5 Places to Go Hiking in Southern California

If you mention SoCal to someone, they are likely to conjure up images of hustle and bustle, clogged roadways and smog-choked airways and overwhelming urban vistas. However, Southern California is a place of great peace, tranquility and relaxation if you know where to look. If you find yourself longing to break away from the noise and get back to nature, try one of these five hiking spots in Southern California.

Palos Verdes

At 1.5 miles round-trip, the Seascape Trail on the peninsula of Palos Verdes is certainly not going to provide a challenge for an experienced hiker. However, as the name indicates, this trail is less about the difficulty than it is the view: on your walk, you will behold the Pacific Ocean in full view. Other trails—including the Deane Dana Friendship Park Loop and Quarry Loop—are not any more difficult to traverse, but they provide equally awe-inspiring vistas. For more information, visit http://hikespeak.com/los-angeles/palos-verdes-peninsula.

Canopy View Loop

The Canopy Loop Trail in Muir Woods National Monument only covers 3.5 miles and takes upwards of 1.5 hours to complete, but because of its towering redwood trees and lush green foliage, you will feel transported to another place and time altogether. Because of the popularity of Muir Woods, SocialHiker.net’s Jeff Hester recommends arriving early and taking Canopy View straightaway. If you finish early and wish to try the Redwood Creek Trail, Dipsea Trail or Fern Creek Trail, they are of equal beauty but more likely to be crowded. For more information, visit http://everytrail.com/guide/muir-woods-and-tourist-club-loop.

Bridge to Nowhere

Hiking the East Fork Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Azusa will bring you to the “Bridge to Nowhere,” which was never completed after the flood of 1938 forced the abandonment of the project. In the midst of the Sheep Mountain Wilderness, the “Bridge to Nowhere” is accessible by way of a challenging 10-mile round-trip hike and is a popular destination for bungee jumpers. This hike is recommended for experienced hikers as conditions are known to be hazardous. For reviews and recommendations from past visitors, visit https://tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29125-d1519659-Reviews-Bridge_To_Nowhere-Azusa_California.html.

Santa Monica Boardwalk

This hike will not require boots or backpacks, only a sturdy pair of flip flops and some strong sunscreen. The Santa Monica boardwalk is world-famous for its connection to the Venice boardwalk and Muscle Beach, and if treated as a hike, it provides a solid 14-mile journey round-trip. This boardwalk is highly recommended for those who enjoy watching nature’s most curious creature: people. The boardwalk is sure to be crowded with people from all over the world, so if you are looking for solitude and an extra bit of beauty, try hitting it early in the morning to catch sun-up. For tips on parking and stops along the way, visit http://everytrail.com/guide/cruising-the-santa-monica-pier-and-boardwalk.

Mt. Baldy

At an elevation of more than 10,000 feet, the summit of Mt. San Antonio—affectionately known as Mt. Baldy—Is the literal and figurative pinnacle of hiking in Southern California. The hike to the top of the mountain is an incredibly challenging test that comes highly recommended by reviewers on AllTrails.com, and it is largely only recommended for the most experienced and confident hikers. To learn more about the trail, visit http://alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mount-san-antonio-mt-baldy.

Southern California is an excellent place to plan your next hike, whether you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime challenge or a simple seaside stroll. Whichever path you choose, it is likely to lead you somewhere majestic and unforgettable.