 I really liked hiking the Old Zoop Loop Trail in Griffith Park, Los Angeles this morning! It’s a fairly easy hike with some minor inclines. It was also nice to see the site of the Old Zoo, which was operational between 1912 – 1965! 🐻❄️🐯🐻#fyp #la #losangeles #griffithpark #oldzootrail #hiking #lahikes #lahiking #losangelestrails #weregoingtothezoo
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
@kitkatw0706 It was a great workout hiking the Painted Stairways in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles! I didn’t do the full 14 staircases as seen on the SoCal Stair Climbers website but did a 5-mile one and only saw 7 staircases. Enjoy!🎨 #silverlake #la #losangeles #paintedstaircase #paintedstairs #stairart #lahikes #lahiking #lawalks
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
@kitkatw0706 I finally found a trail I absolutely love! It’s the Ernest E. Debs Park in Montecito Hills, Los Angeles! The loop is about 2 1/2 miles and there are views of San Gabriel Valley, DTLA, a lake with turtles (I didn’t see them but heard they pop up), a swing, art and a ton of other hidden gems! I definitely would recommend!🥾🌳🐢🎨🏢#fyp #lahikes #lahiking #latrails #hiking #la #losangeles #montecitohills #ernestdebsregionalpark #sangabrielvalley #dtla #naturehike #lapark
To date, the Ernest E. Debs Park Loop is my favorite. There are only about 2 – 3 steep inclines and many areas explore! 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
@kitkatw0706 I hiked to Bronson Cave this morning in Griffith Park, it was quite easy! 🥾The hike is less than a mile round trip and it was interesting to see where some TV shows and movies were filmed. You can even see the Hollywood Sign! Unfortunately, the cave has been fenced off since 2021 due to falling rocks but it was still worth seeing!🐴🦇👽⭐️🛸📽️🎞️ #fyp #lahikes #latrails #lahiking #bronsoncave #la #losangeles #griffithpark #batman #startrekvi #invasionofthebodysnatchers #thesearchers1956 #thevampirebat1933 #underthesilverlake #invasionofthestarcreatures #cave #hollywoodsign #hollywood
You have probably seen the Bronson Cave in many TV shows and movies such as Batman and Star Trek. 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
@kitkatw0706 I loved the hike to Griffith Observatory this morning! It was almost 2 1/2 miles round trip from the botton of Fern Dell and there are West and East trails in a loop. There are gorgeous views on the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood and DTLA! I highly recommend this, enjoy!⭐️🥾#fyp #latrails #lahiking #lahiking #griffithobservatory #griffithpark #la #losangeles #griffithobservatoryhike #dtla #hollywood #hollywoodsign
♬ A Sky Full of Stars (Instrumental Version) – The Highend Karaoke
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
@kitkatw0706 I WOULD NOT recommend hiking the 1 mile Eagle Rock Canyon Trail! There was a ton of brush, poison oak (I saw somebut not a ton) and the areas are fenced off/locked up! The trail also does not take you directly to the rock unless you want to climb it 🦅🪨#fyp #lahikes #latrails #lahiking #la #losangeles #sangabrielvalley #eaglerocklosangeles #eaglerock #eaglerockcanyontrail
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
@kitkatw0706 Hiking around Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills (Los Angeles) was brisk but worth seeing where some movies were filmed! The Western Town was destroyed during the Woolsey Fire in November 2018 but it is being rebuilt and will reopen in Fall 2024. The church still remains though! I didn’t hike the Santa Monica Mountains due to lack of time plus there was a lot if overgrown brush I didn’t feel like trekking through. Enjoy!🥾🐴🎥#fyp #paramountranch #paramountpictures #la #losangeles #agourahills #santamonicamountains #lahikes #latrails #lahiking #hollywoodfilms #hollywood #westworld #hbo
♬ Paramount Pictures 100th Anniversary Logo Theme – Geek Music
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
@kitkatw0706 After 13 years of living in Southern California, I finally hiked to the Hollywood Sign! I found this easy hike on TikTok that took about 2 hours round trip to complete. You have to go around some gates, chained areas and other openings but it was worth it. Enjoy! 🎥⭐️🎞️ #fyp #hollywoodsign #hollywood #la #losangeles #hollywoodsignhike #lahikes #latrails #lahiking #lakehollywoodpark
