La Sierra Loop (Chino Hills)

Posted on February 13, 2012 by dlockeretz

Mt. Baldy from the La Sierra Loop Trail

Hills on the La Sierra Loop Trail

La Sierra Loop (Chino Hills)

Location: Chino Hills, on the corner of La Sierra and Monteverde. From the 60 Freeway, take the Philips Ranch/Chino Hills Parkway exit. Head south (right if you’re coming from L.A. and Orange County; left if from the Inland Empire) and go 0.6 miles to Chino Avenue. Turn left and go 0.9 miles to La Sierra. Turn right and go 0.3 miles and park on the corner of La Sierra and Monteverde. From the 71 Expressway, take the Chino Ave. exit. Head west for 1.5 miles and turn left on La Sierra.
Agency: City of Chino Hills
Distance: 2.1 miles
Elevation gain: 450 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 1 hour
Best season: October – June
USGS topo map: Ontario
Recommended gear: hiking poles ; sun hat
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 5

Inland Empire hikers who are bummed about the recent cuts in the hours of Chino Hills State Park will be happy to know about the La Sierra Loop, one of several recreational trails operated by the city. (Note too that unlike Chino Hills State Park, dogs are allowed here). For a short hike, this trail provides a pretty good cardio workout, with a lot of ups and downs. Scenic highlights include views of the San Gabriels, San Jacintos and Santa Anas. The trail is very conveniently located to residents of Chino Hills and the surrounding communities. The loop also provides access to other trails in the Chino Hills system, for those who want a longer hike.

From the corner of La Sierra and Monteverde, follow a short spur to the La Sierra Loop Trail. The loop can be hiked in either direction, but when you do it clockwise, as described here, you get to warm up your legs a little before making the big climb; also you save the best views on the route for the end.

Head left on the fire road (Redbird Road on some maps), and walk parallel to the edge of the housing development. Turn right at the first junction and head downhill. Although the sights and sounds of civilization aren’t far away, the walk becomes pleasantly quiet as you descend into a shallow canyon.

Just under a mile in, you arrive at another split, where you’ll head right (the left fork heads up to nearby Chino Hills Parkway). Soon you begin a short but steep ascent – about 400 feet in just over half a mile. If you have to stop and catch your breath, you can turn around and see great views of the Santa Ana Mountains to the southeast.

At the top, make a sharp right (1.5 miles from the start) and begin your descent. Here, you’ll be rewarded with your efforts with great views of Mt. Baldy and neighboring Ontario and Cucamonga Peaks, and you’ll get a panoramic view of the San Gabriel Valley and western end of the Inland Empire. Stay right one more time, and at two miles, you return to the spur. Head left and back to the car.

If you enjoyed the La Sierra Loop, check out the other trails operated by the City of Chino Hills. They’re good to keep in mind if you want to hike with your dog on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Text and photography copyright 2012 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Marshall Peak via Cloudland Truck Trail

Posted on February 9, 2012 by dlockeretz

View of Highway 18 and the San Bernardinos from the Cloudland Truck Trail

Approaching Marshall Peak (center) with the San Gabriel Mountains distant

Marshall Peak via Cloudland Truck Trail

Location: North of San Bernardino, on highway 18. From I-210, take the Highway 18 exit (Waterman Ave.) and go north for 5 miles. Park at a turnout on the left (west) side of the road, at mile marker 11.23, just north of the San Bernardino City Limit sign. Although most trails in the San Bernardino Natoinal Forest require a National Forest Service adventure pass, there is no indication that one is required for parking here. However, if you want to purchase one, click here.
Agency: San Bernardino National Forest
Distance: 6.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
Suggested time: 3 hours
Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Elevation gain, distance)
Best season: November – April
USGS topo map: “San Bernardino North”
Recommended gear: sun hat ; sunblock
More information: Mountainzone report here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 6

Marshall Peak (elevation 4,006) is a rounded bump in the front country of the San Bernardino Mountains, just north of the city of San Bernardino. It can be approached via a shorter (3 mile) hike from the north, or by a longer route, as described here.

The good news is that on clear days, the views are incredible on the way to and from the summit. You can expect to see San Bernardino Peak, San Jacinto, the Santa Anas and Puente Hills, and the eastern end of the San Gabriels, notably the “Three T’s” and Cucamonga Peak. If you’re lucky, you may get a glimpse of the Palomar Mountains of north San Diego County–and even Catalina Island. The bad news is that the trail is almost completely exposed, so you need to pick a cool day for hiking and preferably get off to an early start. Although the steady grade will have you huffing and puffing by the time you reach the summit, navigation is easy, and it makes a great, convenient training hike for those wanting to pursue more ambitious peaks.

From the turnout at the side of Highway 18, you head uphill on the Cloudland Truck Trail. The trail winds around the south side of a ridge, almost immediately providing great views of San Bernardino and Riverside. You double-back over the ridge and get a nice aerial perspective on Highway 18. The fire road more or less parallels the highway for a mile or so before crossing back over the ridge.

At about two miles from the start, the trail enters a plateau, where a few solitary pines provide basically the only shade on the hike; this can be a nice place to stop for a break. The trail continues, starting a brief descent to meet up with forest road 2N40, coming in from the north (the shorter approach to Marshall Peak.) Here, you have two choices: Cross the fence and turn left, make another quick left and head uphill on the fire road to the summit, or stay on the south side of the fence and climb a rough, but not too steep, fire break past a water tank. You’ll cross the dirt road and continue up a steeper path, soon arriving on top.

From Marshall Peak’s flat summit, you get a nice view similar to what you saw on the way up. A wooden fence that runs around the side of the clearing makes a good place to sit and check out the scenery before heading back down to Highway 18.

