11 Picturesque Trails In Southern California That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking
There’s nothing more refreshing than being outdoors on a snowy day in Southern California. The smell of crisp winter air, the crunch of fresh snow under your boots, and the beauty of a blue sky overhead is the kind of winter hike we all know and love in SoCal.
Here are 11 of our favorite trails you should add to your Southern California bucket list this season.
The summer biking trails of Moonridge turn into a winter wonderland during the colder months and provide perfect trails for hiking, cross-country skiing or even snowshoeing. The Moonridge trails are located in Big Bear Lake.
The San Gorgonio Wilderness is full of many picturesque trails that will delight you during the winter season. Whether you are hiking solo or you are with your four-legged friends, you'll love traipsing through the snow-covered trails of this untouched wilderness.
For a specific hike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, try the San Bernardino Peak Trail. It's one of the longer and more difficult trails to navigate, so come prepared with proper gear and extra water. You can find the trailhead behind the Camp Angelus Fire Station.
If you're able to make it to the top on any of the hikes in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, you will be rewarded with soaring views. Isn't this breathtaking?
The Mt. Wilson Trail can be reached near Sierra Madre. Be prepared for 12.6 miles of breathtaking scenery and fresh winter air. The trail is currently closed through December, but will open up again in January, so make sure to add this one to the top of your list.
Icehouse Canyon Trail on Mt. Baldy is a pleasant but difficult 8-mile loop in the Cucamonga Wilderness that will get your blood pumping. Make sure to check the state website for trail closures as it isn't always accessible depending on the season or the weather conditions.
The Ski Hut Trail on Mt. Baldy is a steep climb that will take you into some of the most breathtaking wilderness in SoCal with views of the San Antonio Canyon. The trailhead is located at Mt. Baldy Road and Falls Road in the Angeles National Forest.
One of the easiest hikes on the list, the Middle Peak Trail in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is an enjoyable six-mile hike that will surround you with nature. The park is located at Hwy 79, Mile Marker 10.7 in Descanso, CA.
Mt. San Jacinto State Park offers an incredible trail system with over 54-miles of hiking trails that you can enjoy. To reach this stunning wilderness you can take the Palm Springs aerial tramway to Mountain Station.
A short and easy trail to explore at Mt. San Jacinto State Park from Mountain Station is Round Valley. It's only a 2.5 mile trail and the terrain is fairly level with only a moderate incline.
How about a snowy hike in the desert? Believe it or not, that is exactly what you mind find in Joshua Tree during the winter season. Joshua Tree has an extensive network of trails that every fitness level can enjoy as the hikes range from easy to difficult. For specific trails, you can take a look at the National Park Service website for suggestions.
Looks like a pretty refreshing way to spend the day in Southern California. If you’re more of a Sunday drive kind of person, here’s a leisurely way to spend your weekend in SoCal.
