Category Archives: General information: Waterfall hikes

Frascati Trail

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Waterfall on the Frascati Trail

View from the top of the Frascati 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Frascati Trail

  • Location: Rancho Palos Verdes.  From the south end of the 110 freeway, take a left on Gaffey St. and go 0.7 miles.  Turn right on 9th st and go 2.7 miles (9th becomes Miraleste on the way).  Turn left on Palos Verdes Drive East and go 0.3 miles to Corsini Place.  Turn left and park on the corner of Corsini and Palos Verdes Drive East.
  • Agency: Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
  • Distance:  0.7 miles
  • Elevation gain: 250 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: G
  • Suggested time: 30 minutes
  • Best season: Year-round (best after recent rains)
  • USGS topo map:  San Pedro Hills
  • More information: here
  • Rating: 4

It’s very easy to miss the Frascati Trail, but if you’re looking for a nice, secluded hike on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, this one is well worth checking out.  Although it’s short, the trail offers a wide variety of scenery, including ocean views, a shady canyon – and waterfall.

From the corner of Corsini, walk left on Palos Verdes Drive East and pick up the signed Frascati Trail.  It descends with nice  views of the ocean to the left, and soon you enter a wooded area where the trail makes a hairpin turn to the left.  Here, you can scramble a little ways off the trail and see a small waterfall (be careful on the rocks).

Past the waterfall, the trail continues its descent, and soon there are virtually no signs of civilization.  Except for the occasional car or motorcycle on Palos Verdes Drive East, you’re likely to only hear the sound of the stream along side the trail.

The trail ends after a third of a mile at Via Colinita.  Of course, I wish it were longer – but considering that three hours before I posted this entry I hadn’t even heard of the Frascati Trail, I have nothing to complain about.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy runs nature walks throughout the area, and have one scheduled for October 8th, 2011.  For information about that walk and other events by the PVPLC, click here.

Etiwanda Falls

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Etiwanda Falls

Creek and foliage above Etiwanda Falls

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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Etiwanda Falls

In addition to having an amusing sounding name, the city of Rancho Cucamonga, CA is one of the fastest growing in the country.  That being said, few of Rancho’s 170,000 residents have heard of the waterfall that is practically in their backyards.

The beginning of the hike to Etiwanda Falls is a little tedious, and with no shade, it’s best done on a cool day.  But as you leave behind the suburban sprawl and get higher into the mountains, it becomes very enjoyable, and you get to see one of the Inland Empire’s best-kept secrets.

From the parking area, head north on the fire road into the North Etiwanda Preserve.  At half a mile, you can take a detour to a picnic area.  The main trail continues, soon arriving at a gate (ignore the sign that says it’s private property; foot traffic is allowed).  Your efforts are rewarded here as you get nice views of the mountains and of Etiwanda Creek flowing below you on the right.  The grade levels out for a while before making one last ascent (you’ll pass a couple of other junctions, but stay on the main fire road) before arriving at the falls.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to look at the entire waterfall, as it is hidden from the main trail, without getting very close to the edge of the cliff.  The trail ends above the top tier, allowing pretty good viewing, but be careful on the rocks, especially after recent rains.  I couldn’t help but think of Pink Floyd’s song “One Slip” as I walked around the area; this is definitely not the place to have a momentary lapse of reason.

On the way back, you get nice views of the Inland Empire (Corona, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and the neighboring communities).  This trail is a great example of how natural oases can be found even in unlikely places.

Big Sycamore Canyon Waterfall

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Big Sycamore Waterfall in Point Mugu State Park

Text and photography copyright 2010 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.  The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here.   Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Big Sycamore Canyon Waterfall

  • Location: Thousand Oaks.  From highway 101, take the Lynn Road exit and head south (left if you’re coming from L.A.) for 5.6 miles.  Turn left into the Rancho Sierra Vista park and drive to the second parking lot.  From the north, take highway 101 to Wendy Drive.  Turn left, go 0.8 miles and turn right on Borchard Rd.  Turn right, go 0.5 miles and turn left on Reino.  Go 1.2 miles and turn left on Lynn, and drive a mile to the park.
  • Agency: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area & Point Mugu State Park
  • Distance:  3.4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 350 feet
  • Suggested time: 2 hours
  • Difficulty Rating: PG
  • Best season: December – June
  • USGS topo maps:  Newberry Park
  • Recommended gear: hiking poleswidth=
  • More information:  here; trip reports here and here (slightly different route)
  • Rating: 8

There aren’t many hikes that provide great mountain views, wide meadows, historical buildings, a deep canyon – and a waterfall – but the hike to Big Sycamore Canyon Falls is just such a trip.  It begins on National Park Service property (Rancho Sierra Vista, part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area) and visits Point Mugu State Park.  The trip can easily be expanded upon (see the above links for more details.)

From the parking area, pick up a dirt road leading southeast toward the meadow.  After crossing a paved pathway and a bridge, head right at the fork (or, if you have time, pay a visit to the Chumash interpretive center, which includes a stick house).  You cross the meadow, taking in dramatic views of Boney Mountain straight ahead, and soon arrive at another split.  Head straight and begin a climb uphill.  Stay left at the next to splits, and begin heading downhill into the canyon.

After 0.4 miles, the trail reaches the bottom of the hill and takes a hairpin turn and a spur branches off, signed for the waterfall.  After a stream crossing that can be challenging if the water level is high, you climb briefly, arrive at another hairpin turn and again head straight, deeper into the canyon.  A short, but somewhat tricky walk along the creek takes you to the waterfall.

Big Sycamore Canyon Falls cascades down several levels of rocks for a total of about 50 vertical feet, not unlike a smaller version of Yosemite’s Chilnualna Falls.  With a little scrambling over rocks, you can get a nice view of the waterfall – but be careful, especially if the rocks are wet.

After enjoying the waterfall, you can head back by the same route, or extend your trip.  Either way, Rancho Sierra Vista and Point Mugu State Park’s extensive network of hiking trails and scenic variety is sure to make for an enjoyable time.