Mt. Lee via Cahuenga and Burbank Peaks

Posted on February 6, 2012 by dlockeretz

The "Lone Pine" on Burbank Peak

The steep approach to Burbank Peak

Mt. Lee via Cahuenga and Burbank Peaks

Location: Wonder View Drive and Lake Hollywood Drive in Hollywood. From downtown, take Highway 101 to the Barham Blvd. exit. Turn right on Barham, go 0.3 miles and turn right on Lake Hollywood Drive. Go 0.5 miles and park on the corner of Lake Hollywood Drive and Wonder View Drive. From the 134 Freeway, take Forest Lawn exit. Go 2.3 miles on Forest Lawn and turn left on Barham. Go 0.8 miles and turn left on Lake Hollywood Drive and go 0.5 miles to Wonder View Drive.
Agency: Griffith Park
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Suggested time: 2 hours
Difficulty rating: PG-13 (Steepness, terrain, elevation gain)
Best season: October – May
USGS topo map: Burbank
Recommended gear: hiking poles ; sun hat
More information: detailed trip report here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 7

Great scenery and interesting history make this one of the most enjoyable hikes in the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park. This hike travels through the western end of Griffith Park, land once owned by Howard Hughes. Although short, the steep ascent to the ridge and the rugged terrain between Cahuenga Peak and Mt. Lee make this a challenging hike.

This route visits three summits in the Hollywood Hills, each with their own character. Burbank Peak (1,690 feet) is the westernmost of the three, known for the single pine found on its flat summit. Cahuenga Peak (1,820) is the highest point in the Hollywood Hills. Mt. Lee (1,680) apparently has some sort of sign on it that people seem to like seeing.

The route begins with a quarter mile walk up private Wonder View Drive. Though paved, the street is nice and quiet and provides views that make the reason for its name obvious. On the way up, you’ll see downtown L.A., the Hollywood Reservoir and more.

When Wonder View Drive ends, look for a single-track trail bearing right, heading steeply up the slope of the hill. Despite the intimidating grade (it climbs about 500 feet in half a mile) and occasionally rocky terrain, this part of the trail provides some very enjoyable views to the south. After making a switchback, the trail reaches the ridgeline between Burbank and Cahuenga Peaks. Here, you get great views to the north, including the San Gabriel, Verdugo and Santa Susana ranges.

To get to Burbank Peak, head left and make a gradual climb. You can sit beneath the shade of the lone pine, also known as the Tree of Knowledge. This is the westernmost peak of the Hollywood Hills and arguably has the best views of the three summits on this route.

From Burbank Peak, head back east and follow the ridge to the summit of Cahuenga. (The trail splits a couple of times on the way, but the two forks merge quickly, so it doesn’t matter which route you take). Though taller, Cahuenga’s summit isn’t as scenic as Burbank Peak’s, and there isn’t really any place to sit and enjoy the view. It is a good spot to catch your breath, however, before continuing on to Mt. Lee.

From Cahuenga’s east slope, the trail continues steeply downhill. Although the terrain is a little rough, the trail is easy to follow. There is one short drop that will probably require hands as well as feet, but other than that, there’s nothing that a couple of hiking poles can’t solve. After dropping steeply, the trail climbs a knoll, drops again and then approaches Mt. Lee. Just before reaching the service road, take a left and head briefly downhill. (It may appear as if you should go right and uphill; the author did this, almost knee-capping himself on a jagged rock, only to find that the route was a dead end.) You join the service road, head right and follow it past the sign to Mt. Lee’s summit. Here, you can look at the Hollywood Sign from above, and take in the rest of the view before heading back.

Canyon Acres Trail (Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park)

Posted on January 30, 2012 by dlockeretz

Sunset over Catalina Island from the Canyon Acres Trail

Full moon and sandstone geology, Canyon Acres Trail

Canyon Acres Trail (Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park)

Location: Hills north of Laguna Beach in south Orange County. From I-405, take the highway 133 exit south for 8.5 miles. Turn left on Forest, which becomes 3rd St, and after 0.3 miles total take a left onto Park Ave. Go 1.8 miles on Park to its terminus in Alta Laguna Drive, and head left, and park at the end of the street.
Agency: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation gain: 850 feet
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: PG
Best season: All year (Hot during the summer)
USGS topo map: “San Juan Capistrano”
Recommended gear: sun hat; hiking poles
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 6

This short but steep “reverse” hike explores the southwestern corner of Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. There’s a nice variety of scenery, including great ocean views, aerial vistas of Laguna Canyon and the characteristic sandstone geology of the area. You can also see Old Saddleback, and on clear days, the San Gabriels. This trail is a great place to watch the sunset, and it is short enough that it can be done easily as an after-work excursion, as well as on the weekends.

From the end of Alta Laguna, follow the Park Avenue Nature Trail past the billboard and downhill. Where the nature trail heads off to the left, take a right to access the Canyon Acres trail, a fire road. The trail bends to the left and starts heading downhill, providing nice views of Laguna Canyon far below. Several false trails branch off, although the main route is pretty obvious.

After a steep descent, the trail levels out for a little while and begins another descent. Look for some sandstone caves on the right (and possibly some people climbing inside them). At 0.8 miles, the trail splits again. Head right, around a horseshoe-shaped curve that takes in some great ocean views. As you round the side of a knoll and head back into the canyon, you get a nice look at some more geology, including an outcrop that may remind some of Griffith Park’s famous Bee Rock.

The lower end of the trail is pleasantly quiet, protected from the nearby street noise. At 1.3 miles, you reach a bridge that connects the trail to the end of Canyon Acres Drive. There’s a nice wooded area where you can sit for a little bit and catch your breath before making the steep climb back to Alta Laguna. The silver lining is that whenever you have to stop and catch your breath, you’ll have some great views to enjoy. If you really want to burn a few extra calories, try returning via the Park Avenue Nature Trail.

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Cabrillo Beach & Pier

Posted on January 5, 2012 by dlockeretz

Cabrillo Beach

Waves on the breakwater at Cabrillo Beach

Cabrillo Beach & Pier

Location: San Pedro. From the south end of I-110, take Gaffey Street south for 1.4 miles. Turn left on 19th St., go 0.3 miles and turn right on Pacific Avenue. Turn left on Stephen White Drive and head into the park. Parking is $1 per hour (cash only) with a daily maximum of $9.
Agency: City of L.A. Parks & Recreation
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation gain: Level
Difficulty Rating: G
Suggested time: 1 hour
Best season: All year
USGS topo map: “San Pedro”
Recommended gear: sun hat ; sunblock
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 4

Cabrillo Beach Park is one of several popular recreational destinations in San Pedro, along with nearby Point Fermin Park and Angels Gate Park. The beach also shares the property with the famous Cabrillo Aquarium. Although this is not necessarily the place to go for peace and quiet (and there’s a good amount of trash and graffiti), Cabrillo Beach offers a wide range of scenery, including Old Saddleback, the San Gabriels, Catalina Island and the characteristic marine geology of the area.

