hikespeak

Bee Rock is a unique hive-shaped outcropping towering over the east side of Griffith Park. From the top of the rock, you have a commanding view over the park and the city beyond. The observation area atop Bee Rock is surrounded by a tall chain-link fence, protecting visitors from the steep drop-offs on all sides, while meshing up the panoramic views. ...Read more.

Bronson Cave is one of Hollywood's favorite filming locations. The man-made tunnel is carved into the rock wall of an old quarry in Griffith Park. Bronson Cave‘s most famous role came in the 1960s, playing the entrance of the Batcave in the Batman TV series. The cave continues to be cast in television shows and movies. Thanks to a very short trail, it is about as easy to see Bronson Cave in real life as it is on screen. ...Read more.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook provides a grand view over LA from a steep hill south of Culver City. The unique perspective looks north over the Los Angeles Basin that extends from Santa Monica Bay to the west, across the Hollywood Hills toward downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains to the east. At Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook State Park you don't choose between taking the elevator and taking the stairs. ...Read more.

On the southwest side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Forrestal Nature Reserve protects 155-acres of green space on the cliffs above the Pacific. Within the park, Quarry Loop circles an old basalt quarry and provides tons of ocean views. The hike combines four trails (Quarry Trail, Basalt Trail, Mariposa Trail, and Pirate Trail) on a short 1.25-mile loop. ...Read more.

If you were designing a landscape just for waterfalls, you would end up with something not unlike the Columbia River Gorge. Dozens of waterfalls spill from the basalt cliffs in this region. The abundance of water creates mossy natural retreats that could barely be matched even if you were designing a landscape from scratch. Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the area, and while Wahclella Falls is not as grand (its two tiers total 130 feet), it is quite charming and the trail to the waterfall is a lot less crowded. ...Read more.

Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the United States. The 620-foot waterfall is grand, beautiful, and easy to reach, making it one of the most popular outdoor attractions in the Pacific Northwest. Located in the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington - Oregon border, 30 miles east of Portland, Multnomah Falls offers something for hikers of all abilities. ...Read more.

Avenue of the Giants runs for 32 miles down Humboldt Redwoods State Park, providing a scenic passage through an enchanting wilderness. About halfway through this autotour, the road passes the park visitor center, which sits directly across from a grove of old growth redwoods. Gould Grove Loop Trail is half a mile long with just 50 feet of elevation change. ...Read more.

The driving force in the creation of the redwoods state and national parks on California's North Coast was the Save-the-Redwoods League. Founders Grove was selected to memorialize the originators of that league. Expect something special on this easy half mile hike. A guide accompanying this trail is packed with useful information, allowing hikers to thoroughly experience a redwood forest on Founders Grove Nature Trail. ...Read more.

For a stroll through an old growth grove of coast redwoods, head to the heart of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park - Stout Memorial Grove. At just over half a mile in length with 75 feet of elevation change, Stout Memorial Grove Loop Trail offers an easy and enthralling hike through an ancient forest. Century old trees rise hundreds of feet above a lush carpet of ferns to create a enchanting hiking experience. ...Read more.

On the east side of the Irish Hills, there is a canyon with a surprisingly southwestern feel. Though surrounded by traditional coastal chaparral, the trail follows an old road up a canyon akin to the old mining roads converted into hiking trails found in the California desert. Above the canyon, there are broad views of San Luis Obispo's most prominent Morros, Bishop Peak and Cerro San Luis. ...Read more.