Nojoqui Falls

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Nojoqui Falls

Text and photography copyright 2010 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.  The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here.   Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Nojoqui Falls

  • Location: north of Santa Barbara, near Goleta.  From highway 101 between Goleta and Santa Maria, exit at La Lata place.  Take a right and drive 0.8 miles to Alisal Road.  Turn right and drive 0.8 miles to the park entrance.  Take a right and drive into the park.
  • Agency: Santa Barbara County Parks & Recreation
  • Distance: 0.6 miles
  • Elevation gain: 225 feet
  • Suggested time: 1.5 hours
  • Difficulty Rating: G
  • Best season: Year round (Best after recent rains)
  • USGS topo map: Solvang
  • More information:  here; trip report here
  • Rating: 4

I’ll answer the obvious question first: How in the world do you pronounce the name of this waterfall?  ”No-HO-wee.” If you’re in the Santa Barbara area for the holidays (or any other time), this waterfall can be reached by a short, easy hike that will be enjoyable for the whole family.

From the back of the park, follow the signs to the waterfall trail.  The trail follows Nojoqui Creek, entering a canyon filled with oaks and laurels, and it climbs quickly, crossing a bridge and soon arriving at the nearly 100-foot waterfall.  The water falls down a sandstone cliff that is dotted with moss and ferns.  Interpretive plaques describe the waterfall’s geological history in greater detail.

Needless to say, this is not a trip for hard-core hikers, but it’s certainly an enjoyable and easy way to get out into nature–and perhaps relieve some holiday stress.  Just make sure you remember to pronounce the name of the waterfall correctly.  If you ask for directions to “No-JOKE-ee” falls, prepare to be laughed out of town.

Paradise Falls in Wildwood Park

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Paradise Falls in Wildwood Park

Heading down into the Arroyo Conejo gorge

Text and photography copyright 2010 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Paradise Falls in Wildwood Park

  • Location: Corner of Avenida De Los Arboles and Big Sky Drive in Thousand Oaks.  From the 101 freeway, take the Lynn Road exit and go north for 2.5 miles.  Take a left on Avenida De Los Araboles and drive a mile to the park entrance.  Make a U-turn at the corner with Big Sky and enter the park.  From the 23 freeway, take the Olsen Road exit.  Head west for 3.5 miles (Olson becomes Lynn Road on the way), and take a right on Avenida De Los Araboles.
  • Agency: Conejo Recreation and Parks District (Phone: 805-495-6471)
  • Distance: 3 miles
  • Elevation gain: 400 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG
  • Suggested time: 2 hours
  • Best season: All year
  • USGS topo map:  Newbury Park
  • Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Los Angeles
  • More information:  here; map here (route shown is different from the route described here)
  • Rating: 7

Fed by the Arroyo Conejo creek, 30-foot Paradise Falls is one of So-Cal’s most reliable year round waterfalls.   It’s located in the back of Wildwood Park, which has been used in a variety of vintage TV shows, including “Gunsmoke”, “Rifleman” and more.  While the waterfall is the park’s premier attraction, the walk to and from it is very enjoyable too, with interesting geology, serene oak woodlands and deep canyons.

There are many possible routes in the park, but the 3-mile loop here, as described in Jerry Schad’s  “Afoot and Afield in Los Angeles County”, is probably the most enjoyable, bypassing the heavily used fire roads. Pick up a free map from the information board at the parking lot, which will be helpful (the map includes elevations and distances to the hundredth of a mile).

From the east side of the parking lot, pick up the Moonridge Trail, which heads down into the canyon. Half a mile in, you cross a fire road, and the descent continues. You reach a second fire road, head left for a short distance and come to a teepee. Here, you head right, descending farther into the canyon, and take a quick left, signed for the falls, which you will probably hear by this point.

At the bottom of the canyon, you can descend a few stairs and enter the grotto where Paradise Falls cascades down a rocky cliff into a wide pool. Click here to see a video of Paradise Falls.

When you’re ready, retrace your steps up the stairs, and head right along the Wildwood Canyon Trail, which gives a nice aerial view of the waterfall. Stay straight at a four-way junction, and arrive soon at a second junction where you can take a detour to Indian Cave (be careful on the steep steps).

Upon returning from the cave, head across the bridge and pick up the Indian Creek Trail. You can also drop by the nature center if you like. The Indian Creek trail follows the canyon, beneath the cover of oaks, and soon arrives at a stream. Stay left (the 76 Steps trail goes straight) and begin a steep but short ascent up some stairs back to the street level. As Schad puts it, this is where you “repay your debt to gravity.” On the way up, look for a smaller waterfall off to the right, far below.

Upon reaching the top of the canyon, head left and follow the Moonridge trail back to the parking lot. You can also go straight to get to the street, and head left and walk back. If you enjoyed this short loop, make sure you check out some other trails in Wildwood Park, such as Lizard Rock.

Escondido Falls

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On the way to Escondido Falls

Crossing Escondido Creek

Text and photography copyright 2010 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Escondido Falls

  • Location: Malibu.  From Santa Monica, take Pacific Coast Highway west for 18 miles.  Take a right on East Winding Way (the last major street before East Winding Way is Latigo Canyon Road.)   Park in the lot immediately on your left.    From Thousand Oaks, take the 101 freeway to Kanan Road, and head south for 12 miles to Pacific Coast Highway (Kanan becomes Kanan Dume along the way).  Turn left on Pacific Coast Highway and go 1.4 miles to East Winding Way.  Turn left and park in the lot.
  • Agency:  Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
  • Distance: 4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 500 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG
  • Suggested time: 2 hours
  • Best season: December – July
  • USGS topo map:  Point Dume
  • More information: here
  • Rating: 7

Like the Private Joker character in the film “Full Metal Jacket”, the hike to Escondido Falls seems to be suggesting something about the duality of man.  This is really two short hikes for the price of one: a steep climb up a paved road with great ocean views, and a secluded walk through a serene canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains.  Oh yeah, there’s a waterfall, too.  The flow is usually strong only after recent rains, but the scenic variety of this trip makes it enjoyable almost any time of year.

From the parking area, head up Winding Way, passing by some opulent homes.  The initial ascent is steep, but less than a mile in, the road dips and meets up with the single-track trail that leads to the waterfall.  Here, you descend into the quiet of the Santa Monica Mountains.  After crossing the stream, the trail heads left again (there are several small intersections, but they all basically lead toward the left, or northwest, so it’s pretty hard to get lost.)