From the parking area, walk along the beach toward the pier. Make your way onto the concrete pier and walk to its end. If the surf is high, you’ll get a great view of the waves crashing over the breakwater on the right.

At the end of the pier, head back, taking in nice views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula on the way. Here, depending on how high the tide is, you can walk back along beach on the opposite (south) side of the pier, with good views of Point Fermin. At the far corner of the beach, you can walk across a footbridge to the southeast side of Point Fermin, where you can sit and enjoy the sights of the ocean and the marine geology. This is a good turnaround point, although with caution in times of low tide you can make your way around the tip of Point Fermin.

To complete the loop, head back across the footbridge and walk back to the parking lot. You can extend the trip a little bit by heading north along the beach.

While Cabrillo Beach is a little bit short to be a major hiking destination, one can easily make a day of visiting the beach, the aquarium and the other parks nearby. Film buffs might want to visit the nearby Korean Friendship Bell at Angels Gate Park, used in “The Usual Suspects.”

Tachevah Falls via North Lykken Trail

Posted on December 20, 2011 by dlockeretz

Tachevah Falls

On the North Lykken Trail

Tachevah Falls via North Lykken Trail

Location: Palm Springs. From I-10, take the Highway 111 exit and head southeast for 9.5 miles and turn right on Via Escuela. Go 0.2 miles and turn left on Via Norte. Go 0.2 miles and turn right on Chino Canyon Road. Turn left on Panorama Road and go 0.3 miles. Bear left onto Cielo Drive and take a left on a spur (it will look as if you are going into private property, but you are not). At the end of the spur, between a tennis court and a cactus garden, park and begin on the North Lykken Trail.
Agency: Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 900 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Steepness, terrain, trail condition)
Suggested time: 2.5 hours
Best season: October – April, daylight only (waterfall access: October – December)
USGS topo maps: “Palm Springs”
Recommended gear: hiking poles ; sun hat; long sleeve shirt and pants
Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Inland Empire
More information: trip report here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 7

Most people don’t associate waterfalls with Palm Springs, and those who do usually think of Tahquitz Canyon. However, Inland Empire hikers won’t want to miss Tachevah Falls, which, despite being dry most of the year, is very visually striking. Add a huge variety of scenery on the North Lykken trail – including panoramic views of Palm Springs, interesting geology and desert vegetation – and you have one of the more entertaining hikes in the area.

From the end of the spur off Cielo Drive, the North Lykken trail (named for former Palm Springs postmaster and businessman Carl Lykken) wastes no time in climbing 300 feet to a ridge. Here, hikers can relax at some picnic tables before continuing on. The trail dips down and closely hugs the side of the Santa Rosas. Terrain can be a little tricky here, although the route should be fairly obvious. After passing by a false trail that branches off down the hill to the left, and passing the mouth of a wide canyon, you arrive at a junction, 1.6 miles from the start. Here, the Lykken Trail continues (somewhat obscurely) to the left, and a spur heads off to the right, where you get your first look at Tachevah Falls.

According to “Afoot and Afield”, access is only legal from October to December, although I did not see any signs indicating this while actually on the trail. Still, if you are visiting during another time of the year and don’t want to take your chances, this can be a good turnaround point; the views are pretty dramatic. You can also continue on the North Lykken Trail, climbs out of the canyon and up to a junction with the Museum Trail and the infamous Skyline Trail that eventually leads to the San Jacinto summit.

If you want to see the falls more closely, follow the trail to the right up into the canyon. The trail follows the wash of Tachevah Creek, sometimes going in and out of it. You may find yourself climbing over rocks and pushing aside bushes, including some thorny mesquite (hence the long shirt/pants recommendation), but usually the trail won’t be too hard to find. The huge rock wall ahead will help with your orientation. The only real navigational point to remember is, when you pass a huge boulder on the right (about a quarter mile into the canyon), head uphill to the left on a trail that steeply ascends the southern wall of the canyon. A bit more climbing gets you to the waterfall, where your best views are from a rock shortly in front of it. Although water is likely to be only trickling here, the unusual rock surface – striped in beige, brown, white, gray and black from years of sedimentary buildup – is well worth the effort it takes to get there. Tachevah rivals Black Star Canyon for being one of the most distinctive looking waterfalls in So Cal, and unlike its Orange County counterpart, this one’s appearance is completely natural. And there’s no poison oak to deal with on the way down, either.

San Clemente Beach & Pier

Posted on December 8, 2011 by dlockeretz

View from the San Clemente Pier (Click picture to purchase from the N.H.L.A. Gallery)

Geology on the beach at San Clemente

San Clemente Beach & Pier

Location: San Clemente. From Orange County, take I-5 south to Ave. Calafia. Merge onto Ave. Calafia and bear right onto Ave. Montalvo (a one-way street). Montalvo becomes Ave. Lobeiro. Park along the curb at Calafia Park (0.3 miles from the freeway). Parking is limited to two hours. From San Diego, take I-5 north to Ave. Magdalena. Turn right onto El Camino Real, take another right and cross over the freeway, and turn left on Avenida Del Presidente. Turn right onto Ave. Calafia and bear right onto Ave. Montalvo.
Agency: San Clemente State Beach; City of San Clemente
Distance: 4.2 miles
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 2 hours (as restricted by the street parking)
Best season: Year round
Recomended gear: sun hat ; sunblock
USGS topo map: San Clemente
More information: San Clemente State Beach info here; San Clemente Pier “Yelp” page here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 6

Located at the very southern tip of Orange County, San Clemente has miles of beaches that feature both panoramic ocean views and interesting marine geology. There are a number of trails and access points, and many possible routes for walking and hiking. The loop described here takes in the nice variety of scenery this area offers. If you don’t mind walking on a bike path, a boardwalk and alongside railroad tracks, you’ll find this hike very enjoyable.

From Calafia Park, head down the stairs to the beach parking area. On the opposite side of the lot, head southeast along a path between the railroad tracks and the bluffs. The marine geology on the left is worth a closer look. Soon, turn left on a paved road heading up to the state beach parking lot. You get nice views of the ocean, up to Dana Point and beyond. After crossing the parking lot, descend on another paved path. This one goes underneath the railroad tracks and arrives at the beach. Turn right and head northwest.

