There’s nothing like some quality time in the great outdoors to take your mind off of the little things and allow you space to reflect. What better way to get inspired than to head outside for a refreshing and rejuvenating hike? If you agree, then you’ll be excited to check out the list below, which includes some of the very best hikes in Southern California. Consider this to be your outdoor bucket list.
- Oak Glen Preserve
Wildlands Conservancy Oak Glen Preserve is known for having an abundance of stunning trails and natural beauty in every direction inside this 2,200-acre preserve. With a variety of trails ranging from 2.5 miles and up, this is the perfect location to explore. Learn more about what makes this outdoor preserve in Southern California such a must-visit. Oak Glen Preserve, 39611 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399, USA
- The La Jolla Coast Trail
googlemaps/stefan piperov A hike or stroll along the La Jolla Coast Trail is the perfect dose of inspiration for the year ahead. With soaring views along an easy-breezy trail, this magnificent 2.2-mile trail will take your breath away. It’s a Southern California hike that truly has a little something for everyone! Coast Walk Trail, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
- Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
flickr/corey seaman The rugged trails at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve are the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of reflection. For those who love nature and enjoy spotting wildlife along the trail, this is one spot you’ll want to add to your hiking bucket list. There’s a lot to love about this beautiful boardwalk trail. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, 18000 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA
- El Dorado Nature Center
googlemaps/helen rodenberger Wander through an enchanted setting filled with plentiful trails that wind through lakes, streams, and shaded forests during your visit at the El Dorado Nature Center. From short hikes that range from one to three-miles long, this picturesque setting is an ideal place to daydream. When it comes to the best hikes in Southern California, this is one that belongs on your radar. El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815, USA
- Point Dume Cove Trail
all trails/mike chang There’s nothing quite like the view you’ll experience along the Point Dume Cove Trail in Malibu. An ocean view that stretches for miles and miles along with a peaceful setting that will make you feel calm and cool, this two-mile hike is just the thing you need to start the new year right. Learn more about this gorgeous trail that leads you to a hidden overlook in Southern California. Point Dume, Cliffside Dr &, Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
- Inspiration Point Loop Trail
all trails/denise rodriguez With a name like Inspiration Point, who can possibly resist heading out on this trail? Located at Cobb Estate in the town of Altadena, this hidden gem in SoCal will take you through a canyon trail that leads to a truly stunning setting. While you’re in the area, check out this other epic mountain view in Southern California. Inspiration Point Loop, San Jose, CA 95127, USA
- Ferndell Trail
googlemaps/martin ruiz Last but certainly not least on our list of the best hikes in Southern California is Ferndell Trail. Griffith Park is one of SoCal’s finest gems. Spend some time wandering and you’ll discover an abundance of hikes. One of our favorites is the Ferndell Trail as it’s short and sweet and overflowing with lush greenery. Only one-half mile long, this outdoorsy destination is easy enough for almost anyone. Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
What are your thoughts on this list? Do you agree that these are the best hikes in Southern California? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
Wildlands Conservancy
Oak Glen Preserve is known for having an abundance of stunning trails and natural beauty in every direction inside this 2,200-acre preserve. With a variety of trails ranging from 2.5 miles and up, this is the perfect location to explore. Learn more about what makes this outdoor preserve in Southern California such a must-visit.
Oak Glen Preserve, 39611 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399, USA
googlemaps/stefan piperov
A hike or stroll along the La Jolla Coast Trail is the perfect dose of inspiration for the year ahead. With soaring views along an easy-breezy trail, this magnificent 2.2-mile trail will take your breath away. It’s a Southern California hike that truly has a little something for everyone!
Coast Walk Trail, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
flickr/corey seaman
The rugged trails at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve are the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of reflection. For those who love nature and enjoy spotting wildlife along the trail, this is one spot you’ll want to add to your hiking bucket list. There’s a lot to love about this beautiful boardwalk trail.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, 18000 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA
googlemaps/helen rodenberger
Wander through an enchanted setting filled with plentiful trails that wind through lakes, streams, and shaded forests during your visit at the El Dorado Nature Center. From short hikes that range from one to three-miles long, this picturesque setting is an ideal place to daydream. When it comes to the best hikes in Southern California, this is one that belongs on your radar.
El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815, USA
all trails/mike chang
There’s nothing quite like the view you’ll experience along the Point Dume Cove Trail in Malibu. An ocean view that stretches for miles and miles along with a peaceful setting that will make you feel calm and cool, this two-mile hike is just the thing you need to start the new year right. Learn more about this gorgeous trail that leads you to a hidden overlook in Southern California.
Point Dume, Cliffside Dr &, Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
all trails/denise rodriguez
With a name like Inspiration Point, who can possibly resist heading out on this trail? Located at Cobb Estate in the town of Altadena, this hidden gem in SoCal will take you through a canyon trail that leads to a truly stunning setting. While you’re in the area, check out this other epic mountain view in Southern California.