The single-track leads along the creek, crossing it several times, and after half a mile, the waterfall’s upper tier comes into view.  Finally, you arrive at the base of the 50-foot lower tier, set in the back of a small grotto.

Placerita Canyon

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Los Pinetos Creek

Oaks at Walker ranch on the Placerita Canyon Trail

Text and photography copyright 2010 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.  The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here.   Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Placerita Canyon

  • Location: 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, near Newhall.  From the 14 freeway in Newhall, take the Placerita Canyon Road exit and head east for 3.5 miles.  The park entrance is on the right.
  • Agency:  Placerita Canyon Park
  • Distance: 5.4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 750 feet
  • Suggested time: 2 1/2 hours
  • Difficulty Rating: PG
  • Best season: Year-round
  • USGS topo maps: “Mint Canyon”; “San Fernando”
  • More information: here; trip reports here
  • Rating: 6

This is a sentimental favorite of mine, being my third wilderness hike in southern California (after the San Juan Loop and Monrovia Canyon Falls).   It’s one of the hikes I learned about from Ann Marie Brown’s Easy Hiking in Southern California.

The waterfall only has a strong flow after heavy rains, but the hike to it is enjoyable any time of year.  Some veterans might find the first stretch (from the nature center to Walker Ranch) a little monotonous, but many will be pleasantly surprised that such a quiet, wooded area is only half an  hour’s drive from the San Fernando Valley.  (Those wanting more of a challenge can try the 7-mile hike to Manzanita Mountain, which also leaves from the nature center).

From the nature center, follow the Canyon Trail into the park.  It follows along Placerita Canyon for two pleasant, if somewhat uneventful miles.  There is some interesting geology to check out during this stretch, and oaks and sycamores provide shade.

At Walker Ranch, look for the Waterfall Trail branching off to the right (not to be confused with the Los Pinetos trail).  The trail climbs steeply into the canyon (be careful on the stairs) and soon comes to a split.  Take a right to stay on the trail, which makes an S-curve before arriving at the waterfall.  The last stretch, which involves some climbing over fallen trees and rocks, can be a little tricky.  Even if the waterfall’s flow is weak, the grotto is a very attractive area to sit and relax before heading back.

At the nature center, make sure you visit the displays, which include a live owl and red tailed hawk, as well as some stuffed animals, such as a mountain lion, bobcat and more.

Mt. Zion Loop in Big Santa Anita Canyon

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Spruce Grove Trail Camp, Gabrielino Trail

View from just below Mt. Zion’s summit

Text and photography copyright 2010 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Mt. Zion Loop in Big Santa Anita Canyon

  • Location:  Angeles National Forest north of Arcadia.  From Interstate 210, head north on Santa Anita Avenue (right if you are coming from the east, left if you are coming from the west).  After passing through a residential area, you reach a vehicle gate.   The road starts climbing up into the mountains, and arrives at the Chantry Flats parking lot after about 3 miles.  A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 for a day or $30 for the year) is required. Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles River District
  • Distance: 9.4  miles
  • Elevation gain: 2,100 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Distance, trail condition, elevation gain)
  • Suggested time: 5 hours
  • Best season: October – June
  • USGS topo map: “Mt. Wilson”
  • Recommended gear: Hiking Poles
  • Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Los Angeles County
  • More information: here; trip reports here.
  • Rating: 8

If you enjoyed the Winter Creek Loop and want a little more of a challenge, don’t miss this longer hike in Big Santa Anita Canyon.  It shares the first 0.6 and last 2 1/2 miles with the Winter Creek Loop, but also visits some lesser-traveled areas in the canyon and reaches the summit of Mt. Zion.  You can even take a short side-trip to Sturtevant Falls if you want.

From the Chantry Flats parking lot, head down the paved road.  At the junction at the bottom of the hill where trails branch off to Hermit Falls and Winter Creek, stay straight as if you were headed to Sturtevant Falls.  Soon you come to a split where the right trail heads to the waterfall, and the left fork is a horse-trail.  The middle trail is your route, which may be a little treacherous for some, involving some pretty close calls with the cliffs on the right.  (The horse trail will lead to the same spot, so you can take that route as an alternative).   If you are very careful, you can get an aerial view of Sturtevant Falls.

The trail continues its climb, following Big Santa Anita Canyon.  You meet the horse trail at Falling Sign Junction, and head right, soon arriving at the Cascade Picnic Area.   Less than half a mile later you come to the Spruce Grove Campground (3.5 miles from the start), a nice spot for lunch in the shade of some gigantic Douglas Fir trees.

Shortly after Spruce Grove, the Gabrielino Trail splits to the right and heads up to Newcomb Pass while your route heads left.  Take another quick left onto the Sturtevant Trail and a third left onto the Mt. Zion Trail.

The Mt. Zion trail ascends steadily without being too steep, and nice views of the canyon open up as you climb.  After a mile and a quarter, the trail starts to dip and a short spur heads left toward the summit (elevation 3,575 feet).   From the summit, on a clear day, you can get nice views of the canyon below.

After the summit, the trail switchbacks steeply down to Hoegees Camp, losing 1,000 feet in a mile and a half.  When you join the Winter Creek trail, head right and then take a left at the next junction, on the Upper Winter Creek trail.  From here, you follow the trail 2 1/2 miles back to the parking lot (take a left when you get to the fire road a quarter mile from the end).

If you want to make your trip even more challenging, you can continue to add more mileage by heading up to Newcomb Pass on the Gabrielino Trail or Mt. Wilson on the Sturtevant Trail.   Most hikers, however, will probably find this loop to be more than adequate a workout.

