Definitely not for the faint of heart!…read more PARKING 2 dirt lots off of Highway 2 just past the Switzer Falls turnoff. Must display Adventure Pass. There is no trail sign or marker but take the obvious dirt path and stay on it (don't go up the rocks) COLBY TRAIL Clearly defined winding trail. It's certainly steep, but I didn't have any issues with it. After 2.2 miles (maybe 40 minutes-1 hour of hiking) you'll come to a water tower where the trail splits and is unmarked. Take the trail on the right and after a couple hundred feet is a small rock pile designating a smaller trail to the right. Take this if you're intent on the mountaineer route up to Strawberry. STRAWBERRY MOUNTAINEER TRAIL The steepness definitely increases as you continue up the ridge line. You'll come to the first rocky cragg where you'll need to use your hands and feet to climb. Be very careful as some of the rocks are loose and will crumble as you grab them. There is no defined trail just get to the top of the crag however you like. After that you'll continue on the ridge to the summit. The trail is very overgrown with Spanish Bayonets and Poodle Bush. Avoid touching the plants as much as possible but you WILL touch them. Although the trail is overgrown it's pretty obvious where you should be going. I unfortunately had to turn around before the last bouldering part because I started the hike too late in the day. Will have to come back! Happy hiking!

Hiked up Strawberry Peak on April 14 and had a great experience. What I really liked about the…read moretrail were the two separate rock climbs near the peak of the mountain. Both rock climbs are located at an elevation between about 5000 to 6000 feet, so if you're planning to do the hike during the winter season, it's probably a good idea to check the snow level before heading out. No equipment is needed for the rock climbs, and there are markings on the rocks (arrows in a variety of colors) that point out the best route to take. It can be a little difficult at times to find the arrows or the correct route to take, but if you take your time you shouldn't have any problems. I have to admit though that there was a moment or two when I was hanging onto a rock (on the side of a mountain and without any equipment) where I thought to myself - uh, what am I doing? The trail is pretty steep, about a 2700 feet elevation gain during the 3 mile ascent up to the peak, so with the two rock climbs it provides a pretty good workout. Definitely a much better workout than a 5-6 mile run on relatively flat ground. Even though the hike is only 6 miles round trip, I would budget at least 4 to 5 hours to complete the hike. The two rock climbs take some time to navigate.

This was easily one of my favorite hikes around LA, mostly because it was such an unexpected…read moreadventure. My friend originally wanted to hike the Brown Dam hike, but last minute suggested this trail and I'm so glad she did. We parked near the Angeles Crest Highway and followed the trail up to the La Cañada Teepee. The hike itself was long but relatively easy, and we were lucky that the weather was slightly overcast that day which it made the trek much more comfortable. We knew we were close when we saw the mailbox along the trail with a chain blockading the road to the teepee. That's when we ran into two Kenyan women who gave us a quick heads-up about what was ahead: stunning lavender fields, a cool telescope (I thought it was a model of the Griffith Observatory--haha), and even a little maze hidden within the flora and bushes as you get closer to the teepee structure. The sisters also mentioned that the area is actually private property, but the owners generously allow people to visit. We didn't run into the owner's, but we were able to explore and enjoy the incredible views and the massive teepee structure at the top. It truly felt like stumbling upon a hidden gem right in Los Angeles--one of the best surprises in such a long time. Highly recommended if you are an avid hiker. Best, Lina C.

This is a fun hiking destination! You can approach from the east or the south and you won't be…read moredisappointed.

