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 […]
Trail Guides
All of our detailed hiking trail guides, with interactive maps, elevation profile, directions and tons of photos in each. These trails have all been personally hiked by the SoCal Hiker team.
Panhe Nature Trail
Looking for an easy, family-friendly walk in South OC? The Panhe Nature Trail might be just what you’re looking for. Located near the Cristianitos campground at the San Onofre State Beach, this is a short one mile round trip with markers highlighting the natural beauty of the park. The Panhe Nature Trail begins at the […]
No Dogs to Poles to Moro Canyon Loop in Crystal Cove State Park
This moderate 3 mile loop trail in Crystal Cove State Park used to be known as the Green Loop. Now maps at the visitor center don’t name it that, but color code it as blue to designate it as a moderate hike. This loop begins and ends at the El Moro Visitor Center. It travels across […]
Hiking the Perimeter of Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is nestled in the coastal hills between Newport and Laguna Beach. This hiking trail traces the boundaries of the inland section of the park, climbing up and down ridge and valley through coastal scrub. I love this park, not only because it’s so well located for Orange County, but because you […]
Hiking the John Muir Trail in 21 Days
Back in 1980 I hiked the John Muir Trail with a group of four friends from church. I was 18 years old, but our group ranged in age from 13 to 50-ish. Thirty years ago I had just graduated high school, time was not an issue, and we spread the journey over 25 memorable days. […]
San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek
San Gorgonio is the tallest mountain in Southern California, and a rite of passage for serious hikers in the area. At 11,503′, “Old Grayback” provides an excellent high altitude training for those preparing to summit Mt. Whitney, and an easy drive from most of LA and Orange counties. There are several trails leading up to San […]
Mount San Jacinto via Marion Mountain
The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth! – John Muir Who am I to argue with Muir? At 10,834′ San Jacinto Peak does indeed reward the determined hiker with wonderful views. You can see the inland empire, Palm Desert, the San Bernardino and San Gabriel […]
Mt. San Antonio (Mt Baldy) Loop
Every Southern Californian can point out the white topped Mt. Baldy — actually it’s real name is Mt. San Antonio. Baldy is a SoCal icon that stands out boldly as a snow-covered backdrop for much of the year. At 10,064 feet above sea level, the snow often sticks around well into June. The higher altitude and […]