The Grotto Trail

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Oak woodland on the way to the Grotto

Mist in the Grotto

Text and photography copyright 2010 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

The Grotto Trail

  • Location: Western Santa Monica Mountains northwest of Malibu.  From Pacific Coast Highway just past the Ventura County line, head north on Yerba Buena Road for 5.4 miles.  The Circle X parking lot will be on your right.  From the Valley, take highway 101 to Kanan Road.  Head south on Kanan Road for 6.2 miles, turn right on Mulholland Highway and stay straight to connect with Encinal Canyon Road.  Follow Encinal Canyon for 3.4 miles, take a right on Lechuza and another quick right on Decker Canyon.  After 0.8 miles, take a hard left on Mulholland, go 0.4 miles and take a right on Little Sycamore.  Little Sycamore becomes Yerba Buena, and after 4.6 total miles from Mulholland, the Circle X Ranch will be on your left.
  • Agency: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area/Circle X Ranch
  • Distance: 3 miles
  • Elevation gain: 650 feet
  • Difficulty rating: PG
  • Suggested time: 1.5 hours
  • Best season:  Year round
  • USGS topo map: “Triunfo Pass”
  • Recommended gear: Hiking Poles
  • Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Los Angeles County
  • More information: here; trip report here
  • Rating: 8

I first hiked the Grotto trail after doing one of my all-time favorite hikes, Sandstone Peak.  The Grotto trailhead is located about a mile south of Sandstone on Yerba Buena Road, and while I was worried that it would be a letdown after Sandstone, I found it to be very enjoyable.  That being said, I didn’t make it back for quite some time, usually calling it a day after one of my six (as of this writing) repeat visits to Sandstone Peak.

However, I decided to revisit the Grotto and give it some love, and as with the first time I hiked it, it delivered.  While it might not have the ocean and mountain views of Sandstone Peak, the short hike to and from the Grotto has a lot of the scenic variety of its northern neighbor trail.  The Grotto is a rocky canyon deep in the Santa Monica Mountains, where the sense of isolation is strong.  On a Saturday, when Sandstone can be very crowded, I only saw a handful of people on this trail.  One group was in violation of the trail’s no dogs policy (although the canine in question did have his off-leash privileges revoked when he tried to jump on me).

From the day use area, head down a dirt road to a campground where you pick up the Grotto Trail.  You head into a wooded canyon and soon pass the turnoff to the Canyon Trail, which leads to Yerba Buena Road across from the Sandstone trail head.  Head right, past the edge of a cliff (and seasonal waterfall), and head up briefly before arriving at a meadow.  On the other side of the meadow, the trail dips into the mysterious inner sanctum of the Arroyo Sequit’s west fork.  The oaks are thick with convoluted branches that block out the sun (especially if the coastal fog rolls in).  At the bottom, you cross the stream bed and soon arrive at the Grotto.

This is a surreal area where gigantic boulders fill the gorge and oaks and sycamores tower above.  There is a waterfall that can be accessed by (carefully) climbing down the boulders, but most hikers will probably be happy to hang out here in the peaceful quiet before returning back to the Circle X ranch.

Rising Sun & Sostomo Loop (Solstice Canyon)

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Point Dume from the Deer Valley Trail

Crossing Solstice Canyon on the Sostomo Trail

Text and photography copyright 2010 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Rising Sun & Sostomo Loop (Solstice Canyon)

  • Location: North of Malibu off Pacific Coast Highway.  From Santa Monica, take P.C.H. for 15 miles.  Take a right onto Corral Canyon (just past Pepperdine University, at the 76 gas station), and almost immediately take a left into Solstice Canyon Park.  Drive to the main parking lot (parking is free).  The trail to the Tropical Terrace leaves from the north side of the parking lot.
  • Agency: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area/Solstice Canyon Park
  • Distance: 7.1 miles
  • Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG13 (Distance, elevation gain, steepness)
  • Suggested time: 3.5 hours
  • Best season: October – May
  • USGS topo map:  ”Malibu Beach”
  • Recommended gear: hiking poleswidth=
  • Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Los Angeleswidth=
  • More information: here; trip report here
  • Rating: 9

If you enjoyed the short trip through lower Solstice Canyon to the Tropical Terrace and are up for a little more of a challenge, this excellent hike is well worth doing, especially now that the weather is cooler.  Basically, it’s a 2.8 mile loop connected to a 1.3 mile loop with a 1.5 mile stretch in between (totalling 7.1 miles).  Either loop can be hiked in either direction, but on the route described here, the first will be done counter-clockwise and the second clockwise.

From the parking lot, pick up the TRW trail, named for the futuristic looking buildings perched on top of the hillside.  Many have pointed out the resemblance between the buildings and Darth Vader; these installations actually predate the Star Wars arch-villain, as they were completed in 1973.   The trail wastes no time in ascending, but your efforts are quickly rewarded with nice views of the ocean as you switchback up the hill.

After climbing 400 feet, pick up the Rising Sun trail, which heads north on the ridge above the canyon.  There is some interesting geology here, including “Lisa’s Rock”, a tall, skinny outcrop.  (No, I don’t know who Lisa was).  Soon, the trail switchbacks down into the canyon, providing nice aerial views of the Tropical Terrace ruins.  A new interpretive plaque shows pictures of the original house and describes the 1982 fire that consumed it.

After visiting the Tropical Terrace, head south along the Solstice Canyon Trail, and almost immediately take a right onto the Sostomo Trail.  This trail rises steeply, gaining about 800 feet in a mile and a half.  On the way back up the hill, look for a tall chimney standing by itself in the middle of a field and the ruins of a small stone house.  Shortly after crossing Solstice Canyon (a great place for a picnic, with shade and a trickling stream), you reach the Deer Valley loop trail.  This can be done in either direction, but this description will have you head to the left.  You get great aerial views of the coastline and Point Dume before heading back to rejoin the Sostomo Trail.

Follow the Sostomo back down into the canyon and take a right on the Solstice Canyon trail, and walk the last mile back to the parking lot.  Enjoyable any time of year (even the summer given a cooler than average day and an early start), this trail is especially good in the spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom.  There aren’t many trails that can give you mountain views, ocean views, creeks, trees and even ruined buildings, but that’s just what this grand tour of Solstice Canyon does.