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
@kitkatw0706 I have TBH with you guys…Elysian Park in Los Angeles wasn’t my jam. It’s trashed, had graffiti everywhere out of all the trails I’ve done, brush is overgrown in some areas, has hungry coyotes, I saw some people doing drugs and the layout of the park is kind of all over the place, I found it slightly crazy to hike! The pros were getting awesome shots of Dodger Stadium and DTLA. If you go, be vigilant!😩🥾🌳#fyp #lahikes #latrails #lahiking #la #losangeles #elysianpark #dtla #dodgerstadium #goblue #dodgers #downtownla
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
@kitkatw0706 It was nice to take my first hike in 2024 at Annandale Canyon Park in Pasadena!🌹It was short and sweet with the trail being a mile out-and-back. It was also pretty easy with the inclines. I’d recommend this trail if you have a packed day but still want to get a quick hike in. #fyp #latrails #lahikes #lahiking #pasadena #la #losangeles #annandalecanyon #sangabrielvalley
♬ In The Forest (Acoustic Indie No Copyright) – Instrumental – Lesfm & Olexy
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
@kitkatw0706 It was fun to hike to the Bailey Canyon Waterfall in Sierra Madre! It was a little over a mile round trip and took under an hour to hike. I heard the trail can get flooded badly after a big rain storm and it was best to come when I did.💧#fyp #lahikes #latrails #sierramadre #losangeles #la #waterfallhike #dontgochasingwaterfalls #baileycanyontrail #baileycanyon
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
@kitkatw0706 Hiking Mount Rubidoux Trail in Riverside was a lot of fun! It is a 3.2 mile loop that takes 1 1/2 hours to complete. No matter which way you go, you will run into the Serra Cross and Peace Tower 🕊️This trail gets very busy so expect a lot of people! Parking is only available on other streets or Ryan Bonaminio Park and then it is a short walk to the Mount Rubidoux Park 🏰 #fyp #riverside #riversidecounty #riversidehikes #mountrubidoux #mtrubidoux #mountrubidouxpark #mtrubidouxhikingtrail #peacetower #serracross
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
@kitkatw0706 Hiking to Switzer Falls via the Gabrielino Trail in the Angeles National Forest was a mix of emotions: fun, grueling and beautiful!💧I am so glad I brought my poles, you will need them…and wear sturdy shoes! The first part of the trail from the picnic area in the lower lot you follow the creek. You will cross the creek many times and then you will see a sign for Switzer Falls, the trail to the right going upward. You can see another waterfall from the top (you can’t hike to it from the bottom) and you keep going through a lot of rocky areas in the canyon. Eventually you will make your way downward and there is a sign for the Switzer Falls. There is a swing before the falls! The trail is 3.7 miles out and back and takes around 2 hours to complete. Enjoy!🥾 #fyp #lahikes #latrails #la #losangeles #switzerfalls #gabrielinotrail #waterfall #waterfallhike #dontgochasingwaterfalls #angelesnationalforest
Hiking to Switzer Falls via the Gabrielino Trail in the Angeles National Forest was a mix of emotions: fun, challenging and beautiful! 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
@kitkatw0706 Jan. 26, 2024 is the 4 year anniversary of the helicoper crash that took the lives of Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Antobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester and Ara Zobayan in Calabasas💜🙏🏻💛🏀 You can hike to the memorial off Bark Park Trail and park in Bark Park. The trail is a loop to other trailheads (Bark Park Trail alone is 2.2 miles out and back) but you want to keep staying to the left until you reach the memorabilia. I went up further to see if I could find more and saw nothing. The memorabilia is the exact spot of the crash that occurred on Jan. 26, 2020. It was nice to see small purple wildflowers were blooming as well. RIP to all the victims and thoughts and prayers to friends and family💜🙏🏻💛#kobebryant #kobebryanttribute #kobebryantmemorial #kobebryantcrashsite #calabasas #la #losangeles #giannabryant #barkparktrail #mambaforever #mambacita #blackmamba
