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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

  • Malibu, California

    Backbone Trail via Kanan Dume

    5.0
    4.47 mi / 1089 ft gain
    Fair warning, it can get very hot in Malibu, especially in the summer or fall. We started at the Kanan Dume Road lot. It fills up quick, both directions offer beautiful hiking, but most people tend to go west, it seems. While that's beautiful, you end on a decent uphill, so if hiking is new or c...
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  • Malibu, California

    Newton & Zuma Canyon Falls

    4.3
    2 mi / -600 ft gain
    Three waterfalls in one short hike?!...I'll take it! That's what you'll get if you make the visit to these falls in the Santa Monica mountains in Malibu. The trailhead starts on Kanan Dume road, which is also where the Backbone trail meets. Park in the designated (free) parking area and take the ...
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  • La Cañada Flintridge, California

    Teepee Trail

    5.0
    2.55 mi / 1145 ft gain
    Hidden in the small community of La Canada, California, the trailhead is pretty hidden! From the 210, take the exit for Highway 2/Angeles Crest Highway. Head north (towards the mountains) for about a mile. As the highway begins to curve, you will come across a small side-street, Harter Lane. Turn...
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  • 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, California

    Backbone Trail via Will Rogers State Park

    5.0
    3.02 mi / 656 ft gain
    You'll make your way up Will Rogers State Park Road, located just minutes from Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, Malibu, Palisades, and much of west Los Angeles. Once on the road, head all the way to the top and you'll dead end into the parking lot. Always worth supporting State Parks with the p...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Inspiration Point Loop Trail

    2.36 mi / 486 ft gain
    The Inspiration Point 2.3 mile loop hike in Will Rogers State Park is a family-friendly hike or after-work run near Los Angeles, California. It’s a great dirt trail for all skill levels and features scenic views and beautifully budding wildflowers. You’ll get to escape the city and take in the br...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail

    4.6
    5.04 mi / 1155 ft gain
    Getting to the parking lot near the trailhead and finding an open space can seem like the most daunting part of this whole excursion. There are free parking lots along the road to the trailhead, so keep an eye out. There are also several ways to get to the trailhead from other parking areas; I ad...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Bronson Bat Caves

    3.3
    0.61 mi / 66 ft gain
    Who doesn't enjoy a short hike to a scenic/remote location? I know I sure do! After hearing about this spot through word of mouth and the internet, and seemingly never having the time to check it out, I honestly have to say it was a worthwhile trip. This short 0.6 out and back hike/walk to the f...
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  • Glendale, California

    Mt. Thom and Tongva Peak

    6.06 mi / 1480 ft gain
    Mount Thom and Tongva Peak are accessed by using the 6.2 mile out and back trail, Las Flores Motorway located in the north part of Glendale, CA. Roadside parking is not allowed near the trailhead, you will need to park in the nearby residential area along Sunshine Drive about 0.15 miles away from...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Temescal Canyon Loop

    3.9
    3.76 mi / 810 ft gain
    There are a couple of different ways that you can hike in Temescal Canyon. For this one, the loop begins from Temescal Canyon Trail at Sunset Boulevard and is approximately 3.76 miles. This loop is not dog friendly.  Additional Options for Hiking Temescal Canyon: The basic loop – 2.6 milesTh...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Los Liones Trail

    5.0
    4.41 mi / 1115 ft gain
    Los Liones Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Pacific Palisades, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Runyon Canyon Loop

    3.2
    2.67 mi / 728 ft gain
    Located in the Hollywood Hills, Runyon is an iconic workout run/ hike that can give you great views all the way to the ocean. There are a few different loop trails/ hikes you can take ranging from ~1.5mi to 3.25mi all with a decent amount of elevation gain. Also, remember this is Hollywood, so yo...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Glendale Peak via Henry's Trail

    4.0
    2.07 mi / 915 ft gain
    Glendale Peak is often passed over by people hiking to Mt. Hollywood, and while it is not as high as its neighbor summit, it boasts arguably better views that you will enjoy all to yourself. While not really a full hiking trail and more of a small detour, Henry's Trail is worth the small uphill c...
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  • Westlake Village, California

    Climb at Echo Cliffs

    1.3 mi
    The hike to the crag is about 1.3 miles one way and takes roughly 45 minutes. The approach starts at the Backbone / Mishe Mokwa trail head off Yerba Buena Rd.  After walking a couple minutes you'll see a sign pointing left for the backbone trail or straight for Mishe Mokwa. Continue straight and ...
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  • Malibu, California

    Ratner Beach

    4.5
    Unlike most beaches in Los Angeles, this tiny little stretch of beach is usually empty, and is a little gem! It is the perfect place to get an unobstructed view of the sunset, and the sticks in the ground make for a picturesque sunset picture! Just be warned, this beach is right on PCH, so expect...
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  • Ojai, California

    Piedra Blanca Formations

    5.0
    5.41 mi / 860 ft gain
    These white sandstone formations, splitting out of the forest, are a worthwhile sight as you climb up to gain a great vantage point of the valley. Spend some time exploring the rocks - the nooks & crannies are full of surprises. You can turn this into an overnighter by staying at the campgrou...
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  • Ojai, California

    Willett Hot Springs via Sespe River Trail

    20.08 mi / 2598 ft gain
    Park at the Lions Camp parking lot. Adventure Passes aren't technically "required" but it never hurts to have one. You can stop at the Forest Service in Ojai (1190 E. Ojai Ave) or stop at the Wheeler Gorge Station on your way up to buy one for $5 for a night. The trail begins at the far side of t...
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