Monrovia Canyon Falls

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Monrovia Canyon Falls

Text and photography copyright 2010 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Monrovia Canyon Falls

  • Location: Foothills north of Monrovia.  From I-210, take the Myrtle Avenue exit and drive north for 1.9 miles.  Take a right on Scenic Drive, and stay straight when Canyon Blvd. merges.  Follow Canyon Blvd. to the entrance of the park.  There is a $5 entrance fee.  Drive half a mile more and park at the nature center.
  • Agency:  Monrovia Canyon Park
  • Distance: 1.6 miles
  • Elevation gain: 500 feet
  • Difficulty Rating:  PG
  • Suggested time: 1 hour
  • Best season: Year-round (best after recent rains; closed on Tuesdays)
  • USGS topo maps: “Azusa”
  • Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Los Angeles
  • More information: here
  • Rating: 7

Many of the people with whom I’ve shared my hiking obsession have commented that they didn’t know how many waterfalls were in the Los Angeles area.  We might not have Yosemite Falls or Angel Falls or Multnomah Falls here in So-Cal, but we do have some that are definitely worth a visit–especially after the recent rains.  Of these, Monrovia Canyon Falls is one of the most accessible.  It was my first waterfall hike, and second overall (after the San Juan Loop).  It does tend to get crowded on the weekends, but it’s short enough that it should be pretty easy to squeeze in even on a work day.

From the nature center, follow the trail into the canyon, where you’re shaded by oaks and alders.  The trail merges with another trail leading from the lower parking lot (if you want a longer hike, consider starting from the other trail head), and heads up into the canyon.  Young or inexperienced hikers may find some of the navigation a little tricky, especially if the trail is washed out (there are some spots were it clings to the side of the canyon), but if you’re careful there shouldn’t be a problem.

After less than a mile from the nature center, you arrive at the 40-foot waterfall, at the back of a small grotto.  The water goes down two different levels, set at a slight angle from each other.  The area is perfect for a short snack break.

If you enjoy the hike to the falls and want more of a challenge, consider the longer Ben Overturff trail, also in the park.  Note that the Overturff trail is closed on Wednesdays as well as Tuesdays.

Iron Mountain (Poway)

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Northbound view from the Iron Mountain summit

Iron Mountain from the trail head

Text and photography copyright 2010 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Iron Mountain (Poway)

  • Location: East of Poway.   From I-15, take exit 22 (Camino del Norte).  Go left on Camino Del Norte, which changes to Twin Peaks Road.  After 4.2 miles, turn right on Espola Road, go 0.8 miles and turn left on Poway Road.  The trail head is at the juncture of Poway Road and state route 67.
  • Agency: City of Poway
  • Distance:  6.2 miles
  • Elevation gain:  1,150 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (distance, elevation gain)
  • Suggested time: 3 hours
  • Best season: September – June
  • USGS topo map: San Vicente Reservoir
  • Recommended guidebook: California Hiking
  • More information: Trip reports here and here.
  • Rating: 8

Iron Mountain shares its name with an infamous summit of the San Gabriels, said to be the most difficult hike in that range.  Fortunately, Poway’s Iron Mountain is a little more user-friendly.  While it is a somewhat long hike that ends up climbing over a thousand feet, it is easy to follow, never too steep and offers hikers a great variety of scenery.  The trail’s accessibility makes it very popular, with mountain bikers as well as hikers, so this is probably not the place to go for solitude, but it offers a good workout close to the San Diego metro area.  Residents of Orange County might consider making the trip, and Iron Mountain is not much farther from downtown L.A. than Big Bear or Idyllwild.

The beginning of the hike may be a tad monotonous for veteran hikers, but the terrain starts getting more interesting about a mile in, as the trail works its way up into a canyon.  It passes by a small seasonal waterfall, and continues onto a junction at 1.5 miles.    Take a right here, and begin the push to the summit.  There are a lot of interesting rock formations (one in particular reminds me of someone giving the “sign of the horns” with their hand a heavy metal show), and during the spring time, many wildflowers.  The coast can also be visible on clear days to the right.

Finally, you work your way up to the summit (elevation 2,696), where you get a nice 360 degree view, including the reservoir to the south and the Cuyamaca mountains to the east, as well as the ocean to the west and some foothills to the north.   After you’ve taken it all in, retrace your steps back down the hill to the trail head.

Hermit Falls

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As seen in the Nobody Hikes in L.A. Guidebook!

Upper tier of Hermit Falls

On the way to Hermit Falls

Text and photography copyright 2010 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Hermit Falls

  • Location:  Angeles National Forest north of Arcadia.  From Interstate 210, head north on Santa Anita Avenue (right if you are coming from the east, left if you are coming from the west).  After passing through a residential area, you reach a vehicle gate.   The road starts climbing up into the mountains, and arrives at the Chantry Flats parking lot after about 3 miles.  A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 for a day or $30 for the year) is required. Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles River District
  • Distance: 3 miles
  • Elevation gain: 700 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG
  • Suggested time: 1.5 hours
  • Best season: All year
  • USGS topo map: “Mt. Wilson”
  • More information: trip reports here and here
  • Rating: 7

You want to enjoy Labor Day with a nice hike close to L.A. with mountain vistas, a year-round creek and a waterfall, but you don’t want to have to deal with the crowds of Big Santa Anita Canyon.  Where do you go?

Why, Big Santa Anita Canyon, of course.  (Notice that I didn’t say “Sturtevant Falls” or “Winter Creek Loop”.)

Hermit Falls is something of a secret within Big Santa Anita Canyon; perhaps the waterfall’s name comes from its isolated location and its comparatively low number of visitors.  Whatever the reason, it provides a nice journey into nature, with a lot of scenic variety, very close to L.A.  There is some vandalism near the waterfall, but other than that, and a few check dams along the way, there are few signs of civilization, visual or sonic.

From the Chantry Flats parking lot, descend as you would to Sturtevant Falls, but after a quarter of a mile, look for the signed First Water Trail, a single-track, branching off on the right.  This trail switchbacks down into the canyon, mostly shaded by oaks and a few pines, but occasionally exposed.  This is an east-facing slope that can get pretty hot during the summer (remember, like Sturtevant Falls, this is a ‘reverse’ hike).