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
@kitkatw0706 I took a brief hike through Franklin Canyon Park (the Upper Reservoir) this mornig where The Andy Griffith Show and other movies and album covers were filmed ( I included some photos in the TikTok) 🎥 The loop is about 2 miles, 1 hour to complete. Most of the trails run back into the main loop, however, a couple were closed off due to the recent rain. It’s very peaceful and I highly recommend it! #fyp #beverlyhills #losangeles #la #lahikes #latrails #franklincanyonpark #theandygriffithshow #purplerain #ithappenedonenight #franklinlake #startrek #lassie #thebradybunch #benedictcanyon #santamonicamountains #therollingstones
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
@kitkatw0706 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! 🚀👹🌧️ This loop trail was a little more than 2 miles and took me about 1 1/2 hours to complete. It was so pretty to see all of the water running! ❤️ #fyp #lacanadaflintridge #sangabrielvalley #flintcanyontrail #jetpropulsionlaboratory #jpl #nasa #devilsgatedam #devilsgatereservoir #lahikes #latrails #la #losangeles #californiastorm
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
@kitkatw0706 It was nice to hike to Paradise Falls, the Teepee and Lizard Rock in Thousand Oaks!💧🦎⛺️ The loop trail is more than 4 miles and took me about 2 1/2 hours to complete. 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 and it is very steep and rocky, I am so glad I had my hiking poles with me!🦎 Overall there are a lot of fun stops along the way! #fyp #lizardrock #teepee #paradisefalls #mesatrail #venturacounty #thousandoaks #dontgochasingwaterfalls #waterfallhike #lizardrocktrail #venturatrails #venturahiking
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
@kitkatw0706 Millard Canyon Falls in Altadena has been my favorite waterfall hike so far!💧The trail is 1.2 miles out and back and took about an 1 hour to complete. The creek was definitely flowing from all of the recent rain in Southern California!🌧️#fyp #waterfallhike #waterfall #dontgochasingwaterfalls #altadena #sangabrielvalley #la #losangeles #lahikes #latrails #millardcanyonfalls #californiastorm #californiarain
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
@kitkatw0706 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 is 5 miles out and back (about 2 hours). The tunnels have graffiti in them so it was interesting to check out the art! There was also a mini waterfall into the forest. 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. I give this trail a 3/5. It’s interesting for sure! #fyp #lahikes #latrails #coldwar #tunnel #tunnelstonowhere #la #azusa #losangeles #sangabrielvalley #sangabrielmountains #escaperoute #angelesnationalforest
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
@kitkatw0706 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! 🥾💧🏔️ #fyp #sangabrielmountains #lytlecreek #waterfall #waterfallhike #dontgochasingwaterfalls #californiastorm #bonitafalls #sanbernardinocounty #sanbernardino #bonitafallstrail
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
@kitkatw0706 Fiji Hill is located on the Occidental College campus and offers nice views of the Eagle Rock area and other parts of Los Angeles! 🥾 The trail is a 1.3 mile loop and you can access it through a variety of dirt trails near the Yosemite Recreation Center. There is also a swing, wildflowers and view of the outdoor theater on the trail. 🌼 There are supposedly coyotes but I never saw them. Enjoy!🥾#fyp #lahikes #latrails #la #losangeles #eaglerock #fijihill #occidentalcollege #hiking #wildflowers
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
@kitkatw0706 Dawn Mine is quite the hike!🥾It is by far the most challenging hike I have done so far. 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! 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. Overall, it was quite the workout! ⛏️ #fyp #latrails #lahikes #hiking #la #losangeles #dawnmine #altadena #mountlowe #californiastorm #sangabrielvalley #goldmine #californiagoldrush #capeofgoodhope #sangabrielmountains #millardcanyon