Inspiration Point Loop, San Jose, CA 95127, USA
googlemaps/martin ruiz
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best hikes in Southern California is Ferndell Trail. Griffith Park is one of SoCal’s finest gems. Spend some time wandering and you’ll discover an abundance of hikes. One of our favorites is the Ferndell Trail as it’s short and sweet and overflowing with lush greenery. Only one-half mile long, this outdoorsy destination is easy enough for almost anyone.
Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Feeling inspired to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors? If you’re in need of even more outdoorsy adventures, we think you’ll also enjoy these 10 outdoor activities in Southern California that won’t cost you a dime.
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Address: 39611 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399, USAAddress: 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815, USAAddress: Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, 18000 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USAAddress: 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USAAddress: Point Dume, Malibu, CA 90265, USAAddress: Fern Dell Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USAAddress: Altadena, CA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Southern California March 08, 2022 Beth C. What are some other beautiful hiking trails in Southern California? With a region as naturally beautiful as SoCal, it stands to reason that there would be an abundance of bucket-list-worthy hiking trails. One of our favorite recommendations is known as Potato Chip Rock, located on Mt. Woodson. As soon as you reach the top of this trail, you’ll know exactly how Potato Chip Rock got its name. (Spoiler alert: it looks exactly like a potato chip!) Some other trails that every outdoor enthusiast should explore include the Bridge to Nowhere in the San Gabriel Mountains, Mt. San Jacinto, Ice House Canyon Trail, Mt. Wilson Trail, Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak, Kelso Dunes, San Clemente Beach Trail, Slot Canyon, and the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve. Curious to learn more about these trails? Check out our previous article: These 10 Hiking Spots in Southern California Are Completely Out Of This World. Does Southern California have any natural wonders? You bet! One of the most fascinating natural wonders in Southern California is Mojave National Preserve, an expansive stretch of desert that’s unlike anywhere else in the U.S. While you’re there, you’ll definitely want to check out the Kelso Dunes Trail. This trail will showcase some of the preserve’s most breathtaking views. Hikers should note that conditions can become extreme here, so be sure to prepare accordingly! Learn more about this incredible desert hike in Southern California.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Southern California
March 08, 2022
Beth C.
What are some other beautiful hiking trails in Southern California? With a region as naturally beautiful as SoCal, it stands to reason that there would be an abundance of bucket-list-worthy hiking trails. One of our favorite recommendations is known as Potato Chip Rock, located on Mt. Woodson. As soon as you reach the top of this trail, you’ll know exactly how Potato Chip Rock got its name. (Spoiler alert: it looks exactly like a potato chip!) Some other trails that every outdoor enthusiast should explore include the Bridge to Nowhere in the San Gabriel Mountains, Mt. San Jacinto, Ice House Canyon Trail, Mt. Wilson Trail, Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak, Kelso Dunes, San Clemente Beach Trail, Slot Canyon, and the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve. Curious to learn more about these trails? Check out our previous article: These 10 Hiking Spots in Southern California Are Completely Out Of This World. Does Southern California have any natural wonders? You bet! One of the most fascinating natural wonders in Southern California is Mojave National Preserve, an expansive stretch of desert that’s unlike anywhere else in the U.S. While you’re there, you’ll definitely want to check out the Kelso Dunes Trail. This trail will showcase some of the preserve’s most breathtaking views. Hikers should note that conditions can become extreme here, so be sure to prepare accordingly! Learn more about this incredible desert hike in Southern California.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
With a region as naturally beautiful as SoCal, it stands to reason that there would be an abundance of bucket-list-worthy hiking trails. One of our favorite recommendations is known as Potato Chip Rock, located on Mt. Woodson. As soon as you reach the top of this trail, you’ll know exactly how Potato Chip Rock got its name. (Spoiler alert: it looks exactly like a potato chip!) Some other trails that every outdoor enthusiast should explore include the Bridge to Nowhere in the San Gabriel Mountains, Mt. San Jacinto, Ice House Canyon Trail, Mt. Wilson Trail, Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak, Kelso Dunes, San Clemente Beach Trail, Slot Canyon, and the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve. Curious to learn more about these trails? Check out our previous article: These 10 Hiking Spots in Southern California Are Completely Out Of This World.
Does Southern California have any natural wonders?
You bet! One of the most fascinating natural wonders in Southern California is Mojave National Preserve, an expansive stretch of desert that’s unlike anywhere else in the U.S. While you’re there, you’ll definitely want to check out the Kelso Dunes Trail. This trail will showcase some of the preserve’s most breathtaking views. Hikers should note that conditions can become extreme here, so be sure to prepare accordingly! Learn more about this incredible desert hike in Southern California.
