Hikes in California

Take an 11.75-mile hike over the ridges above Avalon on Hermit Gulch Trail - Trans-Catalina Trail Loop, gathering amazing ocean views, in two directions at times, as well as perspectives over the pristine interior of the island. This hike offers a scenic loop on picturesque southeast end of Santa Catalina Island. Those staying at Hermit Gulch Campground are already at the trailhead for the C-shaped loop. ...Read more.

This 2.6-mile round trip hike visits a short waterfall downstream from Sturtevant Falls in the Angeles National Forest. Hermit Falls receives fewer visitors than its neighbor but is a popular swimming hole for cliff jumpers in the spring and summer. The trailhead is at 2,180 feet, while the falls are at 1,430, making this is an upside down hikes where the uphill comes at the end. ...Read more.

See the best that Santa Anita Canyon has to offer. Visit Hoegees Camp, Mount Zion, and Sturtevant Falls on one hike leaving Chantry Flats in the San Gabriel Mountains. In John W. Robinson's excellent guide book, Trails of the Angeles, Santa Anita Canyon Loop is described as: One of the best [loop hikes] in the San Gabriels. It's hard to argue with that distinction. ...Read more.

After hiking to Spruce Grove Camp above Sturtevant Falls, why not return to Chantry Flats by crossing over Mount Zion? The trail to Mount Zion passes along the east side of a ridge leading up to the summit. The grade is gentle, and after all the demanding switches beneath Spruce Grove, the trail feels surprisingly kind. Only 400 feet of elevation separate Spruce Grove Camp and Mount Zion, which is crossed over 1. ...Read more.

If you enjoy the 4.25-mile round trip hike to Hoegees Camp, press on to Mount Zion. This trail leaves the banks of Winter Creek for higher ground and panoramic views of Santa Anita Canyon. Less than a quarter mile above Hoegees Camp on Lower Winter Creek Trail, is a junction with Lower Zion Trail. Upper Winter Creek Trail continues straight ahead, returning to Chantry Flats, but if you turn right, the summit of Mount Zion is just 1 3/4 away. ...Read more.

Hoegees Camp lies along Winter Creek in the canyon adjacent to Sturtevant Falls. Both trails begin from Chantry Flats. And while the hike to Hoegees Camp does not offer a waterfall, it does offer a 4.25-mile out-and-back hike through a lush canyon with 700 feet of elevation change. You may also continue on Upper Winter Creek Trail to return to Chantry Flats for a 4. ...Read more.

If the short hike to Sturtevant Falls leaves you yearning for more, get more by continuing up Santa Anita Canyon to Spruce Grove Camp. Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion. This section of Gabrielino Trail gets less foot traffic, making it a great retreat for those times when you need to feel far from LA. To get to Spruce Grove Camp, start from the trailhead at Chantry Flats, descend to Roberts Camp and follow the directions up Gabrielino Trail to Sturtevant Falls. ...Read more.

Sturtevant Falls is one of the finest waterfalls in Angeles National Forest. The 3.3-mile hike from Chantry Flats to Sturtevant Falls follows a pristine creek past resort era cabins. This is among the most popular hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains, and with good reason. Sturtevant Falls is one of the Los Angeles waterfall hikes. To get to Sturtevant Falls, start from Chantry Flats and head down the paved road toward Roberts Camp, a quaint collection of quiet cabins surrounded by ivy-covered oaks and bays. ...Read more.

Often, an ideal hike starts with a level warm-up and gradually works into a rewarding climb. This hike is different, beginning with a jolt of several steep switchbacks. Your heart rate will go up quickly, and then the trail keeps climbing all the way to San Gabriel Peak. It is 4 miles round trip to the summit, gaining 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Visit the adjacent summit of Mount Disappointment for a 4. ...Read more.

One of the routes to San Gabriel Peak begins on Mount Lowe Road, creating a 3.2-mile round trip hike that climbs 1,050 feet. This trek leaves from a trailhead at Eaton Saddle along Mount Wilson Road and delivers great views the entire way to the summit. Start hiking up Mount Lowe Road (Mount Lowe Fire Road) where you will be greeted immediately by a head-on view of Mount Markham. ...Read more.