Castaic, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Castaic, California are a must-visit for anyone seeking outdoor adventures. Castaic Lake State Recreation Area is a top choice, offering a scenic hiking trail that winds around the lake. It's a moderately difficult trail, perfect for a leisurely day hike. The trail offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. If you're lucky, you might spot some local wildlife. For a more challenging hike, head to the nearby Fish Canyon Trail. This trail features a steep incline, rocky terrain, and a beautiful waterfall at the end. For a different kind of adventure, try fishing or boating on the lake. With its diverse range of activities and attractions, Castaic is a prime destination for outdoor fun.
Top Spots in and near Castaic
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Emma Wood State Beach, California
Surf Emma Wood State Beach
3.0Park your car along the famous Pacific Coast Highway and watch the waves roll in. Go out surfing, kiteboarding, swimming, or kayaking. Emma Wood State Beach is a fairly exposed beach and reef break that has reliable surf. Summer offers the most-favored conditions for surfing. Both breaks get cro...Read more -
Manhattan Beach, California
Take a Sunset Surf at Manhattan Beach
4.4Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular spot in the South Bay of Los Angeles for surfers of all levels. With its exposed beach break with consistent surf and more than 300 days of sun per year, you can pretty much always count on good weather in Manhattan Beach so you can surf no matter the season. Ide...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Watts Towers
3.0Watts Towers are a quick 15-20 minute ride from Downtown Los Angeles on the Metro. Since I love weird, interesting things, plus the towers are in my backyard, I had to take a trip to check them out! When getting off the train, I half expected to see the towers spiraling off in the distance. After...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Devil's Punchbowl and Devil's Chair
4.57.37 mi / 1870 ft gainWhat a hidden gem! A martian landscape full of faultline desert rock formations and joshua trees against a mountainous backdrop of the San Gabriels. Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area features a 1 mile well-marked, well-maintained single track loop trail inside the Punchbowl (great for kids) and a 7 ...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Mt. Williamson via Islip Saddle
4.16 mi / 1519 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Hermosa Beach, California
Surf at El Porto
4.0The South Bay of LA has plenty of good surf. Sand bars are back and its fun...watch out for the sharks.Read more -
Azusa, California
Little Jimmy Trail Camp
4.33.36 mi / 607 ft gainTake 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 ...Read more -
Azusa, California
Fish Canyon Falls
2.04.08 mi / 801 ft gainThis trail is currently closed! Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website. Follow Encanto Parkway towards the hills until you come to a junction with a sign labeled "trail" that points towards a parking lot to your right. Parking is free, though on weekends it may be difficult to find a spot...Read more -
Azusa, California
Lewis Falls
1 mi / 732 ft gainLocated deep in the Angeles National Forest above Azusa, this short but at times challenging hike rewards you with a beautiful fifty-foot waterfall. The base of the waterfall is only a foot at its deepest, so I wouldn't rush to bring a bathing suit with you. Protected by the heavy forestry around...Read more -
Azusa, California
Smith Mountain Trail
6.69 mi / 3189 ft gainSmith Mountain Trail is an awesome day hike located near Glendora, California. This out-and-back trail offers great views of the Los Angeles National Forest and the potential for continuation to Bear Creek for even more variety of scenery. Smith Mountain is a moderately strenuous hike with an el...Read more -
Whittier, California
Sycamore Canyon Trail in Turnbull Canyon
2.03.47 mi / 627 ft gainThe Sycamore Canyon Park Trailhead can be found at the end of the dirt parking lot off Workman Mill Road. The entrance is off a small road which is pretty easy to miss, but there is a sign off the main road. Soon after you start on the trail, the path opens up onto a larger dirt road for vehicle ...Read more -
Bakersfield, California
Hike the San Emigdio Trail in the Wind Wolves Preserve
4.05 mi / 200 ft gainThis area is a family friendly hiking area for beginners. The farthest place to hike on the map is call Reflection Pond and is about a 7 mile hike out and back. The main trail called San Emigdio Trail runs right next to a stream the whole time. It is a really nice area for a day hike to find some...Read more -
Dawson Saddle, California
Hike to Throop Peak, Mt. Hawkins, and Mt. Burnham
8 mi / 2000 ft gainThe trailhead, or pair of trailheads actually, is at a location on the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) called Dawson's Saddle. There are a couple of parking areas along the side of the highway, and each of the pair of trailheads begins at either end of this parking area. The trailheads aren't mark...Read more -
Lancaster, California
Little Butte Trail
4.02.09 mi / 213 ft gainLittle Butte Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Llano, California.Read more -
Lancaster, California
Saddleback Butte State Park Loop
0.58 mi / 46 ft gainSaddleback Butte State Park is a state park in the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert. It’s oftentimes looked over, but you’d be surprised what you can find there. Definitely a place to stop. It is located east of Lancaster. It can get hot so make sure to bring lots of water and wear su...Read more -
Whittier, California
Hellman Park Trail
3.04 mi / 850 ft gainThis trail is great if you're looking for a quick, but intense workout. The hike itself is only 4 miles out- and-back and can be easily completed within a couple of hours. However, be prepared for a steep and steady incline for the first 1.5 miles. The trail itself is pretty wide, and if you sho...Read more
