Anaheim, California

Anaheim, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. One of the top must-visit spots is the Oak Canyon Nature Center. This 58-acre natural park is nestled in the Anaheim Hills, featuring four miles of hiking trails through oak woodland and coastal sage scrub, leading to a year-round stream. You'll see a variety of birds and local wildlife, making it a great spot for bird watching. Another highlight is the Santa Ana River Trail, a multi-use trail that runs alongside the Santa Ana River, offering stunning views and opportunities for biking and horseback riding. The trail is flat and easy, making it accessible for all fitness levels. For a more challenging hike, head to the Anaheim Hills Trail, known for its steep inclines and panoramic views over the city.

Top Spots in and near Anaheim

  • Burbank, California

    Old Youth Camp Loop

    2.59 mi / 732 ft gain
    The Old Youth Camp Loop is a 2.6-mile loop with over 700 feet of elevation gain that can be ran, hiked, or even mountain biked if you prefer. While not completely empty the area receives very little visitors and is a great place to enjoy a little more solitude than near by hiking locations. The l...
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  • San Clemente, California

    San Clemente State Beach

    4.5
    4.58 mi / 26 ft gain
    San Clemente State Beach is an out-and-back trail that takes past scenic surroundings located near San Clemente, California.
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  • Pearblossom, California

    Snowshoe Buckhorn Ridge Trail

    2.5 mi / 700 ft gain
    Located 1 mile east of the Mt Waterman Ski Resort, Buckhorn Ski Hill is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll through a snow-covered forest, complete with views of towering Mt Waterman. To get here take I-210 toward La Canada, exit on to California Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) heading no...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Verdugo Peak via Hostetter Fire Road

    5.0
    7.39 mi / 1627 ft gain
    Verdugo Peak, at 3000 feet, is accessible from multiple directions and trails along the Verdugo Range. The most direct route to the top is Hostetter Fire Road, a 3.6-mile hard-packed dirt trail that climbs 1600 feet to the 3,126-foot summit. The hike begins at the dirt parking lot off of La Tuna ...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Big Tujunga Canyon Lookouts

    1.22 mi / 453 ft gain
    Park at the Condor Peak Trailhead, please note that this trail head is unmarked so keep your eyes peeled on the right side of the turnout for a small single track trail. The trail gradually climbs along the side of the canyon until reaching a 4 way intersection. To your left and to your right wil...
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  • Pearblossom, California

    Cooper Canyon Falls via Burkhart Trail

    5.0
    3.01 mi / 755 ft gain
    Burkhart Trail is well-defined and easy to follow through an unbelievable old growth of Jeffrey pines, incense-cedars and surprisingly, redwoods! At 0.25 miles, there is a steep spur trail near a large pile of boulders that leads to a popular swimming area, often frequented by guests of the campg...
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  • Santa Monica, California

    Spend a Day at the Santa Monica Pier

    4.2
    *Unlimited photography options with the ferris wheel, beach, ocean, and sunsets *Abundant people watching opportunities  *Plenty of ways to get a workout in including swimming, volleyball courts, running, or riding a bike There is a bike and walking path that runs along the coast.  One of my favo...
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  • Pearblossom, California

    Camp at Horse Flats Campground

    3.0
    The Horse Flats Campground is located 29 miles up Highway 2 from Interstate 210. You will turn left at the Santa Clara Divide Road(this intersection is also known as 3 Points). 3 miles down the road you will turn left to enter the campground. I have camped here a few times and its always been pre...
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  • Santa Monica, California

    Santa Monica Pier, Boardwalk, and Beach Trail

    4.0
    3.33 mi / 20 ft gain
    The Santa Monica Pier, Boardwalk, and Beach Trail in Santa Monica, California, offers a unique blend of coastal and urban hiking. The trail is a flat, paved 3.33-mile loop that is suitable for all skill levels. It starts at the Santa Monica Pier, a historic landmark known for its Ferris wheel and...
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  • Pearblossom, California

    Mt. Waterman

    5.0
    5.87 mi / 1499 ft gain
    Mt. Waterman is accessed along Highway 2 in the Angeles National Forest. Heading east from La Canada look for mileage marker 58.0 (34 miles from La Canada) just past the closed ski resort. Park at one of the large paved turnouts on your left. Display an Adventure Pass ($5 at Ranger Station or Big...
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  • Pearblossom, California

    Cooper Canyon Trail Camp

    5.37 mi / 1214 ft gain
    There's a small parking lot just below Cloudburst Summit on the way to Mount Waterman. Start your adventure there. I'd be hard-pressed to say it's more than 15 yards from the sign for the summit (7018' AMSL). There's a fire road, if you're newer to altitude and don't know how to read a map (or e...
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  • Azusa, California

    Little Jimmy Trail Camp

    4.3
    3.36 mi / 607 ft gain
    Take Hwy 2 out of La Canada north along Angeles Crest Highway. Follow this for quite some time enjoying the fine views in all directions. After traveling through two consecutive tunnels continue to the Islip Saddle parking lot (on left). There will be a vault toilet & a picnic table. Display ...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Mt. Williamson via Islip Saddle

    4.16 mi / 1519 ft gain
    The trailhead is immediately off of Angeles Crest Highway CA-2 at Islip Saddle.  It's just a touch over 2 miles to reach the summit, through which you'll be hiking among the pine tree forest practically the entire way up (part of this trail doubles as the Pacific Crest Trail).  The summit is larg...
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  • Riverside, California

    Hike Two Trees Trail

    2.5 mi / 977 ft gain
    Parking is free at the trailhead, but there is only room for approximately five cars. The trailhead is on the edge of a neighborhood, so you can park there if needed. From the parking lot, head west, and immediately veer right and across the bridge. If you go left at the first fork, you can stay ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Verdugo's North Ridge Trail

    12.7 mi / 2684 ft gain
    The Verdugo Mountain Range is a small, rugged range spanning across the northeast end of the San Fernando Valley from Sun Valley to Glendale. With close to 50 miles of graded and well-maintained trails, the Verdugos are surprisingly underutilized and make a great place for someone looking to esca...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Verdugo Mountain Traverse

    5.0
    12.13 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Verdugo Mountain Range is a small, rugged range spanning across the northeast end of the San Fernando Valley from Sun Valley to Glendale. With close to 50 miles of graded and well-maintained trails, the Verdugos are surprisingly underutilized and make a great place for someone looking to esca...
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