Beautiful hike near the intersection of the 2 and the 39. Parking lot and pristine trails are…read morewell-maintained. Well worth the drive up from the Los Angeles basin. Check traffic, weather and fire status; the forest is extremely flammable at the moment. Bring water, snacks and first aid kit. An Adventure Pass is required to park within Angeles National Forest. Be prepared for a work-out and some beautiful views.

This is a strong 4 star hike...near Mount Baden-Powell and similar in many ways. Use the All Trails…read moreapp to get directions. Parking and the trailhead is on Hwy 2. We took the 210 to the 2 Hwy near La Canada Flintridge and it took us about 50 mins and 40 miles of twists and turns while sharing the road with motorcycles and high performance cars that are testing their cars handling. You will pass the parking area for Switzer Falls (see my review for that one) and you will pass the Red Box parking area you can use to do the Strawberry Peak hike (see my review haha) and still will need to continue on Angeles Crest Hwy for about 25 more minutes. If you want you can continue tpass the main parking area for the Islip saddle about one mile to the east and find some parking on the side of the highway that will allow you to take a shortcut trail that connects with the main trail but is about .4 miles shorter, so .8 miles RT...you can see the start of the trail near the metal barrier blocking any traffic on the access road. The first .6 miles is pretty steep and then you connect to the main trail and head left to the Little Jimmy Campground which is 1.1 miles and pretty flat. When you reach the campground it gets a bit confusing with intersecting trails. Don't stop here, continue on for about 1.5 miles to reach the Mt. Islip peak. The 3rd mile is the steepest and you will gain about 550 ft and pass the 8,000 ft elevation level and come to a fork in the trail that is well marked and you will make a right to go about .2 miles to the peak. It was 3.2 miles to the peak and 6.4 miles RT using the shortcut starting area that I mentioned in the first paragraph. At the top is the ruins of a small structure, some concrete squares, and a plastic and metal box with some notebooks. There is no sign with the name and elevation of the peak but it is about 8,250 ft. above sea level. There are some great views, not quite as great as Baden-Powell. This is a moderate hike, definitely not hard. We completed the hike in 2.5 hrs with no running. There are parts that are exposed to the sun, but equal amounts that have shade. I loved that we only came across 6 total people while hiking. I just hate that it takes so long to get here and especially the amount of driving the incredibly curvy Hwy 2.

Over Thanksgiving weekend I wanted to get some fresh air and burn off a few holiday indulgences, so…read moreI found this great trail to hike with an excellent view of the Quartz Hill/Palmdale area. This is also a trail that memorializes a local hero (Sgt Steve Owen of the LA County Sheriff's Dept) that was gunned down and then executed by a parolee with a stolen gun during an attempted robbery. https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-sergeant-steve-owen-killed-20161006-snap-story.html The trail begins along the Palmdale aqueduct (a section really popular with runners and dog walkers) and then veers off to the right at about the 0.5 mile mark to begin the ascent to the first memorial bench on top of a lookout point. The out and back hike in total is short at 3.5 miles, with all of the elevation gain in little over a mile, so consider this more of a mini peak hike to get some morning exercise and take in a great view of the AV. There's ample free parking across the street from the trailhead and a porta potty. If you don't want to hike the hill, there's also the paved side of the Palmdale Aqueduct trail that's also accessible from this trailhead.

Nice little hike. Lots of trails. Good place for dogs. Watch out for snakes during seasonread more

This is one of my favorite trails as you have an opportunity for a great workout. I enjoy the…read moretrails as it has a mix of moderate and advanced. You have a great opportunity for a bike ride, jog, or run that brings in a workout well worth it.

This was my first time coming here, and I really enjoyed it. The trail has two fairly steep hills…read moreone going up and one on the way back so it's about a 2-3 mile hike depending on your pace. I'd rate it easy to moderate because of those hills. I brought my 5-year-old, and she was able to handle it, but she did complain on the way back, so next time I probably won't bring her. The views are really nice, and there are a few smaller trails around the area. I'm definitely planning to go again. I went a bit late around 9 a.m., and the sun was already pretty strong, so going earlier would be better. Overall, I 100% recommend this hike.

