A friend took me to Whitney Canyon Waterfall today, and wow what an adventure. The hike is…read moremoderate, about 3.5 miles, and parking is free. Reaching the waterfall is not for the faint of heart. You climb uphill, descend back down, reach a small waterfall, and then go through it to finally arrive at Whitney Waterfall. It's a bit sketchy, definitely thrilling, and absolutely worth it but only if you're prepared. Hiking shoes are a must. This trail is not recommended for kids or beginner hikers due to steep and slippery sections. It was 48 degrees and freezing cold today, so check the weather before you go and layer up. Also, there are no restrooms, so plan ahead. If you're looking for a raw, adventurous hike with a rewarding waterfall at the end, this one delivers.

When you're ending the year 2025 with a hiking adventure. Let's begin this banger review…read more Whitney Canyon Park is a 442-acre park known for its diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, featuring oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian areas with seasonal waterfalls. It is located next to the freeway in Santa Clarita. I have been eyeing this trail/park for months and I am glad I crossed this on my All trails hiking list. I came on a late Monday morning and it was bloody windy (~45 mph) with a cool temp of 64 degrees. This park has multiple trials including Elsmere Trail. WCP has a wide track trail through a canyon that was known for oil drilling and ranching some of its remnants are still visible. Its trail has little to no tree shade but the trailhead was kept clear. I have seen some hikers (family and kids) and bikers along the way; most are friendly and nice. Parking lot is huge with no shades. Trash bins are available. Overall, it's a nice easy park to go hiking. I recommend it.

Love all the paseos in Santa Clarita. The San Francisquito Trail is a nice one as it follows the…read moreSan Francisquito wash up to Copperhill and down to the Santa Clara River. Its got both a bike way and pedestrian lane to walk in. It is very serene and not loud being away from busy roads.

This is our favorite trail. The husband and I walk it 1-2 times a week, depending on the weather…read more We start at Heritage Park and end at Bridgeport across from Walgreens. The trail is paved, mostly flat, shaded and with easy access to other paths. We take a break when we reach Bridgeport Park to admire the views of the water and landscape. The walk along the water is the best part before exiting the area. The total distance for our path is 3.5 miles. The signs are bit confusing but become familiar over time. Overall, other people on the trail are respectful of each other, except for the kids on e-bikes that speed past us is groups. Unfortunately, this has become exceedingly more common.

Nice way to spend time with your family. We went on a Sunday morning around 7:30 during the summer…read more We chose the Canyon trail for our hike. It's about 4 miles round trip, mostly flat with some rocks along the trail. It was nice for a hiker like me who is just a beginner. There are some benches and trail markers along the way. The benches are more towards the beginning and towards the end of the hike. I wouldn't suggest wearing long pants as you do end up hitting some areas where there are some overgrowth of shrubs. By the time we were done, around 9am it was getting pretty hot, so maybe next time I would have started a little earlier in the day. We did visit the nature center to cool down and to look at their displays. It was small but nicely put together. Bathrooms were available and very clean. Overall a great time and would definitely come back again.

This nature center is located directly in the center of all the main activities for the park. There…read moreis free parking and many of the trails start right from the nature center. I thought this was a nice place to get an introduction to the wildlife, ecology and geography of the park. Admission to the nature center and the entire park is entirely free. The time I visited there was a docent on duty and a number of school children who were on day trips from the local schools.

I don't live too far away and had been going to several of these campgrounds for more than 20…read moreyears. I always liked Camp Zuni, as well as a bunch of secret spots, which I would never divulge publicly. The stories I read of folks not being able to find the falls always make me smile, as part of the beauty of that has always been that's the point. To keep the outsiders at bay without outright saying you can't come there. Similarly, that's the exact reason why the place has been ruined in the first place, is those people.

Back in the 60's and 70's it was our party place of choice. There was no graffiti and everything…read morewas maintained. We spent a lot of weekends up there. Back then it was a 5 star kind of place. Loved the little beer and BBQ joint on the way up. It's a shame it isn't kept up.

A suburban nature park located in Stevenson Ranch, CA, this is one of the best places to take a…read morewalk and get your exercise in. One of the highlights of this park is what is known as the Pico Canyon stairs, a staircase that is about three flights that will challenge your fitness. It goes from the park up to a residential street and is used by those that want to get their cardio workout in. What is also amazing about the park us that, you'll also encounter deer in the remote part of the park. It's definitely a place to check out.

