Perfect hike for a hot day…read more I love waterfall hikes and listening to the sound of calm, running water. The added challenge on these hikes is the multiple stream crossings. I brought some hiking poles which helped with balance and probing for loose rocks and logs. If you want to get parking in the lower lot, it's best to come before 8AM. We found parking in the second lot. An Adventure Pass or Day Pass is required. Parking is enforced. A car received a ticket for being in a No Parking zone. The start of the trail is nicely shaded. The second half is a hilly, narrow, sun exposed path which routes back into the canyon toward the Lower Switzer Falls. I'm glad they had fencing on some narrow and steep parts of the trail. We encountered an active rattlesnake which headed down the mountain, so be on the lookout. Overall, the hike takes about 3 hours for 5.5 miles. The additional hike back up to the parking lot was about 1/4 of a mile. Note: if you need to use the restroom, it's best to bring your own toilet paper and to go before you start your hike. It was kind of smelly, but if you gotta go... you gotta go.

This place is great for fully appreciating nature! The trail is around 5-5.5 miles round trip,…read moredepending on where you park. What impressed me most about this trail is that it's almost fully covered by shade. We went in the late afternoon, and I'd say probably 80-85% of it is covered. Very impressive! Here are some useful tips: 1. There are three parking lots: two are next to the highway, and one is near the hiking entrance. I'd recommend getting a parking pass if possible. 2. There are only three restrooms at the beginning of the trail, so use them when you see them. 3. If you're aiming to go to the waterfall, make sure to look for the signs. Some signs aren't very clear, so we had to stop and ask other hikers frequently. Luckily, people there are super friendly and happy to help. Just pay attention to your surroundings. 4. The trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be on a leash. 5. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended. All in all, it's a fun trail. It's a great place for a picnic and camping, and it's very close to the stream. Great for kids, families, and pets!

Hiking is a passion of mine which I truly enjoy. This is a trail that allows the flexibility of…read morebeginner to advanced workouts. For starters if you are into running, jogging or bike rides this trail is perfect. I enjoy the running aspect as I love a great workout. If you enjoy some chill time or a read this is a great spot as well. From enjoying a great sunrise or sunset this is a great spot.

Descanso trail is 3.1-mile loop trail in La Canada Flintridge, California near the Descanso…read moreGardens. Generally, it is considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 26 min to complete. However, it took me 2.5 hours (out-and-back) because of multiple rest stops to enjoy the awesome view. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Overall, it's one of a nicest hiking spot in LA county.

You can park for free on the street which has many trees for shade. The hike entrance is to the…read moreright of the Descanso Gardens. If it's a hot day I recommend bringing some water and a hat. It's a two mile journey up to the top at Cerro Negro. We started our hike late around noon and it was hot with few people along the route.

Cherry Canyon Park felt peaceful, scenic, and refreshing when I visited with someone, and I saw a…read morelot of teenagers hiking and taking photos of the views. The atmosphere felt open and natural, which teenagers would love because it gives them a break from busy city life and lets them enjoy nature. The service isn't traditional here, but the clear signs and well‑maintained trails make the experience feel easy and safe. The value is amazing because everything is free, and you get hours of outdoor enjoyment without spending anything. The quality of the trails and lookout points was impressive, and everything felt clean and cared for. The selection of paths gives teenagers a chance to choose between easy walks or more challenging hikes. I only visited once, but it was one of the most peaceful and scenic outdoor places I've been to in a long time, and I would highly recommend that teenagers go there because it gives them a chance to explore nature and enjoy beautiful views.

This was easily one of my favorite hikes around LA, mostly because it was such an unexpected…read moreadventure. My friend originally wanted to hike the Brown Dam hike, but last minute suggested this trail and I'm so glad she did. We parked near the Angeles Crest Highway and followed the trail up to the La Cañada Teepee. The hike itself was long but relatively easy, and we were lucky that the weather was slightly overcast that day which it made the trek much more comfortable. We knew we were close when we saw the mailbox along the trail with a chain blockading the road to the teepee. That's when we ran into two Kenyan women who gave us a quick heads-up about what was ahead: stunning lavender fields, a cool telescope (I thought it was a model of the Griffith Observatory--haha), and even a little maze hidden within the flora and bushes as you get closer to the teepee structure. The sisters also mentioned that the area is actually private property, but the owners generously allow people to visit. We didn't run into the owner's, but we were able to explore and enjoy the incredible views and the massive teepee structure at the top. It truly felt like stumbling upon a hidden gem right in Los Angeles--one of the best surprises in such a long time. Highly recommended if you are an avid hiker. Best, Lina C.

