Temescal Canyon in the Pacific Palisades provides a beautiful setting for a short hike. Wooded canyon? Check. Great exercise with a challenging climb? Check. Beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific coastline? This hike has all of the above. We checked this trail out late on a Saturday afternoon and were able to enjoy the sunset from […]
Exploring Lands End
I love San Francisco. Don’t get me wrong. I love LA, too. But as far as cities go, SF is one of my favorites. Last week Joan and I drove up to visit family for Thanksgiving. My mom is a fantastic cook, and I knew we’d have to get out and stretch our legs after […]
Franklin Canyon Reservoir Loop
Franklin Canyon Park is a little slice of wilderness right in Beverly Hills’ backyard. Part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the original ranch was owned by Edward Doheny, who discovered oil in Los Angeles back in 1982 1882. But this hike is best known for the loop around Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir, […]
Aspen Grove in San Gorgonio Wilderness
Spectacular fall color in Southern California? It exists! Just a short distance from Big Bear we found the southernmost aspen grove in California. The quaking aspen (populus tremoloids) are readily identified by the disc-like leaves about the size of a silver dollar. The slightest breeze sets these leaves in motion, leading to that “quaking” effect. It’s […]
Inspiration Loop Trail in Will Rogers State Park
When the heat is on, the coast beckons. This easy, family-friendly hiking trail begins at the historic Pacific Palisades home of Will Rogers and loops up to Inspiration Point. The Inspiration Loop Trail is not challenging. It’s not long. But with balmy breezes, great views, and a dose of history, Inspiration Loop makes a fun outing. We […]
M*A*S*H Hike in Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park was one of the first areas I hiked when I moved to Southern California. This easy out-and-back trail travels alongside Malibu Creek through some great terrain and old growth oak trees, with a special bonus — a visit to the site of the Robert Altman’s 1970 movie hit M*A*S*H, as well […]
Jack London Historic State Park
Last week I shared Part 1 of my Sonoma Valley trip, with our hike up Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. In Part 2, I share a family-friendly stroll with historical significance. Jack London was a journalist, author, adventurer, and a farmer. He loved the Sonoma Valley, and had planned to build a sustainable […]
Lake Hollywood Loop
A walk along a serene lake, surrounded by pine trees and hills is probably not what springs to mind when you think of a “hike” in Hollywood. Surprise! The Lake Hollywood Reservoir trail is exactly that. Quiet. Serene. And a world apart from the scene on Hollywood Boulevard. This 3.4 mile loop trail is mostly […]
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