Thousand Oaks, California

Wildwood Regional Park is open year-round, easily accessible, and offers great routes for hiking, running, biking, and even horseback riding. There are also two waterfalls inside the park—the larger of the two, Paradise Falls, cascades 40 feet into a large pool. To catch some beautiful views of t...

The hike to Paradise Falls is about 1.5 miles one way with around 300 feet elevation change. Take it easy starting the hike because the real challenge is the change in elevation going back to your car since you'll be going uphill. At the trailhead, follow the signs indicating the location of Para...

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...

...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,...

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 ...

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 ...

Starting in a dusty, generally empty parking lot, at about 2,000' ASL, you'll go immediately due north, up a few more feet before you drop down into another canyon covered in live oaks (and poison oak), thistles, ferns, and wildflowers. There's only one trail. It's windy, it's not hilly, it just ...

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...

The hike begins at the parking lot for Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park, CA just outside LA. Pull into the parking lot and walk on the dirt road until you see the trail for Boney Peak. It is easy to find because the peak can be seen from the beginning of the trail. The trail is generally an in...

...When arriving in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, take the drive and park at Sycamore Canyon parking lot. Parking is free and also offers restrooms and some history about the park. Follow the trailhead South until you come to the Satwiwa Culture Center on your left and a dome-like...

To get to the trail, use the address 27800 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. This will take you to a dirt pull off right off the Mulholland Highway. At the southern part of the pull off, you'll see a dirt path leading up and away from the road. This is the Cistern Trail Trailhead. You'l...

The backbone trail was a vision that started in the 1980’s. It is a trail that stretches 65 Miles starting in Will Rodgers State Historic Park and ending at Thornhill Broome Beach. It has many entrance and exit points but it is anchored in the middle by the Coral Canyon Trail Head. The full trail...

Note: Jim Morrison Cave is closed indefinitely. The bright colors of the Jim Morrison Cave are something to not be missed, and is appreciated by people of all ages. The cave also provides a beautiful outlook of the Malibu canyon, Malibu State Park and the Pacific Ocean. There is a ton of rock ho...

A great day trip! Referred to by many as the "Yosemite of Southern California," Malibu Creek offers a huge selection of bolted sport routes on generously pocketed volcanic rock. This is the perfect place to bring a first time climber or even your most seasoned climbing buddies. Routes range from ...

The trail starts out from the main parking lot past the ranger station at Malibu Creek State Park. Begin hiking west on Crags Road, a well maintained trail that meanders along the creek. As you walk, you'll pass under large oak trees and enjoy expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Aft...

Malibu Creek State Park boasts over 8,000 acres of oak woodlands, grassy hills, dramatic peaks and serene meadows. It's an outdoor lover's paradise and only a short drive north from most of Los Angeles. Before it was a park, the land was owned by 20th Century Fox Studios and used in productions...