The next mile and a half is an enjoyable walk along the beach to the pier. The going is pretty easy. At the pier, you can head out onto the ocean and get great views of the coastline–and enjoy a snack at one of the shops.

On the return trip, for variety, try walking along the San Clemente Pedestrian Beach Trail. You’ll cross the railroad tracks once and get some more nice, up-close views of the cliffs before arriving back at the parking lot, where you can retrace your steps to the car. While some veteran hikers might not like the amount of company they’ll have on this route, or the fact that civilization is everywhere, most will find that the scenic variety and panoramic views makes the San Clemente beach well worth the visit.

Vista Del Norte Trail

Posted on December 7, 2011 by dlockeretz

View from the Vista Del Norte Trail

Ascending the Vista Del Norte Trail

Vista Del Norte Trail

Location: Rolling Hills Estates, on the corner of Indian Peak Road and Norris Center Drive. From I-405, take the Hawthorne Blvd. exit and drive south for 8.5 miles. Turn left on Indian Peak Road, go 0.4 miles and park in the lot at the Norris Center, on the right. From I-110, take the Pacific Coast Highway exit and head north (west) for 3 miles. Turn left on Crenshaw Blvd., go 3 miles and turn right on Indian Peak. The parking lot at Norris Center will be on your left, in 0.4 miles.
Agency: Palos Verdes Land Conservancy (Vista Del Norte Reserve)
Distance: 0.6 miles
Elevation gain: 250 feet
Difficulty Rating: G
Suggested time: 30 minutes
Best season: Year-round (any day with clear skies)
USGS topo map: San Pedro
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 3

If you like instant gratification, check out the Vista Del Norte, where a short climb gives you some great views of the L.A. Basin. The Vista Del Norte Reserve is one of the many small parcels of land on the Palos Verdes Peninsula operated by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy.

From the parking area by the Norris Center, head east along the sidewalk on Indian Peak Road. Almost immediately, turn right and follow the single-track trail leading uphill. Take a right on the Vista Del Norte Trail, which switchbacks up the side of the hill. (The Indian Peak Loop Trail, which heads straight, is poorly maintained and hard to follow.)

As you climb, the views get wider and wider. After a quarter mile, you arrive at a bench, just below the communication towers, where you can sit and enjoy the view. If you prefer you can continue past the bench to a summit where clear-day vistas include the Santa Monica Mountains, the ocean, the San Gabriels, San Gorgonio and more.

Obviously, this trail is a little bit short to be a major hiking destination, but if you do the route a couple of times, making it nature’s version of a stair climb, it can be a good workout; it’s also near several other trails on the peninsula that are worth visiting. While the trail never escapes the sights and sounds of civilization nearby, it just goes to show that even in places that seem unlikely, one can still get out into nature.

Angel Vista via Los Robles Trail (Thousand Oaks)

Posted on November 27, 2011 by dlockeretz

View from Angel Vista (click picture to purchase from the N.H.L.A. gallery)

Angel Vista via Los Robles Trail (Thousand Oaks)

Location: Thousand Oaks. From Highway 101, take the Moorpark St. exit and head south for 0.5 miles. Park in the lot on the corner of Moorpark and Greenmeadow, or take a right on Greenmeadow and park at an alternate trailhead a quarter mile down the road on the left.
Agency: Conejo Open Space Foundation
Distance: 7.4 miles
Elevation gain: 950 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Distance)
Suggested time: 3.5 hours
Best season: October – May
USGS topo map: Thousand Oaks
Recommended gear: sun hat ; sunblock
More information: COSF home page here; trail map here (from alternate starting point)
Rating: 6

This is one of the more challenging and scenic routes of the Los Robles Trail System, one of the projects of the Conejo Open Space Foundation. The destination is Angel Vista, a view point where hikers are rewarded for their efforts with a 360-degree panorama.

From the trailhead at the corner of Moorpark and Greenmeadow, head west on the fire road. Several other trails branch off, but your route stays straight. In half a mile, bear left as the Los Robles Trail becomes a single-track.

You ascend a few switchbacks, taking in nice views of Thousand Oaks on the way up. The trail levels out, and then crosses a dirt road three miles from the start. There’s not a whole lot of variety on this stretch, but the views are enjoyable and the grade is never too steep. (There’s very little shade, however.)

After crossing the dirt road, you make another ascent. At a four-way junction, stay straight, on a small spur signed for Angel Vista. The actual vista point is a small, fenced-in area with a picnic table. Clear day views include Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island, the western Santa Monicas, the Los Padres National Forest, and a little bit of the San Gabriels.

Angel Vista can also be reached from Potrero Road, which is a 5-mile round trip. For more information on that route, click here.

East Side Loop (Griffith Park)

Posted on November 23, 2011 by dlockeretz

Descending from Mt. Hollywood on the East Side Loop

On the Mineral Wells Trail

East Side Loop (Griffith Park)

Location: Griffith Park near Los Angeles. From the south, take I-5 to the Los Feliz exit, turn left and cross the freeway and turn right on Crystal Springs Drive. Go 1.3 miles and turn right onto Griffith Park Drive. Park in the lot near the merry go round. From the north, take the Los Feliz exit and turn right, then immediately right onto Crystal Springs Drive.
Agency: Griffith Park
Distance: 6.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Suggested time: 3.5 hours
Difficulty rating: PG-13 (Elevation gain, steepness)
Best season: October – May
USGS topo map: Burbank
Recommended gear: hiking poles ; sun hat
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 7

L.A. hikers who take Griffith Park for granted might want to try this route out for size. The six-mile loop described here is challenging, very scenic and surprisingly rugged.

From the parking area, head uphill to the junction with the East Trail, as if you were headed to Bee Rock. At the T-junction, turn right and begin a vigorous climb, almost immediately taking in nice views of the San Gabirel Mountains and Burbank. Soon the trail levels out and you can see Bee Rock towering above. By the time you are done climbing, you will be about as far above Bee Rock as you now are below it.

