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SoCal Hikes
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items The best hikes in Southern California you can’t miss. From LA to SD and IE and more.
The best secret swimming hole you can’t miss!!
Stoddard Canyon Falls: Short Hike To A Swimming Hole
This waterfall hike leads to a swimming hole in the spring and early summer while there’s snow melt in the mountains. It’s located about 1-2 hours depending where in LA you’re coming from
Cooper Canyon Falls: Easy 3-mile Waterfall Hike in Angeles National Forest
One of the most beautiful coastal hikes in the South Bay region you must visit on your next LA trip
Portuguese Bend Reserve: Hike South Bay
San Gabriel Peak is an easy-moderate, underrated hike for the average tourist, but the views are amazing so be sure to add this to your hiking list. I recommend going for sunset!
San Gabriel Peak, Sunset Hike in LA Above the Clouds - Follow Tiff's Journey | Hiking and Backpacking Adventures from California to Colorado
Trail Canyon Falls is fully exposed and dries up as Spring goes into summer with the lack of water so go in May!
Easy Hike to Trail Canyon Falls in Los Angeles
Did you know LA is actually surrounded by nature? Waterfall season doesn’t last too long as it gets very hot and the snow melt dries up quickly, but when it’s in, it’s good. Here are the best waterfall hikes around LA you have to add to your hiking l...
13 Best Waterfall Hikes in LA to Visit Now (By a Local)
This underrated hiking trail to the touristy Hollywood Sign is so underrated and offers a booty-blasting workout! Highly recommend this trail over the average walk through Griffith Park
Hollywood Sign Hike: The Best & Shortest Trail to Get to the Top
Speaking of booty-blasting workouts, the hike to wisdom tree offers beautiful 360 views of Hollywood, Downtown LA, Burbank and beyond. Pro tip - in the summer, go at sunset and stay for the evening lights. Parking will still be free.
Wisdom Tree Hike in Hollywood
Culver City Stairs, aka Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, may be the best stairs hike in Southern California. Worry about the knee pain? There are multiple trail options down :)
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City
The infamous Bridge to Nowhere hike in San Gabriel Mountains
Bridge to Nowhere Hike in San Gabriel Mountains
One of Santa Monica Mountains best and most popular hike is to Parker Mesa Overlook via Los Leones.
Parker Mesa Overlook
A must-visit on a San Diego visit!
Torrey Pines Hike at Sunset in San Diego
If you only pick one peak hike in Southern CA, let it be the highest point of Santa Monica Mountains: Sandstone Peak
Pro tip: go for sunrise
Sandstone Peak and Tri Peak Hike in Santa Monica Mountains
The classic potato chip rock hike near San Diego is the one you cannot miss. There are two trails into it - keep reading to learn more about each.
Hike to Potato Chip Rock from Mt. Woodson Trail at Lake Poway
This unique hike starts at the edge of the city of Pasadena and leads to cool historical ruins
Echo Mountain Hike to Inspiration Point and Muir Peak
Best hikes in Malibu California for your next visit. A lot of the wilderness did burn down with the recent 2025 wildfires so check to make sure the trail is open and in hiking condition before you go
10 Malibu Hikes You Need to Do (Ocean View Hikes, Easy Hikes, Best Hikes)
Malibu Creek State Park offers many nature trails, wildlife, wildflowers, and vistas. There’s hikes of all levels and a great place to take your family
A Complete Guide To Malibu Creek State Park
Best sunset hikes in Los Angeles California
13 Best Sunset Hikes in Los Angeles (by a local)
Fun, short slot canyon hike right in the city of San Diego CA
Annie's Canyon Trail, Best Easy Hike Near San Diego
This short one mile ridge hike on the outskirts of LA is only known to locals but one of my personal favorite hikes
Ladyface Mountain: One Mile Ridge Hike in Agoura Hills
Looking for the ultimate hiking challenge? Iron Mountain via Heston Flats is strenuous! Think 7k ft of elevation gain in 7 miles out and back with lots of ups and downs.
Hike Iron Mountain via Heaton Flats in Angeles National Forest
Lake Arrowhead is only 1.5-2 hours from LA which makes for a beautiful weekend getaway. San Bernardino National Forest offers many hikes and lakes to relax at!
3 Easy Hikes in Lake Arrowhead: Plan a Weekend Getaway
While not very high, Cowles Mountain is San Diego City’s high point and offers stunning panoramic views
Cowles Mountain Hike - Highest Peak in San Diego City