At the bottom of the hill, cross the creek carefully.  The first time I was here, as I was crossing on the rocks, I heard someone say, “Let’s watch this guy, he looks like he knows what he’s doing.”  Almost as if on cue, I fell into the water.  When you cross–hopefully avoiding such an outcome–head right along the trail that parallels the water.  (If you head left, as I mistakenly did the first time I hiked here, you will arrive at the junction at the bottom of the paved road from Chantry Flats).  There are a few boulders to climb but the trail direction is obvious.  After a quarter mile or so, you cross the creek again, begin a short ascent and then a descent, and then the waterfall comes into view.   The oaks and willows that shade you are similar to those on the Gabrielino Trail to Sturtevant Falls, but the foot traffic is likely to be less.

Hermit Falls has two tiers of about 15 feet each, with a small swimming hole between the them and a larger one at the bottom of the lower level.  There is another tier below, but it is difficult to access.  Some hikers may get a little nervous climbing up on the big slabs of granite that border the waterfall; how close a look you want to get depends on your confidence, your agility and perhaps how well you can suppress your survival instinct.  Even if you just stay on the trail, the scenery is still enjoyable.

Note that this trail begins at the popular Chantry Flats parking lot, which is notoriously crowded–especially on a holiday weekend.  Even with an early start, the lot is likely to be full, requiring parking on the roadside a little farther down the hill.

Mugu Peak

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As seen in the Nobody Hikes in L.A. Guidebook!

Ocean view from Mugu Peak

On the way to Mugu Peak

Text and photography copyright 2010 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Mugu Peak

  • Location: Point Mugu State Park between Malibu and Oxnard.  From Oxnard, take highway 1 south for 15 miles.  The Miller trailhead is on the left (if you reach the Sycamore Canyon Campground,  you’ve come too far.)  The daily parking fee is$8.  From Santa Monica, take highway 1 north for 34 miles.  The Miller trailhead will be on the right, about two miles past the Sycamore Canyon campground.  From the San Fernando Valley, take highway 101 to highway 23 and head south to P.C.H.
  • Agency: Point Mugu State Park
  • Distance: 6 miles
  • Elevation gain: 1,300 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Distance, elevation gain)
  • Best season: September to June
  • USGS topo maps: “Point Mugu”
  • More information: here; map and photos here
  • Rating: 7

Mugu is derived from Muwu, the Chumash word for “Beach.”  Point Mugu State Park may be a little tough to get to from the L.A. area, but if you have the time, it’s well worth a visit.  Mugu Peak, the westernmost summit in the park, can be reached from the steep Chumash Trail to the west, or via a longer looping route.  The trip described here is a six-mile out and back from the La Jolla Valley parking area.

Point Mugu State Park’s best season is probably the spring, when it is one of the few places on the mainland to see the giant yellow coreopsis flowers, but Mugu Peak is so close to the ocean that it usually doesn’t get very hot even during the summer.  Much of this hike goes through La Jolla Canyon, which will provide a lot of shade if you get an early enough start.

From the parking lot, follow the La Jolla Canyon trail north, past a seasonal waterfall.  The trail climbs through the canyon, and even if the flowers aren’t in bloom, the geology here gives you plenty of eye candy.  After a little over a mile and almost 600 feet of elevation, reach a junction where the main trail continues toward the campground.  Take a left on a single-track trail that hugs the north slope of the canyon, taking in nice ocean views, and heads through a valley before coming to another junction with the Mugu Peak trail.  Take another left here and head south, getting more ocean views as you ascend.   This trail curves around the flank of Mugu Peak, heading west to a saddle where a short spur takes you to the summit.

Mugu Peak is less than a mile from the coastline as the crow flies, and the views are awesome.  Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island are visible to the southwest, and on clear days, Santa Barbara Island and Catalina can also be seen.  To the north, you get nice views of the rest of Point Mugu State Park, including La Jolla Valley and Boney Mountain.   The vistas are all the more rewarding for having been earned by literally climbing from sea level.

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.

Telegraph Peak

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As seen in the Nobody Hikes in L.A. Guidebook!

Looking east from the saddle on the Three Ts trail

Mt. Baldy from the Telegraph Peak summit

Text and photography copyright 2010 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Telegraph Peak

  • Location: Angeles National Forest near Mt. Baldy.  Take I-210 to the Mountain Ave/Mt. Baldy exit, drive 4.3 miles north on Mountain Ave (which will become Shinn Road).  Take a right on Mt. Baldy Road (the end of Shinn Road), drive 6.4 miles and take a right into the Icehouse Canyon parking lot.  On the way drop by the Mt. Baldy Visitor’s Center and pick up the free wilderness permit required for the Cucamonga Wilderness.  A National Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5 per day or $30 for the year) is required for parking here.  Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel River Ranger District
  • Distance: 13 miles
  • Elevation gain: 4,500 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: NC-17 (altitude, elevation gain, distance, steepness)
  • Suggested time: 7 hours
  • Best season: May to October
  • USGS topo map: “Cucamonga Peak”; “Telegraph Peak”
  • Recommended gear: hiking poles
  • More information: ANF page (with description of the hike to Icehouse Saddle) here; trip reports of Telegraph Peak from Manker Flats here and here.
  • Rating: 10

Note: This hike begins with the 3.6 mile climb to Icehouse Canyon.  For a description and photos of that portion of the hike, click here.

Telegraph Peak (elevation 8,985)  is the tallest of the three “T” mountains, located south of Thunder Mountain and north of Timber Mountain.  While it might not be as well known as nearby Mt. Baldy or Cucamonga Peak, the hike to Telegraph Peak offers some spectacular views–while offering a significantly different hiking experience.  It’s challenging, to say the least, but offers some great scenery and more isolation than on the more famous mountains nearby.  Telegraph Peak’s steep, pointy profile makes for great views on the whole climb.  This hike was originally a sort of consolation prize for me–I was planning on doing San Jacinto but there was still to much snow, so we opted for this one instead.  But instead of “settling”, I ended up having one of my best hikes.

Telegraph Peak can also be reached via Thunder Mountain from Manker Flats (see link above)  I have done that route as far as Thunder Mountain, and although the way I have described is more challenging, I found it to be far more scenic.

From Icehouse Saddle, take the signed Three Ts trail north.  At about half a mile, stay left at a juncture, where a spur leads to Timber Mountain.  Here, the trail contours around the north side of Timber and drops about 200 feet to a saddle.  To the left (west) are views of Baldy and the San Gabriels; to the right you can see San Gorgonio and San Jacinto.   Enjoy the views–you will pay for them on the return trip.