At 1.2 miles, the trail to Bee Rock splits off. Stay straight on a trail that curves toward the right, and then almost immediately turn left onto the Bill Eckert Trail. You make a pleasant climb through a canyon, and soon arrive at another junction. Head right, and soon, where the road makes a sharp turn to the left, look for a trail heading uphill over rocky terrain (1.7 miles from the start.) The first few yards are a little tricky, but soon the terrain becomes easier to navigate, and you make a quick climb to a junction with another fire road. Head left and continue climbing to the Vista Del Valle, the paved (but closed to traffic) road that runs through the park.

Head right and soon look for a trail marked with a “no bikes” sign. This single-track climbs steeply (200 feet in a quarter mile) before reaching another fire road. Here, you head left and climb a little more before reaching the top of the ridge.

Now, your payback: the next stretch has great views on both sides. You can get a rare aerial perspective on Bee Rock to the east (left), a well as commanding views of the San Gabriels. On the right, look for the Hollywood Sign on Mt. Lee, and on clear days, you can see the ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains.

In a few minutes, you meet up with a five-way intersection. Head straight to access a spur that brings you to the top of Mt. Hollywood, where you get a 360 degree view of the area.

Heading back down to the junction, this time you take a hard right and head downhill. Stay straight at the next split, and you begin to descend steeply on a rough path sometimes known as the Hogsback Trail (the hiking poles will be helpful here.) As before, you have dramatic views on both sides.

After crossing a footbridge, you meet up with Vista Del Valle again. Head right and almost immediately, look for the Mineral Wells Trail heading off to the left. After the rugged descent, the shaded Mineral Wells Trail, which is moderately graded and lightly traveled, will seem like a welcome relief. Recent rains have made the grass very green as well.

In less than half a mile, you arrive at another junction. The straight route brings you to Beacon Hill, but to complete the loop, make a hard right and descend another mile on the fire road. Shortly before you reach the parking lot, you can make one last variation on the route by heading right on a single-track trail, down a staircase and past an amphitheater, and back to the starting point.

The route, of course, doesn’t have to be followed exactly. Griffith Park’s signage is slim to none, but most of the trails are easy to find and orientation is not too tough. It may seem hard to believe, but this route really only covers a small fraction of the 4,400-plus acres here. Even for veteran hikers, Griffith Park has much to offer.

Harriet Wieder Park

Posted on November 18, 2011 by dlockeretz

Wetlands in Harriet Wieder Park

Harriet Wieder Park

Location: 19521 Seapoint Ave, Huntington Beach. From the traffic circle in Long Beach, take Pacific Coast Highway south for 10.2 miles. Turn left onto Seapoint Ave, drive a mile to Garfield Ave (past the park entrance) and make a U-turn. Head back toward P.C.H. and enter the parking lot on your right. From downtown Huntington Beach, take Pacific Coast Highway north for 2.3 miles and turn right on Seapoint.
Agency: Orange County Parks
Distance: 1.4 miles
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Suggested time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Rating: G
Best season: All year
USGS topo map: “Seal Beach”
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 1

Harriet M. Wieder Park, in the northwestern corner of Huntington Beach, is Orange County’s newest regional park. As of now, the park is open to the public but not yet fully developed. There is no formal trail system here, but there are quite a few footpaths that are easy to follow. The route here samples some of the park’s scenery. The wetlands are similar to those at nearby Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. The coastal views aren’t as dramatic and the wildlife isn’t quite as varied as at Bolsa Chica, but Wieder Park is still worth a visit if you’re in the area. It is also dog friendly, which Bolsa Chica is not.

From the parking area, look for a dirt trail heading south toward Seapoint Avenue. Turn right on a wide trail that heads across an open space and then down to a creek. Crossing the creek is the only tricky part of this route, but it’s not too difficult; you work your way through some bushes and arrive at another trail which runs parallel to a fence.

Head up the hill, following two large metal pipes. (Don’t complain; this land could easily have become a golf course.) Soon you’ll see a small path leading downhill to the right. Walk over the pipes and follow this path, carefully crossing over the top of some small bluffs.

Soon you reach the back of the park, marked by another fence. Make a loop, heading back toward the houses. Soon you come to a split where the main road continues toward the park entrance, but you can make your trip a little more interesting by heading left on a single-track trail. This trail completes a loop, soon arriving at a junction where you head right and retrace your steps back to ward the dirt road. Rejoining the dirt road (with the pipelines), you continue retracing your steps. This time, however, before you get to the creek, head right and follow another trail heading back toward Seapoint. When you get there, head left and return to the entrance of the park.

If the route sounds a little convoluted, remember that there are many possible trips you can take at Wieder Park. It will be interesting to see the evolution of one of Orange County’s newest outdoor spaces.

Emerald Vista Point/El Moro Loop/Red Route (Crystal Cove State Park)

Posted on November 9, 2011 by dlockeretz

View from the Emerald Vista Point

Heading into El Moro Canyon

Emerald Vista Point/El Moro Loop/Red Route (Crystal Cove State Park)

Location: 8471 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. From the 73 freeway, take the Mac Arthur exit (the last one before it becomes a toll road). Take Mac Arthur 3.2 miles to its terminus at North Coast Highway. Turn left (south) and go 4 miles to the park entrance, on the left. From Laguna Beach, take Coast Highway north for 2.8 miles and the park entrance will be on your right. From downtown Huntington Beach, the park is 12 miles south on Pacific Coast Highway. Parking fee is $15 per day.
Agency: Crystal Cove State Park
Distance: 4.7 miles
Elevation gain: 700 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 2.5 hours
Best season: October – May
USGS topo map: Laguna Beach
Recommended gear: hiking poles
More information: here; park map here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 7

Crystal Cove State Park may be best known for its beaches and marine geology, but there’s a lot to check out in the back country. On the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway, the park has dozens of miles of trails to explore.

The moderate hike described here is sometimes called the “Red Route” (there’s an easier “Green Route” and a more challenging “Blue Route” as well.) From the entry station, drive down to the newly built campground and day use area (follow the signs). At the back of the parking lot, begin walking across a large footbridge into El Moro Canyon.

Stay straight as the B.F.I. trail (your return route) comes in from the right. The first mile through El Moro Canyon is pleasant and more or less level. The hills on both sides block out much of the noise of the highway nearby.