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
@kitkatw0706 Hiking Potato Mountain in Claremont, California is quite the workout!😳🥾It was the steepest hike I have done to date, bring hiking poles! It was 4.3 miles out and back and took me about 2 1/2 hours to complete. Seeing the potatoes at the top was funny and neat. Enjoy! 🥔 #claremount #lahikes #latrails #potatomountain #hiking #la #losangeles #mrpotatohead #hotpotato
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
@kitkatw0706 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! #fyp #pasadena #sangabrielvalley #la #losangeles #lahikes #latrails #hiking #arroyoseco #arroyosecotrail #coloradostreetbridge #cherryblossom #springvibes #wildflowers
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
@kitkatw0706 It was an easy and nice hike on the Hastings Debris Basin Trail in Pasadena! 🥾The trail is 1 mile out and back and took about 30 minutes. There are a lot of birds and wildflowers blooming now that it is spring! 🌸🐦#fyp #pasadena #lahikes #hiking #latrails #la #losangeles #sangabrielvalley #hastingsdebrisbasintrail #spring #springhassprung
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
@kitkatw0706 The Bonelli Bluffs Loop at the Frank G. Regional Park in San Dimas is a mix of tranquility and a workout! 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. 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 reservoir is full. There is also a flag with stones supposedly that I missed. It’s a fun time! 🥾🌲🐺#fyp #sandimas #lahikes #latrails #hiking #la #losangeles #bonellibluffsloop #frankbonellipark #coyote #sangabrielvalley #springhassprung #spring #puddingstonereservoir
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
@kitkatw0706 It was a workout and peaceful hiking the Brand Lateral Trail Loop in Glendale! 🥾🌲The trail is 2 miles and took me 1 1/2 hours to complete. 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! 📚🎨#fyp #lahikes #hiking #latrails #glendale #la #losangeles #sangabrielvalley #brandlibrary #doctorshouse #brandpark #brandtrail #verdugomountains
It was a workout and peaceful hiking the Brand Lateral Trail Loop in Glendale! 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
@kitkatw0706 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! 🚴🏻♀️ #fyp #lahikes #latrails #hiking #la #losangeles #southelmonte #whittiernarrows #legglake #sangabrielvalley #laparks
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
@kitkatw0706 Whitney Canyon Falls 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. I counted 7 creek crossings one way. Bring hiking poles and waterproof shoes, you will get wet! The trail is 3 miles out and back. Enjoy!💦 #fyp #hiking #lahikes #latrails #la #losangeles #newhall #santaclarita #waterfall #waterfallhike #dontgochasingwaterfalls #whitneycanyonfalls #whitneycanyonpark
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
@kitkatw0706 I took a short hike around the Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park down the road from the California Poppy Festival in Lancaster! The trail is a little over 1 mile and took about 30 minutes to complete. It has many Joshua Trees and Juniper! You can also see the Poppy Preserve in the distance (there is no super bloom this year). It was very fun and easy!🪻🌵🥾#fyp #lancaster #losangeles #la #californiastateparks #desertwoodlandstatepark #arthurbripley #lahikes #hiking #latrails #antelopevalley #juniper #joshuatree
I took a short hike around the Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park after I attended the California Poppy Festival in Lancaster! 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
@kitkatw0706 Escondido Falls in Malibu is one of my favorite waterfall trails so far!💧It is 3 1/2 miles out and back and took me 1 1/2 hours to complete. There are about 5 creek crossings (bring your poles and waterproof shoes!) and you can see the Upper Falls in the distance before you reach the Lower Falls. Also, use the All Trails app. Enjoy!🥾#fyp #lahikes #hiking #latrails #la #losangeles #malibu #waterfall #waterfallhike #dontgochasingwaterfalls #escondidofalls
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
