10 Scenic Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Southern California Should Take
Sometimes you just need a short hike to stretch your legs and get outside for some fresh air without having to scale an entire mountain or spend a whole day out on a trail. Thanks to the beauty of local topography, there are quite a few easy hikes in SoCal that are bound to provide the adventurous, outdoorsy experience you’re looking for. We’d actually argue they just might be some of the best in the state! Here are 10 hikes in Southern California that will do the trick. They’re all under 5 miles and they all provide incredible access to nature that will completely refresh your spirit. Some are super easy and others will get you huffing and puffing in no time. Ready for some outdoor exercise? Let’s go on a hike!
A fun and easy hike in SoCal the whole family will love. On this 3.2 mile trail you'll enjoy wetlands, a charming wood bridge, a creek, a lake, and all sorts of wildlife. Who knew you could find all of this in a city park?
2. Paradise Falls at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks
Paradise Falls at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks promises a serene 5-mile roundtrip hike that will satisfy all of your senses. The waterfall on this hike is a nice treat, especially on a hot summer day.
Did you have any idea this natural oasis was tucked away in Long Beach? It's one of the most scenic hikes in SoCal, and it's bound to knock your socks off! Choose from a variety of trails ranging from 1 to 3 miles that provide the perfect hike and nature fix for every fitness level.
You will see some stunning rock formations on this 5-mile round trip trek in Simi Valley. Wear your hiking boots, as the rocky terrain can be challenging to navigate. There isn't a lot of shade on this trail, so slather on the sunscreen and pack some extra water.
5. Carbon Canyon Regional Park Redwood Grove in Orange County
Redwoods galore can be enjoyed on this 2.5 mile hike in Carbon Canyon Regional Park. You don't have to head to Northern California to see the redwoods -- just head on over to Orange County! Who knew such scenic hikes existed in SoCal, hey? It's pure natural magic!
Wanna escape the city? Only 20 minutes away from Los Angeles you can find this magnificent 4.5 mile hike that will get you out in nature and refresh your spirit. The trail is nice and shady with an awesome waterfall that makes for a nice reward.
An easy 2.5 mile loop that's perfect for a nice stroll with the whole family. The trail is fairly flat with only a few sections that have a bit of an incline. This hike is easily accessible from the city, but provides a nice secluded experience once you are on the trail. As one of the best short hikes in SoCal, we'd recommend it for folks of all abilities.
Is this heaven or is this a hiking trail?! Quite honestly, it's a little bit of both. This 3-mile trail has ocean views that are awe-inspiring, making it one of the most scenic hikes in SoCal. It's a fairly easy hike with only a few spots that might present a moderate challenge. It's also the perfect place to bring out-of-town guests as it shows off the beauty of SoCal in only 3 miles.
Enjoy a variety of the best hiking trails in SoCal that range from easy to moderate at the Idyllwild Nature Center. You will be surrounded by towering trees, wildlife, and fresh mountain air.
10. Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego
Get ready for some stunning views on this nice and easy hike that's just shy of 3-miles. This is a perfect spot to experience stunning views of San Diego Harbor and Coronado Island.
Don’t these hikes in SoCal look gorgeous? I’m grabbing my backpack right now and heading out on the trail. How about you? Let us know which of these scenic hikes in SoCal is your favorite below!
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Address: Calavera Lake, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
Address: Paradise Falls, 928 West Avenida De Los Arboles, Wildwood Regional Park, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, USA
Address: El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815, USA
Address: Hummingbird Trail, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
Address: 4442 Carbon Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92823, USA
Address: Switzer Falls Trail, 701 Angeles Crest Hwy, Tujunga, CA 91042, USA
Address: Oak Oasis Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040, USA
Address: Torrey Pines State Beach, California, USA
Address: 25225 CA-243, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549, USA
Address: Bayside Trail, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
scenic hikes in SoCal
June 05, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What's the most beautiful hike in Southern California?
Southern California is such a beautiful facet of the nation that’s it’s purely impossible to find the MOST beautiful hike in the region. From the seascapes to the dry eastern deserts, the Golden State knows how to serve up a beautiful, natural punch. The hike to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles is one of the most popular, due to its sweeping views of the valley below and iconic location atop the Hollywood Hills. Head to the Devil’s Punchbowl near Pearblossom if you’re looking for natural rock formations that jut up from the ground, formed by the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates eons ago. Mt. Baldy is a perfect hike if you’d like to travel upwards and onwards, with 8-miles that will take you over 4,000 feet in elevation.
What are the top trails in Southern California to add to my bucket list?
Barker Dam in Joshua Tree remains one of the most popular trails in the SoCal region, and rightly so. The natural rock formations and eerie, quiet desert space makes for an unforgettable trek. The 5-mile hike to the Bridge to Nowhere is also an iconic hike that’s both historic and fascinating. Looking for something that you can only ever find in SoCal? Head to Potato Chip Rock right outside of San Diego, a trek that will take you to Mount Woodson and take you right by a potato chip-esque curve on one of the rocks along the trail. There’s truly nothing like it! Perhaps one of the strangest trails to hike is found 20 minutes from LA, at Murphy Ranch. Once an old Nazi camp situated in the Pacific Palisades, you’ll find heaps of urban decay and eerie history.
How many state parks are in Southern California?
There are thirteen state parks in Southern California. They range from the lakeside beauty found at Cuyamaca State Park to the protected beach front at El Capitan Beach State Park. The Bolsa Chica Beach State Park is popular for surfing and fishing, and the famed Border Field State Park is located right on the US/Mexico border. How incredible!
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