The hike to Fish Canyon Narrows, named the #1 Intense Hike by Los Angeles Magazine, blew my mind…read more Accompanying two twenty-something botanists on a native plant field survey, I knew nothing about this trail prior to our trip. I wasn't prepared for the stunning beauty and challenging hiking conditions in early June 2023. An incredible adventure but not for the faint of heart! Parking: Follow Templin Highway to the east to a locked gate. You will be in the Angeles National Forest; an Adventure Pass is required to park in this location. The Trail: It's probably best to go with someone who's been here before (I was lucky in this regard.) Otherwise, make sure you map out directions ahead of time because there are virtually no trail signs to guide you. It's not too steep; the challenge is more finding the trail and the unique condition it's in at the moment. Due to the recent winter and spring storms, much of the trail is in shambles, with fallen trees and landslides and debris in your path. Then, there are the river crossings (or creek crossings, in less rainy years.) This can be treacherous; the water was at least shin-high in some places, not to mention the slippery algae, the rapid current, and obstacles under the water. We ended our hike after dark; a flashlight and/or headlamp highly recommended. Safety: There is no cell phone service in this location. A personal safety beacon is highly recommended, plus letting folks know where you are going and when you are expected to return. Take a first aid kit, enough water, food, and everything needed for a wilderness expedition. Wildlife: Bear have been reported here. Snakes are around; one of my hiking companions spotted a non-venemous snake in the dark and actually picked it up. I would *not* recommend touching any wildlife unless you are a trained biologist! Be alert. Scenery: The narrows are spectacular. There are springs, ferns, flowers, and the high canyon walls above you once you arrive at the canyon. This is one of the most beautiful destination hikes in Southern California and I feel lucky to have been able to visit. Free admission (but again, parking requires an Adventure Pass.) Highly recommended but be prepared!

WHAT?!?!? A TUNNEL IN THE 20 FEET ABOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE?!?!?…read more BACKGROUND: Here, amid the arid-looking mountains north of Castaic Lake, Castaic Creek flows the better part of the year through a sinuous gorge flanked by picturesque sandstone outcrops. The creek is perfect for wading - shallow, slow-moving, and warmed by the sun. Fish Canyon Narrows: In the trenchlike confines of middle Fish Canyon, aridity and moisture stand side by side, separated by a matter of a few yards. Mountain mahogany, manzanita and other drought-resistant shrubs cling to the walls, while a shallow stream gurgles merrily past a line of oaks, sycamores, willows, and cottonwoods. It is almost as if a little slice of the Pacific Northwest was transplanted to Southern California. The Stats Distance: ~11 miles Elevation Gain: 1100 ft. Trail conditions: a bit of asphalt, fire road, single track trail, some rock hopping; out and back. ESSENTIALS: At least 3 liters of water Know your limits Hiking boots that can withstand water, ice, and snow Layered Clothing Gloves High protein food/snacks Electrolytes Camera Hat (optional) Sunscreen Trek/ski poles OUR ROUTE: Me and The Crew set out this hike by going through a locked gate and heading down an asphalt road to a fire road till we reached the narrows, about four miles from the cars. Oh boy! There is a big difference between these narrows and the narrows in Paria Canyon. The condition of Fish Canyon is filled with dwarf leafless trees and scrubs and the water that runs through it, trickles over slippery rocks. The narrows are so grand, there is very little warmth from the sun coming in, so layer up, it does get quite chilly. Our final destination and lunch spot was at Rogers Trail Camp. Amazingly, what seemed to be in the heart of nowhere, there were well preserved picnic tables and a flame ring, not to mention a hand saw, and a couple other gardening tools. In addition, on that point is a short tunnel bored into the rock about 20 feet upwards. After lunch several of us headed to the burrow. Not sure what the purpose of a tunnel in the middle of nowhere, 20 feet up from the ground serves, but a couple of us climbed up to check it out. There was a can of turpentine in the tunnel and a few other items. So very odd. Once we satisfied our curiosity, we packed up and out, back the same way we came in, following the trickling no more than a foot of water and with this drought, easily avoidable. DISCLAIMER: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up. Review 49 Yelp 100+ Challenge 2015

Great fishing spot and and a calm little run it has an amazing view of all palmdale i go there oftenread more

Beautiful but windy day! Everyone was so nice and said good morning. So many cute dogs and…read moreducklings on this day. Great view of the city and there's parking!

Beautiful spot for hiking and relaxing. Trails seemed to be very well-maintained and clean at the…read moretime of my visit; however, winter storms may have impacted trail conditions. Parking can be a bit tricky depending on the time of your visit; the powers that be have determined that much of the streets are to have "no parking", so be careful to read the signs. Not super crowded on the trails but look out for mountain bikers. Free admission.

