Nobody hikes in L.A., do they? If you get an hour off between auditions or gigs or whatever and want to get out, you surf, you go to Pilates, you play beach volleyball…but hike!? What is this, Europe?
Well, until a few years ago, the idea of getting out and exploring some of the mountains, forests, rivers and deserts surrounding Los Angeles would have about as foreign to me as Lindsay Lohan joining the Peace Corps. Coming from a musical background, I planned on becoming a rock star when I moved to the L.A. area in 1999. (My other blog, “Maestro’s Musings”, chronicles my experiences/thoughts/advice as a music teacher, and I also am the owner/founder of www.findmymusicteacher.com, a referral site for music students and teachers to network).
But recently I have had the immense pleasure of discovering some of the great natural areas around my adopted home. I have also had many friends join me on these hikes–at first perhaps just to shut me up–and they are always pleasantly surprised at what can be found not all that far from L.A. This blog is my way of sharing my experiences. Comments and suggestions are always welcome – if a trail condition changes and my site needs to be updated, or if you have a suggestion for a hike you want to read about, lay it on me! Thanks for reading and enjoy the blog. See you on the trails.
The author at Suicide Rock, Idyllwild, CA; Tahquitz Peak in the background
baby, you’re hilarious. What is this, Europe?! hahaha
Oiling up my boots for the next hike! Thanks for all the great posts.
Thanks Kat! Looking forward to some more hikes.
I walk every night in Woodland Hills about an hour or so before sunset three or four miles, some hills, more if you desire.
Alone I do mindful meditation and with company talk.
Both are good, hope you will join me sometime.
Scott
Hi Scott, thanks for reading – I just might take you up on that!
I moved to woodland hills a few months ago from OC and looking for hiking buddies…just an hour or two before sunset 3-4 miles sounds perfect. I usually go to this trail next to my house that has a dog park and hiking with great views. Email me if interested.
I will be looking forward to that.
Scott
818 702 8079
Nice blog, thanks! Gave me ideas on some new places to hike. I found your site while checking my weblogs, I’ll throw up a link to your blog and on my webpage(s) and site’s facebook fanpage as a good resource. Keep up the great trail reports, it’s awesome!
Thanks for reading Cindy – more to come! I’ll try to send you guys some traffic too.
Have you read Milt McCaully’s book “Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains”?
It has about a hundred great hikes, just be aware that if he says it’s a hard hike he means it.
The descriptions of the hikes are really good.
Best
Scott
I am surprised I never heard from anybody to join me on Secret Trail?
Looking forward to our next hike!!
Thanks Jess – me too!
I like the site. There is some great info here. I did have a quesiton, what plugin did you use to get email subscriptions? Thanks
Thanks for reading. I built the entire site (including the subscription button) through http://www.wordpress.com. It’s pretty easy to do.
Hi Dave,heard you where interested in doing Chantry Flats to Mt Wilson.If you are taking Upper Winter Creek trail to Mt Wilson,you will hit a R or L trail near the saddle,be sure n head R,theL trail will get you there,but sweet jesus you will hit the gift that keeps on giving.A shitty ridge/drainage/single track that makes you wonder.But heck,summits arent suppose to easy..lol
Cool – thanks for the tip!
Thanks for taking the time to make this awesome website. My husband and I plan on doing your top 10 already did Zion Loop on to Mt Baldy…..Love all the details best site I have found.
Thanks again keep it coming….
Awesome, glad you got the chance to do it. Enjoy Baldy! Thanks for reading and for your feedback.
What a great web-site! This is definitely getting added to my favorites.
You missed a great waterfall hike though…Sturtevant Falls. I was there about a month ago and it was RAGING! So cool! If you’re even in need of a hiking bud, I’d love to join you on your explorations!
Thanks for reading. Actually I did get Sturtevant – check the index page, you should find it there.
DL
just stumbled upon your site here, keep it up! I live in the Antelope Valley and hit most all of the trails in Northern part of LA county yet I’ve never done Ritter Ranch (on the trail you mentioned we just head straight up the fire breaks from the North side in Palmdale) but me and my girl will be out there this weekend!
Hi Jared, thanks for reading & for the kind words. Hopefully Ritter Ranch won’t be too hot for you this weekend! Enjoy it.
Best
DL
Just stumbled upon your site. What an awesome blog! Thanks for all of the information. I am so excited to explore some of these trails. Cheers!
Thanks for reading, glad you enjoy the blog! Happy hiking.
Thanks for the great info! My boyfriend and I just moved to L.A. from Connecticut (where there is little else to do, but hike) and your blog has been really useful in helping us find places to hike around here.
Thanks for reading! Glad you’re enjoying the blog. Keep tuned for more.
This is an really Excellent Blog which tells us all about the Los Angeles and in and around mountains and great nature which we miss to see in our day to day run Up…………………………..Nice Blog Thank You
Do you have a personal email address to discuss a possible blog exchange?
Yes – nobodyhikesinla@yahoo.com. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi David! I was wondering if you might be willing to feature our event in an upcoming post? Its basically a GPS hiking/trail-running/riding challenge here in the Conejo Valley just north of L.A. that we hope will encourage people to learn more about the open space, experience some great trails and challenge themselves over the next couple of months. We also have some great local and international sponsors that have donated prizes. You can find more info on the COSCA site here: http://www.conejo-openspace.org/news_and_events.htm. And if you have any other questions you can contact me at dmalwitz at gmail dot com. Thanks! -Dave
Hi Dave, thanks for reading. For the most part, I usually only post reports on specific hikes, but I’ll be sure to mention the event in one of my LAist articles. The LAist has a very large readership and it will probably generate a lot of interest in COSCA. I’ll send you the link when it’s ready.
Have a great weekend.
That would be great, Thanks!
Here it is.
http://laist.com/2011/12/11/2011_conejo_open_space_challenge.php
Hey there! I just started hiking in LA and came across this site, LOVE IT! There is only one thing that would make my experience even better….. noting on the website if there is a restroom at the beginning of the trail (random, I know) but I usually drive over an hour to the trails. =)
Thanks for all the great info! Keep posting em and I’ll keep hiking ‘em!
Hi Robinlyn, thanks for reading and for your suggestion. I’ll start adding that info to future posts.
Ooh, notating trail head bathrooms is a good idea (for the ladies).