A nice fire road to hike in La Canada…read more My friend and Yelper Jo Anne S. texted me that she wanted to hike, so I met her at the beginning of the trail. The Earl Canyon Motorway is a fire road that begins just west of the new Jessen Bridge right by the intersection of Solliden Lane. To get to Solliden Lane you would drive north on Palm Drive from Foothill Boulevard. First, we headed straight up the road that starts as a residential street. If you go straight you'll see a big sign for Hall Beckley Canyon. Eventually there will be an intersection and you will turn left. Don't go straight down Beckley Canyon because it dead ends in about a half mile into a spillway and abandoned home. There is a tree rope we used to climb to the top of the spillway, but once you get to the top there's no trail. I think the Santa Monica Conservancy or City of La Canada needs to start some work to re-build the trail once something is done with that abandoned house. It kind of gives me the heebie-jeebies and I was glad I wasn't hiking alone. Who knows if riff raff hangs out in this old house that is mostly boarded up. We turned back and got back on the actual fire road and it goes up a few miles. Next time I hike it I will try to get to the top and I'll edit this review. We started late and it started getting kind of warm so we turned around. Also, the Yelp map is off, but I'll get that fixed. I sent an e-mail to Yelp HQ with the coordinates. The view is amazing up there. We could see the Santa Monica Bay clearly with the naked eye. The photos didn't look as clear with iPhone. We could see to Catalina Island which was nice. This is definitely a nice trail on the side of Mt. Lukens. It may be an easy route to the summit and I'll try that in the near future.

We were looking for something to do in the area since we had time to kill. My brother suggested…read morethat we give this place a try and was really just a hop skip and jump away from home. I can't believe I have lived here for a large portion of my life and don't ever remember going on this hiking trail. According to my parents, they took me here once when I was younger but I don't have any recollection of this. As you walk up (or down) Jessen, you'll see a little road that leads past a few more homes and then slowly heads up the hills. While the path isn't paved, you definitely won't "lose" the path or find yourself in a bind with things blocking your way. The first trail definitely has a wide enough area where you won't have that sensation of falling off the side of the mountain. It is slippery because of all the loose rocks so make sure to wear good shoes. This is especially important for your trip back down because some of these places are steep enough to cause you to slide. You came here not just for the exercise but the scenery. On a bright sunny clear day you can see the skyline of Los Angeles as well as the ocean and making it up to the top really gives you a sense of accomplishment. If you really wanted more, you could continue hiking another 3 miles to head to the next view point. I have seen many people running as well as riding their bikes up the mountain (how they do that I don't know because I was already dying just walking). You can also walk your dogs up here (but please be responsible and pick up after them!). Definitely recommend this if you're in the area and looking to get some good pictures of the city :D

My great uncle and aunt (Glen and Nola) founded the park in the 60s when the piece of land was just…read moreacross the street from their home and they got the city to make it into a park. It has been added to and kept up beautifully after all of these years. I live in Northern California but stopped by there three weeks ago on my way home from Arizona. Beverly Fellows (grand niece of Glen Dolberg married to Nola Luxford Dolberg.

This is a small, quarter-acre park at the intersection of Angeles Crest Highway and Vista del…read moreValle. There is a gazebo and a rose garden in this park. This is a good meeting place if you want to carpool to the Angeles National Forest for hiking with a group so everyone doesn't have to buy and Adventure Pass.

The Rosemont Preserve consists of almost eight acres of preserved green space just north of La…read moreCrescenta. Through the efforts of the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy, this land was saved from developers and is protected for wildlife and hikers alike. (Thank goodness for conservancies!) The preserve is not open to the public at the present time but open gate hours are scheduled on the weekends. If you sign up for the email list for Friends of the Rosemont preserve (rosemontfriends@gmail.com), you'll get updates on when the preserve is open and special programs including informational hikes and work days to maintain the preserve. And they made the news: http://www.latimes.com/tn-gnp-docents-give-children-an-understanding-of-nature-20131016-story.html Parking can be tough but is usually available at Two Strikes Park down the street on Rosemont: see directions here http://www.arroyosfoothills.org/rosemont-about/ Entrance is free. Bring water and sunscreen and a love of nature.

I'm a CEO of a non stop medium sized company so I seldom take time off- but this was absolutely the…read morebest time away I could imagine. It was a great experience and more importantly I left feeling recharged and reconnected with my creative spirits. It was a great way to get back into the right headspace to be bold and do great work.