This is a fun hiking destination! You can approach from the east or the south and you won't be…read moredisappointed.

Beautiful trails. Feels like you're out of LA. Highly recommend. Dog friendly. Pretty easy parkingread more

This is a beautiful trail that is well used by locals. You can start the trail at a parking lot by…read moreJPL. The parking lots is large so it can accommodate a lot of hikers. You should put out your adventure pass when parking at this lot. I am not sure if anybody is checking but its best to be safe, to avoid a ticket. From the parking lot to the dam its approximately 8.4 miles roundtrip. The hike has very limited elevation gain to the dam- and it follows along the river. You will have to cross the river multiple times to the dam. Some of the crossing will be on bridges while others will require to get your feet wet or hop rocks to get across. The trail is mostly cover by trees so provide some relief from the sun. The Gabrielino trail leads to many other trails and places beyond the dam- you actually start on this trail and go all the way to another waterfall- note this hike is approximately 19 miles and has over 2500 feet elevation. The trail is heavily used by bikers, hikers, walkers and horseback riders. On the weekend this trail gets very busy. If you want peace and quiet best to do this trail during the weekdays early in the morning. Currently (October 2025)- some construction is going on at the beginning of the trail. The start of the trail can be closed- so before heading out check to see if the trail is open.

Such a unique and beautiful hike!!!! We even got to see some very hard snow that was almost gone,…read moredue to the rain and winds. I would highly recommend that at least 50% of the group have the trail downloaded, and you carry extra phone chargers. A few people who were with us almost got lost. It is very easy to do so if you are not paying attention. There is also one portion that becomes very steep. Take your time and bring a stick or poles if you need to. Other than that, the views are breathtaking, so enjoy! I would 1000% do this trail again, but only in a larger group with more experienced hikers. Hoping they are able to locate Monica Reza!! Please, please, please, do not leave anyone behind on their own. This is not an easy trail to guide yourself. There was a lovely man we met on the trail who hikes this consistently, and he cautioned us against losing people.

I bagged a peak this summer!! And the Waterman Mountain loop trail has become my number one fave…read morelocal trail here in SoCal. Getting up to Waterman peak isn't terribly technical - more of a straightforward moderate hike on well marked trails with tons of biodiversity and beautiful views. I hiked it towards the end of June and there were beautiful native SoCal blooms scattered along the trail - with so many native bees! The hike is through a burn scar (from the Peak Fire in 2021 I think) - so it can be a bit barren and burned up in places but it's heartening to see how well the area is recovering. I also ran into countless Pygmy Nuthatches (a lifer for me!!), White-headed Woodpeckers, squirrels, chipmunks, and even some cute tiny spiders! But this is Black Bear and Mountain Lion country so be vigilant and carry bear spray. All in all, I hiked around 6.4 miles with around 1380+ feet elevation gain. The trails are narrow in a lot of spots and mostly consists of rocks, loose dirt, and fine gravel. The first half of the trail is through forest and burn scar. The last half after the peak and old ski resort (long closed) is very exposed fire road with no shade and minimal views. On subsequent hikes I tend to skip that part and just turn around after the peak bc I like that part of the trail better lol. The peak of Waterman Mtn sits at 8030 feet. There's a great sign at the peak made by @peakart125 (on instagram) - it's lovely and makes for a fun way to celebrate making it all the way up! There's a sort of false peak right before the actual peak so I highly recommend making sure you've downloaded the trail map on AllTrails before heading out since cell signal is minimal to nonexistent on the trail. The views from the peak are a tad obstructed by rocks and trees - but you still get nice pocket views of Twin Peaks, the valley, and Mt Wilson observatory. It's also interesting to explore the old ski resort near the peak. There's tons of equipment and a chair lift but it doesn't look like it's been opened for years probably. AllTrails also shows a bathroom up there but I didn't find one so come prepared. There's a bathroom next to the paved parking area in a campground entrance at the trailhead. There's plenty of parking - almost all paved. You'll need an adventure pass to park bc it's in the Angeles National Forest - but they accept America the Beautiful passes too! I pretty much had the trail to myself on the weekday early morning. I only ran into two people - turned out it was search and rescue looking for missing hiker Monica Reza who went missing the weekend before my hike (I think she was last seen June 22nd, 2025). I helped a bit in the search on my way out but no luck. My understanding is she's still missing (I included a photo - they're still looking for volunteers to help search if you're interested!) - be aware and keep a lookout if you do the trail! They also have Instagram and FB pages for updates.