Nice county park with bathroom facilities although they had soap but no running water in the sink…read moreor water fountain. Spotted three deer under the huge tree.

This is a 932 acre park made of sandstone formations. This park is out of this world: and literally…read moreas known for iconic movie filming like Star Trek, Flintstones and more. A great place to immerse yourself in this beautiful backdrop within Agua Dulce which is off highway 14 and too far away from LA. This park affords you multiple trails to explore the area, Rocks to climb and local wildlife can sometimes be looming, but watch out for snakes. Park also has an amazing nature center. Lastly the park offers special events like nature walks. If you have not been to this park, it is definitely worth a visit. Plenty of parking within the park!

FUN rock scrambling at almost 45 degrees! It was slightly out of the way on our drive to LA but I…read morewanted to come here for a long time. A lot of movies, music videos, and TV have been filmed here, often to depict otherworldly alien landscape, it was in a couple episodes of Star Trek and the gift shop has some Star Trek related merchandise. You can park right next to the famous rocks and go climbing up, this is my favorite type of park since there are no guardrails or fences, you can go where you want. Be careful though, the ranger told us the week before we went someone got scared coming down and broke their ankle and had to be airlifted out, remember it's always easy to climb up than it is to climb down. Toward the back of the famous rocks are some nice boulders and a hike you can go on, some of these rocks look like animals or faces and is worth checking out if the famous ones are too crowded. The witches hat is a bit hard to find but go to the visitor center and it's walkable from there. The rangers can help you find it, there are also animals in the different sheds you can check out.

Went on a hike here and was a pretty nice hike. It's probably rated in the moderate section and if…read moreyou're afraid of fly/bees or small paths with flowers touching you then I wouldn't recommend this hike. We came for the spring bloom and there were some pretty nice flowers though it looked nothing like what I saw on Instagram. Be careful, I also saw a rattlesnake in our path and we had to wait for it to pass so there are definitely snakes in the area. Other than all that if you decide to come it's still a beautiful spot. Parking - One thing I love about this place, parking was EASY. 3ish lots so it was plentiful.

Met up a friend to go on a Thanksgiving hike before the big feast. This was our first time here and…read morewhile beautiful it was a pretty moderate hike. We both wanted something more challenging and calorie burning. The trail is about 2 miles and does have some steep areas but overall it's pretty chill. This is a great hike for kids to join in, but not stroller friendly.

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

Take the 14 FWY and exit on Sierra Hwy, then head over to the park-and- ride lot. On the left side…read moreis the trailhead for Whitney Canyon Falls, and on the right is Elsmere Canyon. Take your pick, you can't go wrong! The last couple weeks our group decided to go with Elsmere into Eagle Pass. During the evening there is plenty of parking, though if you were to come at busier times there is the overflow lot. Night hiking around here is pretty special with plenty of night sky viewing from being far enough away from neighboring city lights. Structures left behind from decades past, such as rusty engines, wooden beams, and dried up water tanks hide in plain sight. There are a handful of areas with inclines but nothing too strenuous. During the daytime several years ago, our group was able to climb up one of the isolated peaks overlooking the freeway. If I remember correctly, the road there felt more like an animal trail but enough hikers have attempted it. Overall, great local hike worth revisiting.

Not a bad hike, definitely must be done between December-early March for the peak experience…read more If you go closer to summer it's not as good of a sight obviously. Only reason I give it 4 is there was so much litter the last 3 times I went, it was disgusting people just leave their trash around.

If you are a fan of 80's movies, you have to make this a stop on your list of places to visit…read more This is the bridge from the classic vampire movie "The Lost Boys". This is very close to Magic Mountain in Valencia. The scene where they all take Michael to the bridge and all jump off the side. When Michael looks over the edge, he sees they are all hanging. Michael joins them hanging under the bridge and they all hang as the train goes by above the bridge and shakes them all loose and they fall. Michael eventually falls and lands in his bed. First time he realizes he is now a vampire! Great scene, great movie. This are is great for hiking, biking and just connecting with nature in general. Although the bridge today does not have trains rolling over it, only bikes and walkers. Not sure it ever did at least when the movie was made. But that is what makes movies great! Enjoy!

There is free parking available with little to no shade. The trail is easy that even children or…read moreseniors can ride it. This famous old bridge is the highlight of the trail where part of the movie The Lost Boys (1987) was filmed. When we arrived at the parking lot it was empty around 100pm then it was busy when we arrived back from our ride. The route was nice and easy with some great views.