After making your way across the saddle, the ascent resumes, switchbacking up the southeast slope of Telegraph Peak.  Views of the Ontario/Cucamonga Ridge open up as you get closer to the summit.  Finally, about two and a half miles from Icehouse Saddle, a signed spur to the right takes you up the final stretch to Telegraph Peak.  There is some rock-scrambling required to reach the summit, but the route should be pretty obvious.

From the top, your 360 degree view includes Baldy to the west, the high desert to the north, San Gorgonio to the east, San Jacinto southeast, and  Cucamonga and Old Saddleback to the south.  Telegraph Peak may ask a lot from hikers–those 200 feet you descended back at the saddle will seem very long when you are ascending them after having already hiked nine miles–but the rewards are huge.  If you want to hike in the area and avoid the Ontario/Cucamonga Peak crowds, this is definitely a trip you want to do.

San Ysidro Creek

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Swimming hole in San Ysidro Creek

Waterfall in San Ysidro Canyon

Text and photography copyright 2010 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

San Ysidro Creek

  • Location: Los Padres National Forest north of Montecito.  From the 101 freeway, take San Ysidro Road north (right if you are coming from L.A., left if you are coming from Santa Barbara) for a mile.  Take a right on highway 192, and in 0.9 miles take a left on Park Lane.  After 0.4 miles, bear left on East Mountain Drive, go a quarter mile and park at the end of the street.  The signed trail head is on the right.  Parking is free.
  • Agency: Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara Ranger District
  • Distance: 3.4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 1,100 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Steepness, trail condition)
  • Suggested time: 2 hours
  • Best season: Year round
  • USGS topo map: Carpenteria
  • More information: here; NFS homepage here.
  • Rating: 8

This is a very enjoyable, slightly challenging hike that climbs up the beginning of the San Ysidro Trail.  The trail’s total distance, terminating at Camino Cielo, is four miles, and gains 3,000 feet, but even if you’re not up to hiking the whole thing, it’s well worth visiting.

The trail begins by walking past a few private buildings and briefly joins a road (it may be a little confusing, but look for the signs, they are there).  Pass a gate and continue following the dirt road, which continues its climb in the shade of oaks, sycamores and bay laurels, with San Ysidro Creek flowing to the left.  Half a mile from the trailhead, the McMenemy trail branches off to to the left, and the San Ysidro Trail continues straight.  You pass by some interesting rock formations, and through the trees, you can see some of the higher cliffs in the canyon.

About a mile from the trailhead, the fire road branches off to the left and the San Ysidro trail becomes a single-track.   If you feel like it, visit two swimming holes just off the trail to the left.  After the second one, a couple of steep switchbacks bring you to a section of the trail cut from the canyon wall, with a metal railing.  Then the trail switchbacks sharply to the right, where it continues its climb.  At this point, you can get a nice view of a waterfall and swimming hole about 20 feet below.  This is the turnaround point for this hike, but if time and energy permits, keep going on the trail.  And if you decide to complete the San Ysidro trail, remember that www.nobodyhikesinla.com always welcomes posts from guest authors.

Temescal Canyon Loop and Skull Rock

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As seen in the Nobody Hikes in L.A. Guidebook!

Near the bottom of Temescal Canyon

Text and photography copyright 2010 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.  The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here.   Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Temescal Canyon Loop and Skull Rock

  • Location: Temescal Gateway Park.  From the Pacific Coast Highway, take Temescal Canyon Road for a mile to its end at Sunset Blvd. and drive into the park.  Park by the camp store.  The fee is $7 per day.
  • Agency: Topanga State Park
  • Distance: 4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 850 feet
  • Suggested time: 2 hours
  • Difficulty Rating: PG
  • Best season:  Year round
  • USGS topo map: “Topanga”
  • Recommended gear: Hiking Poles
  • More information: here
  • Rating: 6

This popular trail is another example of how L.A. residents don’t need to drive too far to hike in the summer.   The Temescal Canyon trail does pay a price for its popularity–it is perhaps the only hike I’ve ever been on where I’ve seen graffiti on cacti–and it takes a while to escape the noise from the nearby Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard, but it does offer a nice variety of scenery and a good, quick workout.

The loop can be hiked in either direction.  If the day is cool, hike clockwise (as described here); if it is warm, hike counter-clockwise, so your ascent is in the shade.

From the parking lot, follow the signs for the trails.  You ascend a few stairs, ignore a trail branching off to the left, and arrive at a split.  The right (straight) fork is your return route; you take a sharp left and continue the climb.  The trail quickly switchbacks up the side of a ridge, passing the state park boundary and taking in views of the ocean.  Undoubtedly you will have to stop and catch your breath a few times.  After half a mile or so, the trail levels out and soon begins another ascent, arriving at a bump on the hillside with views of the Santa Monica bay, and on clear days, the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  After dipping down into chaparral, the trail climbs again and makes some wider switchbacks.  Keep right at the two side trail junctions you’ll see, and in a mile and a half or so from the beginning, you arrive at the trail to Skull Rock.

This half-mile spur takes you to the appropriately named geological landmark.  Bear right at a junction and soon you will see Skull Rock.  Unfortunately, the graffiti here is pretty bad, but you can still see the interesting wind-carved caves inside the rock and get a nice view of the ocean.

After retracing your steps, continue down the loop trail, passing by a seasonal waterfall.  Even if there is no flow, the canyon is an attractive place, shaded by oaks and sycamores.  Half a mile from the waterfall, enter a clearing, where the trail bears to the right, passes a few maintenance buildings on the left and follows a ridge where it arrives at the first junction.

