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Parker Mesa Overlook from Trippet Ranch

January 24, 2014 By Jeff Hester 1 Comment

The Parker Mesa Overlook is perched high above Malibu in Topanga State Park, with expansive views of the coast as well as the LA basin. This out-and-back route clocks in just under seven miles, mostly along a well-graded fire road. The trail is popular with trail runners, hikers and mountain bikers, who enjoy the ocean […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 6-8 miles, coastal, LA County, moderate, State Park, Topanga State Park

Temescal Canyon Loop

January 12, 2014 By Jeff Hester 10 Comments

Temescal Canyon in the Pacific Palisades provides a beautiful setting for a short hike. Wooded canyon? Check. Great exercise with a challenging climb? Check. Beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific coastline? This hike has all of the above. We checked this trail out late on a Saturday afternoon and were able to enjoy the sunset from […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, coastal, easy, LA County, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica Mountains, sunset, Temescal Canyon, Topanga State Park, vista, waterfall

Exploring Lands End

December 4, 2013 By Jeff Hester 2 Comments

Lands End in San Francisco

I love San Francisco. Don’t get me wrong. I love LA, too. But as far as cities go, SF is one of my favorites. Last week Joan and I drove up to visit family for Thanksgiving. My mom is a fantastic cook, and I knew we’d have to get out and stretch our legs after […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: beach, coastal, dog-friendly, easy, family-friendly, Golden Gate, NorCal, NPS, out of bounds, San Francisco

Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak

September 20, 2013 By Jeff Hester 15 Comments

Sandstone Peak and the Mishe Mokwa Trail in particular are revered by many as one of the “must-hike” trails in Southern California. Casey over at Modern Hiker describes it as “the Hike That Got Me Hiking.” It was Kolby “Condor” Kirk’s 6th hike in his 100 hikes goal, back when he really getting into hiking. This […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 6-8 miles, coastal, moderate, peakbagging, Sandstone Peak, Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Ventura County

Inspiration Loop Trail in Will Rogers State Park

September 13, 2013 By Jeff Hester 2 Comments

When the heat is on, the coast beckons. This easy, family-friendly hiking trail begins at the historic Pacific Palisades home of Will Rogers and loops up to Inspiration Point. The Inspiration Loop Trail is not challenging. It’s not long. But with balmy breezes, great views, and a dose of history, Inspiration Loop makes a fun outing. We […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, BBT, coastal, dog-friendly, easy, family-friendly, LA County, Santa Monica Mountains, Will Rogers State Park

Angel Island Mt. Livermore Loop

November 9, 2012 By Jeff Hester 12 Comments

Last year during the holidays, Joan and I visited my mom and her husband in San Francisco. While the city of San Francisco is great for walking, I was surprised how easy it is to find a wilderness experience nearby. I have not hiked much in the Bay Area, so I put out a call […]

Filed Under: State Parks, Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, Angel Island, coastal, easy, San Francisco, State Park, vista

Batiquitos Lagoon Trail

October 7, 2011 By Jeff Hester 4 Comments

Batiquitos Lagoon in north San Diego County is one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the southern coast of the United States. Located between Carlsbad and Encinitas, the lagoon is managed as a wildlife preserve by the California Department of Fish and Game. This lagoon is home to several protected nesting areas and water […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, Carlsbad, coastal, dog-friendly, easy, family-friendly, San Diego County, scenic

Salt Creek Trail

March 25, 2011 By Jeff Hester 12 Comments

Views stretching out to the ocean

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 […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 6-8 miles, beach, coastal, Dana Point, dog-friendly, family-friendly, Laguna Niguel, night, Orange County, paved, rain-friendly

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About Jeff Hester

I created SoCal Hiker while preparing to thru-hike the John Muir Trail. My goal? Create guides for the best hiking trails throughout Southern California--and occasionally beyond. I personally hike each trail to create these guides, sharing practical advice on gear and outdoor skills. Read more...

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