Outdoor Resource Center

Contributor: Josh McNair, From: OP Adventure Team

Having lived most of my 26 years of existence in this fine piece of land we call California, I can attest to not only its cultural landmarks but also its vast expanses of natural beauty and hiking that is available to the adventurer with nothing more than a GPS and an adventurous spirit. I even run a blog that collects all of the adventures that await you when you visit California and I am continuing to stumble on more each day. When most people think of southern California they think of the beaches, the lights of Hollywood and the beauty of San Diego, but they do not often think of the collection of ten thousand foot peaks, slot canyon, high altitude lakes and a selection of waterfalls that all reside less than an hour and a half from most of those landmarks. Because of that I created this post which showcases my three favorite hikes in the Southern California area.

The Slot in Anza Borrego

The slot canyon in Anza Borrego makes my list of the top hikes in Sothern California simply because it is so unique and unlike anything else you can do in this area. Located down a dirt road that is incredibly easy to miss, in a state park about 2 hours east of San Diego, this slot canyon is a beautiful example of the vast and diverse nature in Southern California. The hike itself is only around three miles round trip, but it will weave you in and out of a canyon that is at least 70 feet tall at some points and has a bridge that connects the two sides at the end. This is a great hike for everyone in the family, but you may want to stay away if you are claustrophobic as there are parts so narrow you have to walk through sideways.

Bridge to Nowhere

Second to last on my list is one of my favorite hikes in SoCal. Only about forty-five minutes from Los Angeles (without traffic) this ten mile hike is full of beautiful foliage, lots of river crossings, wildlife and a full bridge with no connections to any roads that you can bungee jump off of. This hike really does have it all. The bridge itself is located five miles from any road. The road that used to go to it was washed out half a century before but the beautiful bridge that was built there still stands to this day. So what do you do with a bridge that is literally in the middle of nowhere? Why not set up a bungee jumping company out there. After you hike to the bridge you can pay the people around $80 to $100 and they will let you jump right off the bridge before hiking back. Even if you do not want to jump off it is a total kick to watch others do it. All of this makes this hike a great selection for this list.

Mt. Baldy Summit

The last entry on my list is by far my favorite ten thousand foot peak in southern California. Mt. Baldy offers a little something for everyone. From the start of the hike it is around 13 miles round trip but you can also take the lift up to the notch and miss about four miles of it. Do not underestimate this hike, it is difficult, and you will be dealing with elevation you probably aren’t used to. That being said, it is doable for all hikers if you take your time and have the right gear. When you get to the top you will realize that all of the suffering is worth it as well. The 360 degree views allow you to see the beauty of southern California at a level that is typically only reserved for the birds and on a clear day you can see all the way to Catalina Island. It is a perfect day hike for those in shape enough to handle it.

So there it is; my list of favorite hikes in Southern California. I’m sure for others they are a lot of different ones that would make the list but for me these will give you a taste of the beauty and diversity California has to offer while giving you a nice work out while you are at it.