Santa Ynez Canyon

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Butterfly in Santa Ynez Canyon

Spider web in Santa Ynez Canyon

Text and photography copyright 2010 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.  The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here.   Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Santa Ynez Canyon

  • Location: Topanga State Park, between Malibu and Santa Monica.  From Santa Monica, take the Pacific Coast Highway and turn right on Sunset Boulevard.  Go half a mile on Sunset, take a left on Palisades and go 2.4 miles and take a left on Vereda de la Montura.   Park at the end of Vereda de la Montura and enter the trail through the gate.
  • Agency: Topanga State Park
  • Distance: 2.5 miles (out and back)
  • Elevation gain: 250 feet
  • Suggested time: 1.5 hours
  • Difficulty Rating: PG
  • Best season: Year round (waterfall is best after recent rains)
  • USGS topo map: “Topanga”
  • More information: here
  • Rating: 6

If you don’t let some graffiti at the beginning and end of this hike bother you, the trail to Santa Ynez Canyon gives you a lot of isolation without a long drive.   Even though the 18-foot waterfall at the hike’s end may only be a trickle–and must be reached by some tricky bouldering–this hike offers a lot to enjoy, whether you just make the 2.4 mile trip to the falls or use the trail as an access point for other areas in Topanga State Park.

From the street, the trail dips into Santa Ynez Canyon, beneath the cover of live oaks and sycamores.  At 0.5 miles, you reach a junction.  To the left, the trail continues to Topanga State Park; your route takes the right fork which heads deeper into the canyon.  There may be some bushwhacking involved at this point as this part of the trail is not very well maintained.

The trail dips in and out of the stream, goes through a meadow.  If you lose the trail, walk through the canyon itself; water levels will usually be low.  At about 0.7 miles from the split, the trail arrives at a small sandstone canyon.  The geology here is interesting, very different from the scenery you have come through to get to this point.   Here, it is necessary to climb up and over some rocks (be careful!), and you can see the waterfall at the back of the canyon.  Don’t be too disappointed if the water flow is minimal (or by the graffiti).  The convenience of this hike makes it a quick and easy getaway from the busy pace of L.A. life.

Solstice Canyon

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As seen in the Nobody Hikes in L.A. Guidebook!

Among the ruins of the Tropical Terrace

Text and photography copyright 2010 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. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Solstice Canyon

  • Location: North of Malibu off Pacific Coast Highway.  From Santa Monica, take P.C.H. for 15 miles.  Take a right onto Corral Canyon (just past Pepperdine University, at the 76 gas station), and almost immediately take a left into Solstice Canyon Park.  Drive to the main parking lot (parking is free).  The trail to the Tropical Terrace leaves from the north side of the parking lot.
  • Agency: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area/Solstice Canyon Park
  • Distance: 2.4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 350 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: G
  • Suggested time: 1.5 hours
  • Best season: All year
  • USGS topo map:  ”Malibu Beach”
  • More information: here; see trip reports and photos here.
  • Rating: 7

This short but sweet hike visits the Tropical Terrace, the most famous landmark in Solstice Canyon, by way of a pleasant stroll along the stream.   Besides the quick out-and-back trip to the house described here, there are several other loops possible, but this is the best one for a hot day as it is short, easy and almost entirely shaded  by sycamores, live oaks and adlers.

The trail begins on a service road and climbs into the canyon, quickly leaving behind the highway noise.  After half a mile, it passes by the ruins of the Keller House, said to be Malibu’s oldest, from 1865.  As the trail continues, it takes in views of the higher walls of the canyon, including the Rising Sun trail, which is a possible return route.

Finally, we arrive at the ruins of the Tropical Terrace mansion, which burned in a wildfire.  The foundations, some chimneys and staircases remain.  There is something intriguing, almost ghostly, about the house, which seems to symbolize the excesses and consequences of life in Los Angeles.  Some people will find these ruins to be a lot of fun to explore; others may find them creepy.  Whichever camp you are on, the Solstice Canyon trail certainly gives a lot of food for thought.

Return as you came, or if the day is cool and you want more of a workout, consider following the Rising Sun trail up a steep grade from the other side of the house site.  This trail gives some nice ocean views before dropping back down to the parking lot.  Either way, before leaving the house, make sure you check out the waterfalls.  Supposedly there’s a hidden statue somewhere too, although I haven’t seen it yet.

Sturtevant Falls

Posted on by dlockeretz

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As seen in the Nobody Hikes in L.A. Guidebook!

Sturtevant Falls

Heading back from the falls

Sturtevant Falls

  • Location:  Angeles National Forest north of Arcadia.  From Interstate 210, head north on Santa Anita Avenue (right if you are coming from the east, left if you are coming from the west).  After passing through a residential area, you reach a vehicle gate.   The road starts climbing up into the mountains, and arrives at the Chantry Flats parking lot after about 3 miles.  A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 for a day or $30 for the year) is required. Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles River District
  • Distance: 3.4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 700 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG
  • Suggested time: 2 hours
  • Best season: All year
  • USGS topo map: “Mt. Wilson”
  • More information: here
  • Rating: 7

There are few places so close to Los Angeles that offer a sense of escape like the Big Santa Anita Canyon area.  Sturtevant Falls is probably the most popular destination in the area, and on weekends the parking lot at Chantry Flats is jammed.   Because of its popularity, the Sturtevant Falls hike is not necessarily the place to go for true isolation,  but for being as close as it is to L.A. and the San Gabriel Valley, it’s hard to ask for an easier, more enjoyable getaway.  Even if the waterfall’s flow is not strong, the hike’s moderate length and elevation gain, and the nice scenery it offers (most of which is under thick shade) make it a good year round hike.  As of July 6th, the flow is particularly strong, thanks to recent drizzles and the heavy rains of this past winter.  See a video of the waterfall here.

The trail to Sturtevant Falls heads down into the canyon from the lower end of the parking lot.  A winding paved road descends at a fairly steep grade for 0.6 miles, arriving at a footbridge crossing Winter Creek.  This brings you to an intersection, where you stay straight to head toward Sturtevant Falls.  The trail enters a thick woodland of oaks and alders, following the creek, with a series of vacation cabins that are sure to make you envious. After a mile or so, you’ll arrive at a four-way junction.  The route to Sturtevant Falls heads to the right and crosses the stream.  After about a quarter mile, two more stream crossings bring you to the base of the falls.

On the return, if you don’t want to make your ascent by the steep paved road (known by many as “Cardiac Hill”), consider taking a left at the junction on the way back to the First Water trail, which still involves a steep climb, but on a shaded single-track trail.

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.