Definitely not for the faint of heart!…read more PARKING 2 dirt lots off of Highway 2 just past the Switzer Falls turnoff. Must display Adventure Pass. There is no trail sign or marker but take the obvious dirt path and stay on it (don't go up the rocks) COLBY TRAIL Clearly defined winding trail. It's certainly steep, but I didn't have any issues with it. After 2.2 miles (maybe 40 minutes-1 hour of hiking) you'll come to a water tower where the trail splits and is unmarked. Take the trail on the right and after a couple hundred feet is a small rock pile designating a smaller trail to the right. Take this if you're intent on the mountaineer route up to Strawberry. STRAWBERRY MOUNTAINEER TRAIL The steepness definitely increases as you continue up the ridge line. You'll come to the first rocky cragg where you'll need to use your hands and feet to climb. Be very careful as some of the rocks are loose and will crumble as you grab them. There is no defined trail just get to the top of the crag however you like. After that you'll continue on the ridge to the summit. The trail is very overgrown with Spanish Bayonets and Poodle Bush. Avoid touching the plants as much as possible but you WILL touch them. Although the trail is overgrown it's pretty obvious where you should be going. I unfortunately had to turn around before the last bouldering part because I started the hike too late in the day. Will have to come back! Happy hiking!

Hiked up Strawberry Peak on April 14 and had a great experience. What I really liked about the…read moretrail were the two separate rock climbs near the peak of the mountain. Both rock climbs are located at an elevation between about 5000 to 6000 feet, so if you're planning to do the hike during the winter season, it's probably a good idea to check the snow level before heading out. No equipment is needed for the rock climbs, and there are markings on the rocks (arrows in a variety of colors) that point out the best route to take. It can be a little difficult at times to find the arrows or the correct route to take, but if you take your time you shouldn't have any problems. I have to admit though that there was a moment or two when I was hanging onto a rock (on the side of a mountain and without any equipment) where I thought to myself - uh, what am I doing? The trail is pretty steep, about a 2700 feet elevation gain during the 3 mile ascent up to the peak, so with the two rock climbs it provides a pretty good workout. Definitely a much better workout than a 5-6 mile run on relatively flat ground. Even though the hike is only 6 miles round trip, I would budget at least 4 to 5 hours to complete the hike. The two rock climbs take some time to navigate.

"Life is but a wanderlust." - The Boss Let us begin this…read moreholiday hiking trail review. Owl Trail is a short loop half-mile trail Cherry Canyon Park that connects Flint Canyon Trail to Cerro Negro Trail. It's located in Hampstead Rd and Cherry Canyon Motorway in La Cañada Flintridge, CA. I came late morning after Christmas (12/26) and savoring the warm weather (75F). The trail is considered Easy Moderate for experienced hikers with an elevation gain of 390 feet. Moreover, the Owl Trail, Cherry Motorway, and Liz's Loop is a loop trail with a distance of 1.57 miles. The northeastern portion of the Owl trail from Flint Canyon trail to the trail marker is a beautiful shady trail among magical oaks. The upper portion of Cerro Negro Trail is steep and rocky which lead to Five Points and Sugar Loaf. The trail is doggo friendly, single friendly, married friendly, family friendly, good for running, biking and dancing. Lol. ;D The trails were well kept and free of graffiti. Furthermore, the trail has ample of direction sign post which was helpful. I spent roughly 2 hours (6.07 km) hiking, a perfect cardio workout. As for parking, there's no designated parking area for visitors. Thus, park along Hampstead road but careful the road has Tow Away Zone. Overall, I enjoyed hiking Owl trail and it's other interconnected trails. I recommend this trailhead.

The Owl Trail is probably my favorite in Cherry Canyon. It is sheltered by mature Oak trees for at…read moreleast half the way to the top. The trail starts on the left when you enter the main entrance to Cherry Canyon on Hampstead Rd. It is a nice cardio workout because it goes uphill the whole way and gets really steep in some parts. The erosion of a few parts of the trail makes it a little slippery, so make sure you wear some shoes with tread on them. My son was wearing his Vans and I was amazed he didn't slip or fall going up. There is also a section with a lot of loose rocks, so watch your step. I much prefer going up this trail than going down. I have gone down it once and that was enough. To get to the top of the trail it is .68 miles and about 332 feet in elevation gains. You heart rate should increase quite a bit if you don't stop or are talking to a friend. When you get to the top of the trail you will intersect the Ridge Motorway. You can either turn left and extend your hike up to the Lookout Station, take a little trail called The Ultimate Destination Trail on the left or just head toward Glendale. If you chose to take the Ridge Motorway to Glendale then you can take a detour to the Catalina Verdugo Trail by the Glendale Sports Complex. If you turn right on Ridge Motorway when you get to the top of the Owl Trail you can do a loop to get you back down to the bottom. When you see the paved road on the left there will be large signs for Descanso Motorway and Cherry Canyon Motorway. To get back to you car take Cherry Canyon Motorway. If you want to take the Descanso Motorway you can add a few miles to you hike. I would suggest that you park another car down by Descanso Gardens or you'll just have to walk back along Descanso Drive to Chevy Chase and then Hampstead Road. Miscellaneous Information: The La Canada Trails Council indicates that the Owl Trail is .53 miles, but I measured it on Map My Hike and it is .68 miles from the bottom to the Ridge Motorway. http://www.lcftrails.org There are waste bins and bags at the bottom of the trail, so if you forget your doggie waste bags then grab a couple. Please pick up after your dog.

