The Hiking Guide for Southern California
One of the challenges of winter is that during the week, it’s already dark outside when I leave the office. I don’t mind hiking in the dark, but many people aren’t comfortable hiking in the wilderness at night, and most of the regional trails are officially closed from sundown to sunrise. The Salt Creek Trail [...]
San Onofre State Beach is best known for the world-class surfing at Trestles. The surf spots along here begin at the north end with Cottons, then moving southward come Uppers, Middles, Lowers and Church. Lowers is consistently one of the best surf spots, and this place is full of both professional and amateur surfers. [...]
The Cristianitos Fault is a major earthquake fault line located less than one mile from the San Onofre nuclear power plant. This hike takes you on a 3.8 mile loop through San Onofre State Beach to the site of the fault line. Along the way, you’ll see the Monterey Formation, which holds most of the [...]
Doheny State Beach is a perfect place for a beach walk. There are towering palms, sailboats from nearby Dana Point Harbor, surfers, a wide assortment of birds, and beautiful coastal views. This is a great place to watch the sunset and unwind. This isn’t a “hike” per se, but a really great walk. It’s virtually [...]
I have fond memories walking along the beach in Carlsbad. My grandparents retired to Carlsbad, and I’ve been there first with them, and later with my own kids. South Carlsbad State Beach is a great stretch of bluff-lined beach that makes a beautiful place to amble about, exploring the beach, enjoying the sunshine and the [...]
Huntington Beach is known as Surf City, USA. During the warm summer months, the broad, sandy beaches are crowded with surfers and sun worshipers. Most hikers–myself included–don’t think of the heading to the beach for a trail but Huntington State Beach is a great place to enjoy the smell of the ocean and beautiful [...]
Crystal Cove State Park is one of my favorite areas to hike in Orange County. Nestled in the coastal hills between Newport and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove feels like a world away from the OC. There are beautiful bluff-lined beaches, challenging hikes and panoramic coastal views. You can even go backpacking! Crystal Cove State Park [...]
The San Clemente Beach Trail extends from the Metro Station parking lot at North Beach to Calafia State Beach in the south. It is basically a flat, fairly smooth crushed granite trail that’s shared by walkers, runners, bikers, dogs and strollers. Because it’s a flat out-and-back trail, you can make it as easy or challenging as [...]
At 5,689 feet, Santiago Peak -- often referred to locally as Saddleback … more
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