Shortly after crossing the canyon, you head right on the East Cut-Across. That this trail has been nick-named “I Think I Can” should clue you in to the fact that you’re in for a little bit of a climb. Fortunately, the views get better and better as you ascend, and in a mile, after climbing about 600 feet, you arrive at a triangle-shaped junction. Go right (south) onto El Moro Ridge Road, toward the ocean.

After about three quarters of a mile, head straight on a short spur that leads to the Emerald Vista Point. Unfortunately, you have to share this spot with a communications antenna, but the views – Dana Point to the south, Catalina Island straight ahead and the Palos Verdes Peninsula to the north – are great, especially if the air is clear.

When you’re done enjoying the scene, retrace your steps and head left (southwest) on the El Moro Ridge Trail. It soon starts to descend steeply, giving good aerial views both of the canyon and the beach at Corona Del Mar.

After a mile, head right on the B.F.I. trail. What exactly those initials stand for depend on whom you ask, but the polite version is Big Fat Incline. Your hiking poles will be your B.F.F. on the B.F.I. trail, as it makes a steep dip near the end, crossing a footbridge and completing the loop. Head left, across the larger bridge, and back to the campground.

While the day use fee of $15 is higher than that of most state and county facilities, Crystal Cove State Park has a lot to offer. Unlike the other state parks of Orange County’s coastline, Crystal Cove has an extensive back-country as well as miles of beaches (included in the price of admision). If you make the trip with several friends, you can split the cost.

Either way, it’s still a lot cheaper than Disneyland.

Windes and Pacifica Loop Trails (Santiago Oaks Regional Park)

Posted on November 2, 2011 by dlockeretz

Ascending the Windes Trail, Santiago Oaks Regional Park

View from the top of the Pacifica Trail

Windes and Pacifica Loop Trails (Santiago Oaks Regional Park)

Location: Northeastern Orange County, east of the city of Orange. From route 55, take Katella east (it becomes Villa Park Road and then Santiago Canyon Road) for three miles to Windes Drive. Go left on Windes and follow it for about 3/4 of a mile into the park (the road is narrow and has a lot of sharp turns, so be careful). The parking fee is $3 for the day, or $5 on weekends and $7 on holidays.
Agency: Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Distance: 0.8 miles
Elevation gain: 350 feet
Difficulty Rating: G
Suggested time: 30 minutes
Best season: All year
USGS topo maps: Orange
More information: here; park map here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 5

If you only have time for a short hike at Santiago Oaks Regional Park, this is a good one to do. The figure-8 shaped double loop provides a nice amount of scenic variety and a pretty good workout in the bargain.

From the far end of the main parking lot, walk up the stairs past the nature center and follow the signs to the Windes Loop. The short loop ascends quickly up the side of the hill, providing nice vistas of the Anaheim Hills and the canyon below. After climbing, the Windes Trail descends to a junction with the Pacifica Loop. Head left to a split where you head uphill. A steep climb brings you to the top of a knoll, where on clear days you can see the ocean and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

The trail heads downhill steeply, soon completing the loop. Continue downhill, past the end of the Windes Loop, finishing off by the nature center.

Park Avenue Nature Trail (Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park)

Posted on November 1, 2011 by dlockeretz

Hillside on the Park Avenue Nature Trail

Ocean view from the Park Avenue Nature Trail

Park Avenue Nature Trail (Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park)

Location: Hills north of Laguna Beach in south Orange County. From I-405, take the highway 133 exit south for 8.5 miles. Turn left on Forest, which becomes 3rd St, and after 0.3 miles total take a left onto Park Ave. Go 1.8 miles on Park to its terminus in Alta Laguna Drive, and head left, and park at the end of the street.
Agency: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Suggested time: 1 hour
Difficulty: PG
Best season: All year (Hot during the summer)
USGS topo map: “San Juan Capistrano”
Recommended gear: sun hat; hiking poles
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 6

Readers may notice that this trail’s name spells the word PANT, which is what you’ll be doing a lot of, especially if the day is hot. As short as this trail is, it’s surprisingly challenging.

This trail never gets far away from the nearby residential streets, but it still has a rugged feel, due to its steep descent, interesting sandstone geology and relative lack of foot traffic. The Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park trailhead at Alta Laguna Park is the starting point for this short loop.

From the northwest end of Alta Laguna Drive, follow the fire road, but stay straight as the West Ridge Trail branches off. Another spur to the right leads to the Carolyn Wood knoll, a vista point worth checking out if you have the time.

The Park Avenue Nature Trail descends, staying left as the Canyon Acres Trail branches of to the right. Enjoy the views of the canyon and the ocean in front of you before the trail makes a very steep descent.

After dropping 400 feet in about half a mile, you find yourself pleasantly isolated from the sights and sounds of the nearby residential streets. The trail winds around the side of the hill, passing by some interesting sandstone outcrops, before beginning an ascent back to Park Avenue. You reconnect with Park Avenue a mile from the start. Turn left and continue your climb on the paved street, which brings you to Alta Laguna Drive. Turn left and walk the last quarter mile to the car.

If you have time, you can continue to explore this side of Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park by continuing north along the West Ridge Trail.

Deervale-Stone Canyon Park

Posted on October 26, 2011 by dlockeretz

On the trail in Deervale-Stone Canyon Park

Deervale – Stone Canyon Park

Location: Sherman Oaks. From the 101 freeway, take the Van Nuys Blvd. exit. Head south (left if you’re coming from Los Angeles, right if you’re coming from the west valley) for 0.7 miles and turn left on Valley Vista. In 0.2 miles, stay straight as Valley Vista merges with Beverly Glen, and turn right to stay on Beverly Glen. Go 0.7 miles and turn right on Deervale Drive. Go 0.2 miles and turn left on Deervale Place. Go 0.4 miles and park at the end of the street.
Agency: City of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation
Distance: 1.6 miles
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Suggested time: 1 hour
Difficulty Rating: PG
Best season: Year round (hot during the summer)
USGS topo map: “Van Nuys”
Recommended gear: hiking poles
More information: Article about the history of access to the park here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 5

Tucked away in the hills above the Valley, 80-acre Deervale-Stone Canyon Park is something of a mystery to L.A. hikers. Access to the park has been a source of contention among local home-owners. The park is currently run by the City of Los Angeles, but this may change in the future. As of this writing, the park can be reached from the top, at the end of Deervale Place. The beginning of the trail runs through private property, but hikers are permitted as long as they stay on the route.

