While Los Angeles and Southern California is known for its large and busy cities, there are also many scenic areas that attract locals and tourists. A big part of the LA culture is hiking, whether it is by the Hollywood sign and the observatory, or through the Hummingbird hiking trail an hour away. Here are a few hiking trails that are a must see, or hike, around the area.
Charmlee Wilderness Park
Here you can hike near the coast in this park which is a 590 acre reserve that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. the 8 mile trail is sure to have something for every kind of hiker. The two points in the park that you should be sure to hit are the ranch house ruins and the ocean overlook. One possible hike through Charmlee Wilderness that sees both of these highlights is a 3.25 mile loop that also explores the trails on the edges of the park. From the parking area, where a day parking pass is only four dollars, you’ll start by walking through a native plant garden and continue on a dirt trail called Carmicheal Road into the park. the hike will be through a forest of oaks and other large trees and through a picnic area.
Corriganville Park
Families and kids enjoy this 1.7 mile hike trail along a trafficked loop located near Simi Valley, which features beautiful wildflowers and is good for all skill levels. there are plenty of different options for all skill levels, and dogs are also able to use this trail but must be on a leash.
Hummingbird Trail
A hike close to the Corriganville Park is the Hummingbird trail. It is popular with the locals because through the hike there are trails that lead off of the main path into caves up the hill where previous hikers were able to build swings, nets, and other floating furniture in the caves. The hummingbird trail is a 4 mile loop located near Brandeis that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult, especially when looking for the caves. the trail does have a number of activities and is best used from October too May.
California Costal trail
You can get on and off this trail anywhere from San Diego all the way to Del Norte. You can get great ocean views throughout the hike, and if you are planning a day long hike, the best places to pick up the trail are in Malibu and Santa Monica. The trail is accessible from a number of access points along the pacific coast highway, including staging areas at Will ROgers State Beach, located about 4 miles north of Santa Monica and Leo Carrillo State beach which his 10 miles north of Malibu. this trail leads hikers around the Santa Monica Bay, and can pass through heavily populates, sandy beaches as well as more secluded, protected marine habitats.
