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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

  • Los Angeles County, California

    Switzer Falls

    3.4
    3.66 mi / 728 ft gain
    Just off the Angeles Crest highway, you’ll find one of LA’s best waterfalls, Switzer Falls. There is a parking lot just next to the trailhead. If you go on the weekend and run into a crowd, there’s parking near the highway, adding a little distance to your trek. Once you’ve walked through the Sw...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Bear Canyon via Switzer Falls Trailhead

    6.67 mi / 1273 ft gain
    Parking: Parking is available at the Switzer Falls Picnic Area, or in the two overflow lots on the hill. You will need an Adventure Pass to leave your car parked here. Make sure to follow posted signs - there are some parking spots that do not allow overnight parking. Amenities: Bear Canyon has...
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  • Malibu, California

    Sandstone Peak

    4.8
    3.03 mi / 971 ft gain
    If you live in Los Angeles, Sandstone Peak is a must! The hike to the summit can be done on a 2 mile hike up and back on Sandstone Peak Trail, or a 6.5 mile hike up and back on Backbone Trail. The shorter trail is more popular, yet both are equally rewarding. You won't believe the views from the...
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  • Malibu, California

    Balanced Rock via Sandstone Trailhead

    5.0
    4.36 mi / 1125 ft gain
    ...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead,...
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  • 12869 Yerba Buena Road, California

    Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak

    5.0
    7.06 mi / 1755 ft gain
    Take Yerba Buena road to the trailhead. It is less zigzagged and shorter distance from PCH. Parking is easy provided that you start early in the morning. If the lot is full, you can always park on the side of the road. Bathroom is available at Sandstone Peak Trailhead parking lot, just 0.8 miles ...
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  • Altadena, California

    Gabrieleno Trail: Switzer Falls to Hahamonga Watershed

    5.0
    10.14 mi / 814 ft gain
    Gabrieleno Trail: Switzer Falls to Hahamonga Watershed is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a waterfall located near La Canada Flintridge, California.
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  • Malibu, California

    Surf Malibu Point

    3.0
    Malibu point is an iconic surf spot located in Malibu, California. It's a very popular summer time spot due to the exposure to south swells.  The majority of people longboard this surf spot.  It's a very iconic wave with lots of history!  The wave itself is a long right-hand point break that is r...
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  • Malibu, California

    Photograph the Iconic Malibu Pier

    3.2
    Less than a mile South from the small town center, Malibu Pier stretches out into the Pacific. The Pier has been in Malibu since 1905 and though much of Malibu has been built up around it, it has remained quite similar to when it was first constructed. You can either pay for parking right at the ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Franklin-Ivar Park

    5.0
    What was once a vacant and deteriorated site, Franklin-Ivar Park was rehabilitated and turned into a small neighborhood park in a densely-populated area in Hollywood. More like a parklette, Franklin-Ivar Park returns some of the native habitats that once thrived in this area on the slopes of the...
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  • Glendale, California

    Nibley Park

    5.0
    Nibley Park is a small and secluded park with lots of trees and green area. There are a number of picnic tables and a restroom, that is ADA compliant. The playground is small but two separate play areas that are marked for their specific ages for young kids to have fun. There is also a half court...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Mount Hollywood Trail

    5.0
    2.49 mi / 505 ft gain
    Mount Hollywood Trail is a loop with scenic views of Griffith Park located in Los Angeles, California. There are multiple ways to reach the summit of Mount Hollywood, including via Mount Hollywood via Fern Canyon Trail (5-mile loop) starting near the merry-go-round. This route is one of the most ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Mount Hollywood via the Fern Canyon Trail

    5.0
    5.02 mi / 1581 ft gain
    At 1,625 feet Mt Hollywood is the second highest point in Griffith Park and provides picturesque views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park Observatory, Downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains. The hike to the Mt Hollywood Summit begins on the northeast side of Griffith Park near the ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop

    4.0
    2.52 mi / 666 ft gain
    The Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop is a 2.52-mile moderately trafficked loop trail located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. Due to its length and minimal elevation gain of ~670 feet, the hike is open to all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, hiking, and trail running, The Griffith P...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    West Trail Loop

    4.3
    1.85 mi / 463 ft gain
    The trail starts near Dell Picnic area, near the Trails Cafe. On this wide fire road, you can choose to run or hike, but don't expect to have the trail to yourself, especially if you're heading out on the weekend. With that said, you can time your run or hike around sunset and get amazing views b...
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  • Malibu, California

    The Malibu Lagoon State Beach

    5.0
    2.11 mi / 98 ft gain
    The Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Malibu, California.
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  • Malibu, California

    Grotto Trail

    2.64 mi / 492 ft gain
    Who doesn't enjoy a hike that offers water, scenic views, boulder hopping and a subterranean cave? I know I do! The Grotto Trail begins at Circle X Ranch, which looks a bit like a small cowboy western store, and is approximately 6 miles from the Highway 1 (PCH). The parking is a tad tight, fittin...
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