My second time doing the stairs here is how I found them…read more Number of stairs- 9 Sycamore Glen to Redwood Dr.-this staircase is not in Fleming's Secret Stairs book, Walk #1, though they could have easily been part of the route. 60 steps Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr. 98 steps Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr. 81 steps up then 19 steps down Tamarac Dr. to Glenullen Dr. 86 steps Glenullen Dr. to Cherry Dr. 99 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Capinero Dr. 44 steps La Loma to Cheviotdale Pl. 54 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Cherry Dr. 43 steps La Loma to Evergreen-this staircase... Hope it helps It's around two miles.

I decided to give the Secret Stairs a visit after a tip from Yelp! There is just something charming…read moreabout a neighborhood network of stairs. The stairs serves well as an easy hike or an exercise spot for those who love stair climbing. One thing I did not expect is that the stairs go up and down. Rather than take you higher and higher, some of the stairs just takes you across hills which for me is disappointing. Also, I did not find the houses along the trail particularly scenic. They are probably nice for Pasadena but definitely a far cry from what you see in nearby Arcadia, San Marino, La Canada, etc. Overall, I consider the Secret Stairs a local attraction. It's a worth a visit if you live less than 20 minutes away and its a fun neighborhood novelty but it's definitely not worth your time if you don't live in the area. Parking: I parked on the street on Elmwood which is the beginning of the trail, but I don't highly recommend it. It's not a particularly well maintained street and it is super narrow and steep without proper curbs/sidewalks. There is also a sign that says 'Tow Away on Red Flag Days'. Refer to the affixes picture. If I returned, I would either park on the street prior to Elmwood or just skip to a different segment.

This hike is not for the faint of heart. I believe it's a full 7 miles if you do the entire loop…read morebut we ended up taking a shorter route which made it a total of 5 miles. I've attempted this hike once before and failed to do the loop as I started later in the day and wasn't able to finish it; however, I just recently went again with a few of my friends and this time was able to accomplish it within, I want to say 3-4 hours? I wasn't tracking it but it was a good hike--recommend going early to beat the heat or maybe in the afternoon so it's not hot. My only recommendation is to take the path on the right first when you come across the split at the Beaudry Loop since there's shading from the trees and it's much easier, as it felt like it was a steady incline. Also, when coming back down from the other side, it was steeper but much easier to come down than to hike uphill, which I did the first time I did this hike. A great, challenging hike for anyone who is currently looking for new places to climb. Due to the fires in Eaton Canyon and Malibu, there are less options to trek at the moment but this is a solid choice. This is nestled in a neighborhood so you'll end up parking your car either at the front entrance or in front of other people's homes. Will definitely come back again next time to conquer the full trail but with more ample time of course.

May your trails be long, crooked, lonesome, rugged leading to the most magnificent view. Now…read morewithout further ado let's begin this glorious hike review. ;D Beaudry Loop Hike is a 5.5-mile loop trail located in Verdugo Mt near La Cresenta and Glendale, California. The trail is moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 hours to complete. Also, it has other interconnected trails within the loop. BLH is a popular area for hiking, mountain biking, dog walking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Furthermore, this loop trail has an elevation gain of 1,515 feet that provide gorgeous view of LA and surrounding cities. I hiked this loop trail on a cool Tuesday (12/06) morning where very little to no hikers on the trail. As you go deeper into the trail's bosom, you will see some wild plants and flowers and other creatures. The trails are very wide, well kept and has adequate shade on certain parts. The entrance of Beaudry Loop trail (intersection of Beaudry Terrace and Beaudry blvd) is somewhat hidden but a yellow metal thick gate is where you enter. There is one thing certain that no quiescent mind hiking this trailhead. As for parking, there are plenty of street parking around the neighborhood. In this voluminous review, it's time to make a conclusion. Overall, I enjoyed hiking this trail and it's magnificent view from the summit. I wholeheartedly recommend this trail.