I have had the good fortune to know Jordan for many years. He has helped me through a number of…read moredifficult times in my life in addition to providing me some of the most enjoyable, epic (it's worthy of use) times as well. Being a Texan he is naturally friendly and down to earth, but has been in LA for nearly 20 years and can explain the history about every nook and cranny. If your looking for a good experience with a stand up dude and an abundance of knowledge about the city among many other things (fly fishing, surfing, music, dancing, wrestling, etc.) then contact Jordan.

I've lived in LA for years and somehow never realized you could kayak the river until a friend…read moresuggested trying LA River Kayak Safari. We booked a weekend morning tour, and it ended up being one of the most unexpectedly fun things I've done in the city. I was a little nervous at first since I'm not super experienced with kayaking, but the guides were patient and gave clear instructions before we got on the water. Once we started, it felt calm and surprisingly peaceful. We even spotted birds and fish along the way, which I definitely didn't expect in Los Angeles. The whole experience felt safe, well-organized, and relaxed. It's such a cool way to see a different side of the city. I'd absolutely do it again.

This is the only place in Southern California, except for the Kern River and it's not worth it…read more When I was in College, during the Summer I worked as a White Water Rapid Class V Instructor on the North Fork of the American River. If you look that up or really want to raft, take a drive up to Northern California for some excitement- you are able to do Class III, Class IV, or Class V, including an overnight rafting trip. It's not exactly like "A River Wild," but it can be if you're not experienced. I grew up river rafting with my Daddy all the time and have been on more than 300 trips in my lifetime. It's one of my favorite activities, but it's boring and lame in SoCal.

Amazing !!one of the best days of my life. I can't wait to go back and do some more sightseeing…read morethis way. Beautiful

Great host and guide! Loved every bit of the hike with DDM. Fully recommend on your visit to LA! A…read moregood hike is a solid way to experience the best of LA during your vacation or weekend time away from work!

This would be a four star review if people would adhere to the leash law, so I can walk my dog…read morewithout getting attacked by dogs that are off leash. I'd also add another star if people would pick up after their dogs. The City of La Canada Flintridge has approximately 23 miles of trails within it's city limits. The Cross Town Trail is just one portion that begins just north of Foothill Boulevard on Indiana near Armstrong Garden Center. You head north below the Edison property and power lines. After about five acres you cross Olive Lane and then another seven acres you cross El Vago. The trail then heads up into the Foothills adjacent to the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest. The length of the this particular segment is 3.13 miles with gains from 1,460 feet to 2,285 feet. You can also access the Mt. Lukens Truck Road if you head up another trail just north of Harter Lane. http://www.lcftrails.org The only thing I really don't like about this trail is the fact that a lot of people just let their dogs run all over this trail off leash. The section between Foothill and Olive Lane is about 5 acres. When I've had my dog Tucker with me we have been approached by the same dog twice who has started fights with Tucker. The owner basically does nothing. The first time her dog started something I told her that dogs are not supposed to be off leash and if my dog bites her dog then it will be her fault. It happened for the second time and she had the nerve to tell me her dog attacked my dog because my dog was on a leash. A bunch of residents want to make part of the trail an off-leash area which I don't agree with, so I'll be at the next City of La Canada-Flintridge Parks and Recreation Committee meeting this week on 1/8/14 at 6:00 p.m. when this topic is on the agenda. I really hope it doesn't become an off-leash area. Here is an article about it: http://articles.lacanadaonline.com/2013-11-20/news/tsn-vsl-dog-owners-challenge-leash-law-20131120_1_leash-law-dog-owners-dog-park

I'm all for public spaces but sheesh, this was pretty ridiculous. Teeeeeny tiny. Pickens are slim…read moreCanyon Park!

This is the smallest park in the area at 8,000 square feet…read more This little park lies on the northeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and Briggs Avenue. It's right next to the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station. This dinky pocket park was dedicated by Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich on March 19, 2008. I like walking over while my car is being washed at Foothill Car Wash instead of sitting around twiddling my thumbs. There is a pretty view of the Verdugo Mountains just south of the park.