From the end of Deervale, follow the sometimes obscure trail downhill (the trail is said to have been “created” simply by years of being trampled by hikers, before any formal route was established). On clear days, you get great views of the Valley. You follow a ridge, sometimes with shade and sometimes exposed. The trail makes a steep dip, levels out for a while and makes another steep dip, arriving in a pleasant grove of green grass and trees. It ends at a private driveway, 0.8 miles from the top of the hill. The lower end is inaccessible to the public, meaning the trip can only be done as a “reverse” hike.

Regardless of what its legal status may be, Deervale-Stone Canyon is a very enjoyable destination, a nice little pocket of nature not far from the urban edge of the Valley and Hollywood. Hopefully it will remain accessible for hikers–and perhaps the 80-acre parcel will see the development of some new trails too.

West Live Oak Trail/O’Neill Regional Park

Posted on October 24, 2011 by dlockeretz

Descending on the Live Oak Trail

Deer on the Live Oak Trail

West Live Oak Trail/O’Neill Regional Park

Location: Trabuco Canyon in the Orange County foothills. From the south, take I-5 to Oso Parkway. Take a right and go 0.7 miles to Marguerite Parkway. Turn left and go 5.6 miles to El Toro Road. Turn right and go 1.5 miles to Valley Vista. Turn right and take another quick right on Meadow Ridge. Go 0.4 miles to the end of Meadow Ridge, turn left on Chisholm and park at the end of the street. From the north, take either I-5 or I-405 south to Bake Parkway. Turn left and go 5.4 miles to Portola Parkway. Turn right and go 0.7 miles to Glenn Ranch. Turn left and go 1.6 miles to El Toro Road. Turn left and go 0.4 miles to Valley Vista.
Agency: O’Neill Regional Park
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Best season: October – June
USGS topo map: ”Santiago Peak”
Recommended gear: sun hat
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 6

This short but vigorous hike approaches O’Neill Regional Park’s famous ocean vista point from a residential area off of El Toro Road, via the western end of the Live Oak Trail. On this part of the trail, the name Live Oak is somewhat of a misnomer, as most of the trail is exposed. Nevertheless, there’s some nice scenery here, and this end of the Live Oak trail tends to get less foot traffic than the more common approach from the park’s main entrance.

From the end of Chisholm, follow a dirt path down to the Live Oak trail and head left. You pass by a picnic area and make a short but steep climb, and then a descent to a footbridge. Across the bridge, the climbing continues. You get a glimpse of the Saddleback summits over the ridge, as well as the grounds of the Ramakrishna Monastery.

At 0.9 miles, the trail takes a hard right and begins to ascend toward the vista point. Bear left at the next split, and a make a final push to the 1,492 foot summit. From here, clear-day views include the ocean, the San Joaquin Hills and more; even if it’s cloudy, it’s hard to miss the imposing Saddleback to the north.

Linden H. Chandler Preserve

Posted on October 13, 2011 by dlockeretz

Woodlands in the Linden Chandler Preserve

Linden H. Chandler Preserve

Location: Palos Verdes Peninsula. From Los Angeles and points north, take I-110 south to Pacific Coast Highway. Turn right and go 1.5 miles to Western. Turn left and go 0.8 miles to the five-way intersection and take a right on Palos Verdes Drive North. Go 1.3 miles and turn right on Dapplegray. Take a quick left on Bucksin, follow it to its end and park by the fence. From the Vincent Thomas Bridge, stay straight to get onto Summerland St. In a mile, turn right on Western. Go 2.1 miles and turn left on Palos Verdes Drive North.
Agency: Linden Chandler Preserve/Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
Distance: 1.2 miles
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Difficulty Rating: G
Suggested time: 30 minutes
Best season: Year-round
USGS topo map: San Pedro Hills
More information: here
Rating: 3

Tucked between the Rolling Hills Country Club and Palos Verdes Drive North, the 28-acre Linden Chandler Preserve provides a nice quiet getaway with a good variety of scenery. Hikers can do the short loop described here, or easily extend their trip on a number of bridle trails that radiate outward from the preserve.

From the end of Buckskin Lane, follow the path into the park. From this vantage point, your clear day views include the Los Angeles basin and the San Gabriel Mountains. Take a hard right on a path that heads downhill, and almost immediately, take a left and make a small loop around the end of the golf course. At a T-junction, head right and downhill. You can take a somewhat rough single-track trail that branches off (be careful), or stay on the fire road. At the bottom, head right and into a pleasantly shaded area. This is an example of the riparian habitat the preserve was formed to protect. You climb out of the wetlands and soon reach another junction with the signed Dale’s Trail.

Head left (you can extend the trip by going right, downhill and into a short loop) and soon arrive at the Empty Saddle trailhead. Head left onto the Howard Trail (again you can extend things on the bridle trail that heads straight from here, leaving the preserve.) A steep descent brings you to another trailhead and a dirt road. Head left, past the baseball field and continue through some more woodlands. Stay straight and begin a steep climb back up to the trailhead at the end of Buckskin. You can extend the route on the Dapplegray Trail, which continues east, making a few ups and downs before ending at Palos Verdes Drive East.

In case you were wondering, Linden Chandler (1900-1995) was a concrete and gravel magnate who lived in the area.

Will Rogers State Historic Park: Inspiration Point and Backbone Trail

Posted on October 11, 2011 by dlockeretz

Backbone Trail just above the footbridge

View from Inspiration Point, Will Rogers State Historic Park

Will Rogers State Historic Park: Inspiration Point and Backbone Trail

Location: 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades. Take I-10 to its end, where it becomes northbound Pacific Coast Highway. Go 2.1 miles to Chautauqua Blvd. and turn right. Go 0.9 miles and turn right on Sunset. Go 0.6 miles and turn left on to Will Rogers State Park Road. Drive a mile to the park entrance. Parking is $12 per day per vehicle.
Agency: Will Rogers State Historic Park/Topanga State Park
Distance: 3.8 miles
Elevation gain: 900 feet
Suggested time: 2 hours
Difficulty Rating: PG
Best season: October – May
USGS topo map: “Topanga”
Recommended gear: hiking poles ; sun hat
More information: here
Rating: 7

The land that comprises Will Rogers State Historic Park was once owned by the famous cowboy actor. In addition to a number of hiking paths, the grounds also include his former ranch house, a polo field and more. The easternmost state park in the Santa Monica Mountains and thus the closest to Los Angeles, Will Rogers State Historic Park is perhaps best known by hikers for Inspiration Point, but it also provides access to the eastern end of the Backbone Trail. The route described here visits both.