Golden Valley Ranch Open Space is 900 acres of woodland within the San Gabriel Mountains that has…read morebeen preserved for all of us to enjoy. You can access the various trails at 2 different locations, either along Placerita Canyon Road or Golden Valley Road and Via Princessa. To start along Placerita Canyon Road look for the metal gate at the start of the trail. You will start on Mitchell Trail (Placerita Motorway on some maps). This trail will ascend steeply until you reach the ridge and meet up with Placerita Trail where you can either hang a left and proceed along the ridgeline until you reach lookout point or hang a right and connect with Nadeau Trail. To reach the alternate starting point, my preferred route, you start by parking your car along the street at Golden Valley Road and Via Princessa. This is the base of the future residential community of Golden Valley Ranch. Go past the black fence and descend down a paved walkway. Turn right and you will eventually see the metal gate that is the start of the Nadeau Trail. I like this starting point because it's the start of a 5 mile loop that circles around one of the most prominent ridgelines in the Santa Clarita Valley. The trail ends at lookout point. At that point you will have to find your way down the mountain with the help of the unofficial path and cement drainage ditches. You will eventually reach Oak Crest Drive and Golden Valley Road where you take a right and complete the loop. The trails located within Golden Valley Ranch are named after Remi Nadeau (III), Frank Evans Walker, and John W. Mitchell. Remi Nadeau (III) was the grandson of Remi Nadeau, a well-known figure during his time. He made his fortune hauling bullions from mines and then later established one of the largest vineyards in the world and built the Nadeau Hotel, a Los Angeles landmark. Remi Nadeau III built a deer park in Canyon Country, near present-day Sierra Highway/Soledad Canyon. John W. Mitchell was a pioneer resident of Soledad Canyon. Nadeau and Mitchell had home ranches that adjoined each other and together they purchased the old Cuneo range in upper Placerita Canyon. Until Mr. Nadeau's death they were partners in the cattle raising business, and the yearly round-ups on the Nadeau-Mitchell ranch became one of the big events of the valley. Frank Evans Walker lived in and built several homes in Placerita Canyon in the early 1900's. He was one of the first and last Placerita Canyon gold prospectors. Interestingly the area gets its name from the word Placer, Spanish for mine, it forms the root of Placerita, meaning little mine. The only remaining building intact is the Walker's Cabin located in Placerita Canyon Nature Center. The ranch has been used to film a number of famous movies. In 1949, Frank Walker sold the property to the State of California. In recent years, the state transferred the ownership of the park to the County of Los Angeles.

Great hike for a hot day! Visiting for the first time, I took the Rice Canyon trail which is about…read more70% shade and follows a creek up into the canyon. It's a beautiful trail through a grove of native Valley Oak, California Black Walnut and willow trees. Absolutely gorgeous and not too strenuous, there a few creek crossings along the way. You'll see some oil seeps on the way, a reminder that there is oil drilling nearby. Birds, butterflies and flowers make this an enjoyable hike. Parking: Free parking on the street. Or pay $5 in the day use lot. Hours: Sunrise to sunset. Watch out: Lots of poison oak and mountain bikers. Stay safe....bring lots of water and sunscreen, possibly bug spray as well. Admission is free.

This hike is beautiful. The hidden gems of waterfalls is well worth the hike. It's a great mix of…read moresteep and flat areas and it's great for a run, hike or biking.

There are several hiking trails once you exit off the 14 North and turn right onto Placerita Canyon…read moreRd. Large signs will indicate the trailhead and parking area. East Walker Ranch is one such trail. Starting with an incline, the path leads to a couple of water capture structures for local animals to drink from. Every time I hike to this particular spot, I take some time to pause and admire the amazing views especially if timed with the sun setting. Depending on the season and the amount of rain, tall grassy areas will either be a lush green or a golden blaze. Path leads further up where portions tend to be overgrown but still visible. Because of this, I don't recommend wearing shorts or pants with fabric susceptible to stickers. From here, a loop can be taken, where tall trees provide respite from sun exposure. This past visit, our group found a makeshift rope swing that someone left. A few steps away there was a colony of red velvet ants. Further ahead still, we passed by mountain bikers on their way down the hill. Pretty sure their bike tires now have traces of natural red velvet flavoring.

Beautiful loop trail 3.4 miles total. The trail is begginer-moderate. You do have to go through two…read moreshort tunnels (underpasses) which were definitely a highlight for me. The trail is well marked and easily accessible from the parking lot. The trail is only shaded in a couple of spots which are great rest spots or for snack break. Not to many wildflowers since we have not gotten enough rain for a bloom. Creek beds were completely dry.