Hiking in Southern California is an experience like no other. From the rugged terrains to the panoramic views, there’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of our state. But if you’re new to the experience or nervous about uncharted territory, start by tackling the simple nature trail at Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea. This family-friendly trek may be one of the best hikes in Southern California, and it will certainly make a hiker out of you.
Brea is a small city in northern Orange County.
Richard Lefrancois / alltrails.com Although it’s just 33 miles from Los Angeles, it feels light years away from the buzz of the city.
Carbon County Regional Park is the top natural attraction in Brea, and it’s easy to see why.
Lizzie Wann / alltrails.com This 124-acre park has over 60 developed acres’ worth of nature to explore.
The Carbon County Nature Trail is a three mile trek that spans the park and showcases its best features.
Magnificent Rhythym / alltrails.com The path is flat, well-marked, and largely paved, so this is considered an easy, family-friendly hike.
Every step of this nature walk is magical. You’ll see everything from majestic Coastal Redwoods to fields of wildflowers.
Kristen Hultgren / alltrails.com This also happens to be the only grove of redwoods in Orange County.
Eventually, you’ll reach a peaceful little lake, which is a perfect spot to stop and have a picnic.
AJ Becerra / alltrails.com After all, staying hydrated and well-fed is an essential part of any hike.
If you’re new to hiking, this is definitely the perfect place to start – but even if you’re an experienced hiker, you’ll love this trail.
Magnificent Rhythym / alltrails.com Children and leashed dogs are welcome to join you, so the park makes for a great family outing.
In the spring and summer, Carbon County Regional Park is open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. But in the fall and winter, it closes at 6 p.m.
Diana Trevino / alltrails.com You’ll also have to pay a small vehicle fee ($3 during the week and $5 on weekends). Luckily, it’s well worth the investment.
We’re lucky to have so many wonderful nature trails in Southern California, both simple and challenging. Do you have a favorite easy hike?
Richard Lefrancois / alltrails.com
Although it’s just 33 miles from Los Angeles, it feels light years away from the buzz of the city.
Lizzie Wann / alltrails.com
This 124-acre park has over 60 developed acres’ worth of nature to explore.
Magnificent Rhythym / alltrails.com
The path is flat, well-marked, and largely paved, so this is considered an easy, family-friendly hike.
Kristen Hultgren / alltrails.com
This also happens to be the only grove of redwoods in Orange County.
AJ Becerra / alltrails.com
After all, staying hydrated and well-fed is an essential part of any hike.
Children and leashed dogs are welcome to join you, so the park makes for a great family outing.
Diana Trevino / alltrails.com
You’ll also have to pay a small vehicle fee ($3 during the week and $5 on weekends). Luckily, it’s well worth the investment.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Carbon Canyon, Brea, CA 92823, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Southern California March 11, 2022 Sara Dager What are some other fun hikes to take in Southern California? There are many thousands of hiking trails to be found in Southern California, and with so much to be discovered on foot, we are confident that there is a hike to be found that is perfect for every age and level of experience. If you are a beginner, have children with you, or just want an easy hike that still offers a lot of visual payoff, the San Juan Loop trail in Lake Elsinore is likely right up your alley. At 2.1 miles this hike features overlooks, spring wildflowers, and a peaceful ravine to look upon, and there is even an interactive game involving QR codes for kids to play as you hike. Should you want a hike that is built for a more experienced hiker with some endurance to spare, the Red Canyon Narrows hike in the Sierra Palona mountains offers up eight miles with solid elevation. It is a tough hike but the views of mountains and red gorges are positively life changing. Maybe bring a swim suit for a little swim in one of the clear streams you will pass. What are the best beaches in Southern California? Southern California boasts over 100 unique named beaches in the area, so finding a spot to take a dip is quite easy! The water is crystal clear, the waves are stunning, and the expanses of white sand allow for many a long romantic stroll on the beach. There are many more popular beaches that are beloved by locals and travelers alike such as Laguna or Malibu beach, but if you are looking for a slightly less crowded swimming experience, we highly recommend Seal Beach (named for the seals you may encounter when you visit, and Crystal Cove, which is located close to Laguna Beach but is not nearly as inundated with people. To learn more about Southern California’s Beaches, take a look at this article. Does Southern California have any natural wonders? From tar pits to caves to wild spires found out in the desert, it seems like you can’t go anywhere in Southern California without spotting a few natural wonders, and we’ve barely even scratched the surface with those mentions. There are so many natural wonders in Southern California that it is mind boggling, but this is a good list to check out to get started in your exploration.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Southern California