From the parking area between the polo field and the ranch house, head north along a paved road. It passes by an athletic field and heads on up toward some horse stables. Take a sharp right on a dirt fire road, signed for Inspiration Point. In just under a mile, you reach a junction. Look for a single-track trail on the left which climbs to join a fire road. Head left and you’ll soon arrive at Inspiration Point, where the clear-day views include the ocean, downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriels and more.

Back at the junction, look for the Backbone Trail heading north into Topanga State Park (avoid the adjacent fire break). The trail climbs steadily, winding around the hills, taking in wider and wider views as it ascends. After crossing a footbridge, the Backbone Trail continues to climb, finally topping out at an unnamed peak, 0.9 miles from the Inspiration Point fire road. Here, you are rewarded for your efforts with a 360 degree view of the Santa Monicas, San Gabriels, the ocean and on clear days even the Santa Anas of Orange County.

Past this point, the Backbone Trail descends, and continues toward the center of Topanga State Park. You can continue to follow it to, well, 70 miles to Point Mugu, but for a nice afternoon’s hike, this is a good turnaround point.

Aswut Trail (Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park)

Posted on October 9, 2011 by dlockeretz

View from the top of the Aswut Trail

Modjeska, Santiago and goats on the Aswut Trail

Aswut Trail (Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park)

Location: Laguna Beach. From the north, take Pacific Coast Highway south of downtown Laguna Beach and turn left on Bluebird Canyon. Go 0.3 miles and turn right on Summit Ave. Go 0.7 miles and make a slight right onto La Mirada. Go 0.1 miles and turn left on Del Mar. Park on the corner of Del Mar and Balboa, just north of Moulton Meadows Park. Alternately, from points south, take P.C.H. to Nyes Place. Turn right and drive 1.4 miles (Nyes becomes Balboa along the way) and park on the corner of Balboa and Del Mar.
Agency: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation gain: 350 feet
Suggested time: 1 hour
Difficulty: PG
Best season: All year (Hot during the summer)
USGS topo map: “San Juan Capistrano”
Recommended gear: sun hat
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 5

Located in the southwestern corner of Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, the Aswut Trail makes a short, but vigorous–and scenic–workout, and it can also be used as an access point for other trails for a longer hike.

That the Aswut Trail is really a bike path shouldn’t turn off hiking purists; there aren’t many paved trails that provide both great ocean and mountain views. Keep in mind, however, that the route is completely exposed.

From the end of Balboa, head north along the bike path, taking in great views of the canyons and the Santa Anas on the right and the ocean on the left. At about half a mile, you reach a junction with the Meadows Trail on the right, which leads down into the park. There’s a large pen of friendly goats here, too.

The path continues, heading downhill briefly and then making a steep climb to meet residential Top of the World Drive. The trail branches off to the left, makes a steep dip and then finishes with another steep climb.

On the way back, you can vary your route a little by heading left on the Meadows Trail. Just before the trail dips down into the canyon, head right and walk along a single-track trail that parallels the paved Aswut Trail. Follow this trail back to Moulton Meadows Park, and take a right on a stone walkway to head back down to Balboa.

Serrano Creek Park (Lake Forest)

Posted on October 5, 2011 by dlockeretz

Crossing Serrano Creek

Eucalyptus grove in Serrano Creek Park

Serrano Creek Park (Lake Forest)

Location: 25101 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. From I-5, take the Lake Forest Drive exit. Head northeast (right if you’re coming from the south, left if from the north) and go 2.2 miles to Serrano Road. Turn left and go 0.2 miles, and the park is on the right.
Agency: City of Lake Forest
Distance: 2.1 miles
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Difficulty Rating: G
Suggested time: 1 hour
Best season: Year round
USGS topo map: El Toro
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 3

This fun neighborhood hike is great for people who want to get out into nature but may be a little intimidated by longer trails. Even veteran hikers who live in the area will find it to be an easy and convenient getaway into nature, and the variety of scenery is pretty impressive for a small park in the middle of suburbia.

There are several trails, both paved and dirt, that run through the park. The route described here may seem a little bit convoluted, but one doesn’t have to follow it exactly to enjoy the park. Wherever you are, you’re likely to be close to one of the main roads, so you really don’t have to worry about getting lost.

From Serrano Road, head down into the park and cross through the playground area. On the opposite side of the park, look for a trail heading down toward the creek. Carefully descend (the banks are washed out, so take extra care, especially if you’re hiking with little kids.) You cross the creek and pick up a slightly obscure trail that heads up toward a fire road, passing along the back side of some houses. Head left and almost immediately look for another trail leading back down toward the creek. After making the second creek crossing, you arrive at one of the main trails through the park. Instead of walking on the paved path, you can head right on a dirt trail and follow it for a while. Shortly after it joins the main path, it branches off again.

After once more rejoining the paved path, the trail comes to a split. Head right, following the path of the creek, and once again go onto dirt when the paved road makes a U-turn. After about a mile, you arrive at Bake Parkway. Turn around and follow the bike path on the opposite side of the creek. Shortly, just as you pass a pathway leading to residential Camino Trebol on the left, look for a footpath heading back into the creek. You cross the creek and rejoin the path, heading left back toward the park entrance.

Here you can trace your exact route back, but for a little more variety, head uphill at the juncture (by the big oak tree with its limbs touching the ground.) The paved path meets a T-junction, where a dirt path heads through a beautiful grove of eucalyptus trees. This wooded trail crosses a few other paved paths before meeting up with one of the main walkways. Bear right and follow the walkway back to the playground area.

Regardless of which route you take at Serrano Creek Park, it’s sure to be a fun and enjoyable trip, an easy way to escape inland Orange County’s heat and enjoy some nature, peace and quiet in a place where it would seem hard to find.

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