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. But what are the best winter hikes in Southern California?
We’ve laced up our boots, packed our trail mix, and set out for a wintery SoCal snow hike to come up with some of the best winter hikes in California. 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.
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3. San Bernardino Peak Trail in the San Gorgonio 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?
5. Mt. Wilson Trail in Arcadia Wilson Park
Mount Wilson Trail, Mt Wilson Trail, Sierra Madre, CA 91024, USA
The Mt. Wilson Trail can be reached near the Sierra Madre. Be prepared for 12.6 miles of breathtaking scenery and fresh winter air. Make sure to add this one to the top of your bucket 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.
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8. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park/Middle Peak
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, 14592-14674 CA-79, Julian, CA 92036, USA
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.
9. Mt. San Jacinto State Park
Mt San Jacinto State Park, 25905 CA-243, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549, USA
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.
10. Round Valley Trail -- Mt. San Jacinto State Park
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.
Southern California is known for its sunny days and hot sand beaches, but winter backpacking in southern California? Not so much. If you weren’t aware SoCal had such amazing snow hikes we hope you’ve enjoyed some of the best winter hikes in Southern California. Hiking is a pretty refreshing way to spend the day when the snow falls on those mountain trails. What are your favorite winter hikes in SoCal?
If you’re more of a Sunday drive kind of person, here’s a leisurely way to spend your weekend in SoCal.
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More to Explore
More winter hikes in Southern California
Chris Muras|November 30, 2022
What are the best hikes in Southern California in December?
Winter in southern California is perhaps the perfect time to enjoy hiking as the temps are cooler. Plus if you head to some higher elevations you can enjoy a hike in the fresh snow. Here are some of the best places to hike in southern California in December.
1. Andreas Canyon: This Palm Spring hike is a nice easy one-mile loop trail through beautiful California fan palms. 2. Boucher Hill Loop: This cool winter hike will take you about two miles to the Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park for some amazing views. 3. Aerial Tramway to Mt. San Jacinto: This cool hike in the San Jacinto State Park is a tough but beautiful 11-mile hike. You will be rewarded with amazing views from the top of southern California's second-highest peak. 4. Palm Canyon Trail: A two-mile out-and-back hike near Cathedral City, CA, that rewards you with beautiful desert views of unique palms, cacti, and a few friendly lizards to keep you company. 5. Palomar Mountain State Park: This northern San Diego County state park offers fantastic winter hikes, camping, and fishing. 6. Mount Laguna Ridge: If you love challenging hikes this Pine Valley, CA hike takes you through 16.6 miles (out and back) of the Pacific Crest Trail. It's a very popular hike for trail running and winter backpacking in southern California. 7. Runyon Canyon: This lovely 2.7-mile loop trail in Runyon Canyon is a popular hiking and dog walking trail near the Hollywood Hills. Just try not to go too gaga when you spot famous celebrities out walking their dog. 8. Murray Canyon: The cool rock formations in this hike near Palm Springs, CA are definitely one of the highlights of this desert trail. You'll also enjoy small waterfalls, glacial streams, and stately palm trees. 9. Mount Baldy: Spending time in LA and need a hiking getaway? Just a bit over an hour from LA is the Manker Campground - you can start your hike there. This 11-mile hike takes you to the highest point in Los Angeles with amazing views as far as the eye can see.