March 11, 2022
Sara Dager
What are some other fun hikes to take in Southern California? There are many thousands of hiking trails to be found in Southern California, and with so much to be discovered on foot, we are confident that there is a hike to be found that is perfect for every age and level of experience. If you are a beginner, have children with you, or just want an easy hike that still offers a lot of visual payoff, the San Juan Loop trail in Lake Elsinore is likely right up your alley. At 2.1 miles this hike features overlooks, spring wildflowers, and a peaceful ravine to look upon, and there is even an interactive game involving QR codes for kids to play as you hike. Should you want a hike that is built for a more experienced hiker with some endurance to spare, the Red Canyon Narrows hike in the Sierra Palona mountains offers up eight miles with solid elevation. It is a tough hike but the views of mountains and red gorges are positively life changing. Maybe bring a swim suit for a little swim in one of the clear streams you will pass. What are the best beaches in Southern California? Southern California boasts over 100 unique named beaches in the area, so finding a spot to take a dip is quite easy! The water is crystal clear, the waves are stunning, and the expanses of white sand allow for many a long romantic stroll on the beach. There are many more popular beaches that are beloved by locals and travelers alike such as Laguna or Malibu beach, but if you are looking for a slightly less crowded swimming experience, we highly recommend Seal Beach (named for the seals you may encounter when you visit, and Crystal Cove, which is located close to Laguna Beach but is not nearly as inundated with people. To learn more about Southern California’s Beaches, take a look at this article. Does Southern California have any natural wonders? From tar pits to caves to wild spires found out in the desert, it seems like you can’t go anywhere in Southern California without spotting a few natural wonders, and we’ve barely even scratched the surface with those mentions. There are so many natural wonders in Southern California that it is mind boggling, but this is a good list to check out to get started in your exploration.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are many thousands of hiking trails to be found in Southern California, and with so much to be discovered on foot, we are confident that there is a hike to be found that is perfect for every age and level of experience. If you are a beginner, have children with you, or just want an easy hike that still offers a lot of visual payoff, the San Juan Loop trail in Lake Elsinore is likely right up your alley. At 2.1 miles this hike features overlooks, spring wildflowers, and a peaceful ravine to look upon, and there is even an interactive game involving QR codes for kids to play as you hike. Should you want a hike that is built for a more experienced hiker with some endurance to spare, the Red Canyon Narrows hike in the Sierra Palona mountains offers up eight miles with solid elevation. It is a tough hike but the views of mountains and red gorges are positively life changing. Maybe bring a swim suit for a little swim in one of the clear streams you will pass.
What are the best beaches in Southern California?
Southern California boasts over 100 unique named beaches in the area, so finding a spot to take a dip is quite easy! The water is crystal clear, the waves are stunning, and the expanses of white sand allow for many a long romantic stroll on the beach. There are many more popular beaches that are beloved by locals and travelers alike such as Laguna or Malibu beach, but if you are looking for a slightly less crowded swimming experience, we highly recommend Seal Beach (named for the seals you may encounter when you visit, and Crystal Cove, which is located close to Laguna Beach but is not nearly as inundated with people. To learn more about Southern California’s Beaches, take a look at this article.
Does Southern California have any natural wonders?
From tar pits to caves to wild spires found out in the desert, it seems like you can’t go anywhere in Southern California without spotting a few natural wonders, and we’ve barely even scratched the surface with those mentions. There are so many natural wonders in Southern California that it is mind boggling, but this is a good list to check out to get started in your exploration.
