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Summer 2015: Biking + Hiking Trails You Need to Know About
LA Canvas has you covered for the best summer hiking and biking trails to reach your peaks of summer. Whether you’re exploring a sandstone cave, taking in a 150-foot waterfall or playing cowboy via bicycle on an old Hollywood set, you’ll be glad you got the insider scoop for trails worthy of your hiking boots and sense of exploration. Here goes:
LA HIKING TRAILS
Escondido Falls | Malibu
The Santa Monica Mountains is home to several regional parks with countless trails. One of the most popular spots is the 150 foot Escondido Falls, the largest in the mountain range. The hike is over two hours long and is of moderate difficulty. The falls can along the Winding Way trail off of the PCH coming from Santa Monica, and is best visited after rainfall in the Spring. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, trek up to the more impressive upper falls. If not, enjoy the winding canyon path and the lower grotto instead.
Trailhead address: 27807 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
PC: Ben Thompson Photography
Murphy Ranch | Pacific Palisades
Looking for more the a pleasant stroll in the woods? Check out the abandoned Nazi camp at Murphy Ranch in Santa Monica. The site was originally owned by Nazi sympathizers who had designed a compound to be self-sustainable for long periods of possible wartime in the 1930s. The compound was later abandoned after Pearl Harbor and supposedly became an art colony in the 60s. Hikers can now explore the ranch which is now just post-apocalyptic appearing ruins covered in vibrant graffiti.
Trailhead address: Capri Drive & Casale Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
PC: slate.com
Tropical Terrace | Solstice Canyon
In Malibu within the Solstice Canyon is the burned down brick architectural landmark of the Tropical Terrace. While some claim the old home is haunted, the calming natural landscapes of the canyon can be a counter point for those not fascinated with the spine-chilling nature of Malibu’s haunted house.
Trailhead address: Corral Canyon Road & Solstice Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265
PC: Flickr-Don Barrett
Old Zoo | Griffith Park
Griffith Park is the obvious choice for LA hikers looking for their nearby fix. For those looking for the little less obvious, try venturing through the old zoo up to views at the top of Bee Rock. Whether you choose to stroll through the empty animal cages or find a picnic spot away from the crowds, the old zoo offers something a little bit different than the jogging path.
Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027///park by the carousel
PC: David Mahler- Flickr
Devil’s Punch Bowl | Pearblossom
The Devil’s Punch Bowl, a site where two fault lines collided and formed 300 foot rock walls jutting out from the valley floor, is a moderate loop trail in the San Gabriel mountain range which takes you through the shaded canyon floor of the bowl. Hikers also have the options of walking along the more rigorous outer pink and white sandstone edge of the bowl where the elevation is so high that, at times, snow fall can be seen.
Address: 2800 Devil’s Punchbowl Road Pearblossom, CA 93553
PC: beautifulgeology.blogspot.com
Elysian Park | Los Angeles
Take a walk through LA’s oldest and second biggest park. The park has a view of Dodger Stadium, a picnic area, a baseball field, and countless number of small trails. It’s recommended to come without a plan and wander around this old park to see what you can stumble upon.
Address: 835 Academy Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90012
PC: panoramio
Wattles Garden Park | Hollywood
For a more leisurely hike right in Hollywood, look now further than Wattles Garden Park. Home to a garden, tea house and historic mansion, this site has more to offer than just a trail. However, if you’re looking for more rigorous exercise outside of the park, venture toward the neighboring connecting trails of Runyon Canyon Park.
Address: 1850 North Curson Ave., Hollywood, CA 90046
PC: Beverly Press
LA BIKING TRAILS
Ballona Creek Trail | Culver City
With a seven-mile stretch of bike lane in front of you, take a cruise along Ballona Creek starting in Culver City and ending by the beach. The bike path runs along the waterway and prvides riders with views of the wetlands, hills and mountains along the way.
Trailhead address: 3459 McManus Ave, Culver City, CA 90232//starts at Syd Kronenthal Park
PC: Flickr-Lise Newton
Vanalden Cave | Tarzana
Canyons, mountain ranges, and paths lied with California Oaks can all be seen on the Vanalden Cave trail. The main attraction however is the massive sandstone cave, with an arch mouth and eroded openings along the roof. The 1.55 mile trail is open to mountain bikes.
Trailhead address: 3630 Vanalden Avenue, Tarzana, CA 91356
PC: photobucket-Peromyscus
Paramount Ranch | Agoura Hills
What once served as an old Hollywood film set is now transformed into a national recreation area. Paramount Ranch offers several short trails that are also accessible by bike. Don’t miss out on reenacting your dreams of being an outlaw as you peddle through the replica of an old western town.
Trailhead address: 2903 Cornell Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301
PC: thatsitmommy.com
M*A*S*H* set | Calabasas
Although it may resemble Korea to an older generation, this TV set is located right in Malibu Creek State Park. The hike is almost five miles and also served as the film site of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as well as Planet of the Apes. However, if visiting the sites of classic entertainment isn’t your thing, we’re sure the meadows, oaks, and creeks may capture your imagination instead.
Trailhead address: 1925 Las Virgenes Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302
Shoreline Pedestrian Bikeway | Long Beach
A list of LA area bike paths wouldn’t be complete without one along the coast. Peddle toward Long Beach to enjoy the extra wide bike path that snakes along the sand.
Trailhead address: Alamitos Ave and Ocean Blvd
