Take These 12 Incredible Southern California Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
The New Year is a great time to plan for new adventures, and you can’t go wrong with exploring the outdoors. That’s why we’ve gathered 12 hikes for you to try this year. Go ahead and mark your calendar with these interesting and unique hikes and then get out there to hit the trail — these are some of the best hikes in Southern California!
This 10-mile round trip hike through the canyon is located on the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. The trail gets its name from an abandoned bridge that was washed away by a massive flood in 1938.
Read more about the Bridge to Nowhere.
2. Salt Creek Interpretive Trail, Death Valley National Park
Salt Creek Interpretive Trail, California 92328, USA
Located in Death Valley, it’s best to do this hike between November and May during the cooler months. Don’t forget to bring lots of water, this is one of the hottest and driest places on earth. This trail is on the shorter side at only 0.9 miles long. Because of its shorter length, it's a good kid-friendly hike in Southern California.
Learn more about Salt Creek Interpretive Trail.
As a 1.7-mile loop trail, this hike is good for those looking for easy hikes in Southern California. The trail is best accessed from October until April. Hikers, walkers, and campers all use the trail and there’s some beautiful scenery along the way.
Read more about Skull Rock.
4. Boucher Hill Loop, Palomar Mountain State Park
State Park Road, State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA, USA
Pass through forests and streams on this hike, while also taking in views of the desert and ocean. This 3.5-mile loop is a popular hike and resides only two hours from San Diego. It's a favorite of those who love scenic hikes in Southern California.
Read more about Boucher Hill Loop.
Take this 7.5-mile round-trip hike through this canyon. It’s a popular place to hike or ride by horseback, exploring the rock formations and natural beauty.
Learn more about the Devil's Punchbowl.
6. Cowles Mountain Trail, Cleveland National Forest
Accessible year-round, this trail is perfect for moderate level hikers. At 3 miles out and back, it won’t take up your whole day and you can take time to explore more of the national forest.
Read more about Cowles Mountain Trail.
7. Laurel Canyon Trail, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park has 40 miles of trails open for hiking, horseback riding, and cyclists. This particular trail is a 3.3-mile loop and has a waterfall along the way.
Read more about Laurel Canyon Trail.
8. Murray Canyon Trail, Indian Canyons
Murray Canyon Drive, Murray Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
At a distance of 4.2 miles, this trail takes about 2 hours to hike. It's best to hike it during the spring, fall, and winter seasons to have the best weather conditions.
Learn more about Murray Canyon Trail.
9. Smuggler’s Cove Trail, Channel Islands National Park
Considered a strenuous trail, this hike features views of the Pacific Ocean and Anacapa Island. This hike is 7.5 miles long and has plenty of wildlife to see along the way.
Read more about Smuggler's Cove Trail.
If you’re looking for a challenge, Cucamonga Peak is a 12-mile round-trip with a 4000-ft elevation gain. Although strenuous, getting to the summit will be quite the reward!
Learn more about Cucamonga Peak.
11. San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek Trail
San Gorgonio Hike, Vivian Creek Trailhead, 41900 Falls Rd, Forest Falls, CA 92339, USA
Calling all hiking enthusiasts! This hike comes in at 17.5 miles round-trip. It also has the highest peak in Southern California at 11,503 ft. The best time to take this hike is from May through October to ensure the best weather.
Read more about San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek Trail.
Finishing up our list of the best hikes in Southern California is Iron Mountain. This hike starts at the same trailhead as the Bridge to Nowhere hike. It’s 14 miles long and you’ll have an elevation gain of 7200 ft.
Learn more about Iron Mountain via Heaton Flat.
This selection of hikes has everything from one mile to 17 miles round-trip… and everything in between. Which hikes are you looking forward to trying? What are your picks for the best hikes in Southern California? Let us know in the comments below!
Check out the California Department of Parks and Recreation for more hiking ideas. Be sure to check for trail conditions and closures before visiting any of these incredible trails.
And if you’re looking for more incredible hikes in SoCal, check out these easy-access waterfalls.
Address: Angeles National Forest, California 91042, USA
Address: Salt Creek Interpretive Trail, California 92328, USA
Address: State Park Road, State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA, USA
Address: Devil's Punchbowl, California 93553, USA
Address: Cowles Mountain, San Diego, CA 92119, USA
Address: Laurel Canyon, California 91342, USA
Address: Murray Canyon Drive, Murray Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
Address: Smugglers Cove, California 93001, USA
Address: Cucamonga Peak, California, USA
Address: San Gorgonio Hike, Vivian Creek Trailhead, 41900 Falls Rd, Forest Falls, CA 92339, USA
Address: Iron Mountain, California 91759, USA
Address: Skull Rock, California, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Southern California
April 23, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What is the best hike with a view in Southern California?
The best hike with a view in Southern California is doubtlessly the Torrey Pines Trail in San Diego. With stunning views of the ocean and surrounding mountains, this trail will stick in your mind even after you’ve completed it. If you’re like many San Diego natives, you’ll come back again and again to experience the majesty of the sparkling blue ocean. On top of the amazing view, it is also an easy hike that you can take with friends and family of all skill levels. You can start the hike at the bottom or halfway up the hill, depending on how much of an uphill walk you’d like to take.
What are the most beautiful lakes in Southern California?
Two of the most beautiful lakes in Southern California are Big Bear Lake and Silverwood Lake. Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino Forest and offers a great place to enjoy peaceful natural surroundings in any kind of accommodation you have in mind. Whether you prefer camping, staying in cabins, or vacation rentals, you’ll be sure to find the right place for you. Silverwood Lake is found in San Bernardino County and is actually a large reservoir. It’s a pretty and tranquil place to relax and listen to the birds sing while you enjoy the glistening water.
What is the most popular beach in Southern California?
The most popular beach in Southern California is Huntington Beach. This beautiful beach gets 12.6 million visits per year! There are plenty of good reasons for Huntington Beach to get so many people coming to see it. The smooth sand makes a great place to put your towel down and lie down in the Southern California sunshine. Just don’t forget your sunscreen, as the sun can get strong in this area. If you’re a surfer, you should definitely bring your board here too. This beach is known to have waves that are perfect for surfing.
Address: Angeles National Forest, California 91042, USA
Address: Salt Creek Interpretive Trail, California 92328, USA
Address: State Park Road, State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA, USA
Address: Devil's Punchbowl, California 93553, USA
Address: Cowles Mountain, San Diego, CA 92119, USA
Address: Laurel Canyon, California 91342, USA
Address: Murray Canyon Drive, Murray Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
Address: Smugglers Cove, California 93001, USA
Address: Cucamonga Peak, California, USA
Address: San Gorgonio Hike, Vivian Creek Trailhead, 41900 Falls Rd, Forest Falls, CA 92339, USA
Address: Iron Mountain, California 91759, USA
Address: Skull Rock, California, USA
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