Guides
A moderate hike from Newbury Park, Ca, to a pretty waterfalls
NOTE: Due to the large number of recent downloads and the extremely sparse rainfall of the last two years (2011-12 & 2012-13), I feel I should point out that it is very unlikely that you will see any water going over the falls. It's still a nice hike, though. The length of this hike is 3.6 miles, round trip. The trail begins with a slight downhill...
Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak and Tri-Peaks
A 7.1 mile loop through some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful terrain in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. This route takes you through scrubland and native oak groves to Tri-Peaks, Inspiration Point, and Sandstone Peak - three prominent peaks in the Santa Monica Mountains with unbelievable views of the range, the Channel Islands,...
...and its FREE! The 2 mile loop takes you along wildlife trails at Cheseboro Canyon, just north of the 101 Freeway.
Cheeseboro (or Cheseboro or Chesebro) Park is one of the many National Park Sites within the SMMNRA (Santa Monica Nationa Recreation area) and is very popular with visitors due to its relatively level terrain. And it's great for kids and families! This guide is a one hour (two mile) hike, relatively flat, and has a great deal of wildlife all of...
A quick fix cardio workout!
The beauty of the 'Nag Loop' is that the trail itself is well defined and signposted so it's either a great intro for people starting to think about hiking as a pastime or for more experienced hikers needing to work on cardio but have limited time (although the trail isn't at all demanding, power walking this loop is a great workout for any level hiker). Who...
Spectacular destination with 3 deep pools, 2 waterfalls, and a natural water slide.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: My son visited the area on July 21, 2012. He found a ranger posted at the trailhead informing him that the trail was closed. Don't know if this is temporary or permanent. Suggest you contact the Forest Service station before attempting this hike. This is one of the more spectacular destinations in the Los Padres, and to top...
Rock scrambling and a great workout hike in the southwestern part of Malibu Creek State Park / Castro Crest.
Malibu Creek State Park sits in 10,000 acres of rugged terrain near the Malibu coast, protecting flowing creeks, man-made lakes, historic structures, and prominent cliffs. This route explores the southern and western areas of the park, far away from the creek that gives it its name. The landscape here is similar to other areas of the Santa Monica...
Some of the highlights along Malibu Creek, in central Malibu Creek State Park.
Malibu Creek State Park is a sprawling 10,000 acre park that protects 25-mile long Malibu Creek, the largest watershed in the Santa Monica Mountains. The creek itself is somewhat unusual in that it has cut a path through hard volcanic rock instead of the softer sedimentary rocks north of the Goat Buttes, which makes for some spectacular scenery during...
A moderate hike to a ruined mansion in the Santa Monica Mountains, complete with waterfall!
This is an incredibly picturesque, mostly shaded canyon hike in the Santa Monica Mountains. The Solstice Canyon Trail is a popular, well-maintained route with some spur-trail opportunities for more adventurous travelers. Some of the highlights include the oldest still-standing stone building in Malibu, a small waterfall and creek, and several ruins...
Great views all around! The LA basin, the San Fernando Valley, the ocean!
Saddle peak is the second highest in the Santa Monica mountains, after Sandstone peak. After a moderately difficult climb, you will reach the peak where you would enjoy great views of the LA basing and the surroundings. There are several ways to do this hike. The first time I went to Saddle Peak, I did a 10 mile hike where I started on the Topanga...
Ridges and gullies training ground at Castaic Lake SRA
Castaic Lake is an interesting park. The lands are owned by State Parks, the recreational elements are run by Los Angeles County Parks and Rec., and the site is part of the State Water Project. The place is a power boater's mecca! It's well known for fishing and as a place to go for summer BBQ's on the lake's two shorelines. That being said, this...
Trips
A shaded canyon hike to the ruins of a burned-down mansion. Full write up at
Modern Hiker.
The Mishe Mokwa Trail to Tri-Peaks, Inspiration Point, and Sandstone Peak.
Full write-up and more pictures at Modern Hiker.
Where to begin? With the AMAZING fields of wildflowers all around us in all colors, shapes & aromas or the WONDERFUL company of our Happy Campers lead by our guide and photographer extraordinaire Elyse? Perfect weather with a recurrent breeze, great conversations, surprises on the road like the first rattle snake for me in the wild and to top it off - excellent food and friendly atmosphere at the Natural Cafe post...
Full write up at Modern Hiker.
Ray Miller Trail / La Jolla Canyon
Sycamore Cove, California, United States
Hiking | 14.9 miles (16.5 miles away)
Hiking | 14.9 miles (16.5 miles away)
Full write up at Modern Hiker.
Leisurely Labor Day hiking trip to see the water falls and caves. Lovely breezy day, not so hot. Saw a young rattler and a king snakes. Sitting by the running water was peaceful and relaxing. We plan to do a longer hiking trip next time and bring food to have a nice lunch by the water.
Cold Creek Preserve - Big Loop
Topanga Park, California, United States
Hiking | 8.2 miles (18.7 miles away)
Hiking | 8.2 miles (18.7 miles away)
Hiking With DeanThe Cold Creek Preserve protects the headwaters of Cold Creek, one of the few year-round streams in the Santa Monica Mountains. The extravagant lushness of the riparian vegetation growing in Cold Creek Canyon Preserve today is astonishing. In spite of the 1993 Malibu fire that burned virtually everything to a crisp, the gully-washing rains from the 1998 El Nino with its floods and mudslides, and recent earthquakes, the preserve has...
This hike is different than the other versions seen on Every Trail--it goes into the canyon, and allows a bunch of bouldering and climbing of rocks. If you are an inexperienced hiker, or not used to edging around rocks (and climbing them), this hike may not be for you. I did it the last two weekends, and it was fun (pictures included from both trips). For me however, this is one of...
