Canyon Hikes in L.A. Area

“Hi. I'll be visiting some friends in the L.A. area, out by the city of Orange, and wanted to see if anyone had suggestions on good day hikes while I'm there. I wouldn't mind doing some canyons, but whatever is suggested, I'll take under advisement. I'm thinking the views are gonna be crap anyway, with all of the wildfires.

Thanks!”

“Hi Rosey - I bet it will be pretty hot and dry, too. I grew up in Topanga Canyon (pretty far from where you are) and hiking got pretty uncomfortable from late spring through early fall. I imagine anywhere else down there would be the same.”

“Yeah, no doubt it will be. I'll be sure to bring lots of water. We did Death Valley at this time last year. 100 in the shade.”

“Do your hiking a little further north along the coast at Pismo Beach. I promise you will enjoy the delightful scenery. Swim suits are optional until 9 A.M.”

“I live about 5 miles from Orange. For day hikes you can drive to the Mt. Baldy area trailheads in 45 minutes. Icehouse Canyon or the Ski Hut trail would be nice day hikes.

The East Fork of the San Gabriel River to the "Bridge to Nowhere" would be a great hike.

A little longer drive but more pristine hikes would be in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. http://www.sgwa.org

You could find closer trailheads in the Cleveland National Forest, but nothing I would shout about.”

“Walk the beaches, in the morning it should be cool and overcast with May gray. This time of year, sunny California is a misnomer.”

“uncliff makes a good point. Walking on the beaches in the morning is very nice. I recommend Laguna Beach, or places south of there. I like exploring tide pools...if you look closely you can see some interesting life.

Also, you need to go early to get the parking spots.”

“Rosey, where in Calif. do you live?”

“You guys are late and/or copy cats! I was quick to recomment Pismo Beach, and expecially in the early morning hours.”

“mt wilson trail via sierra madre is a nice 7 miles to the peak, both sun and shade as you wrap around the mountain.

chantry flats is another option”

“nowslimmer - OK, but Pismo Beach is 200 miles away from Orange.

sshagy - I like some of the hikes from Chantry Flats. The Mt. Zion Loop hike is nice.”

“Thanks for the input, all. Much appreciated.

Navi: I live in Sacramento.

JN”

“Hey! Thanks for the suggestions on Ice House. It was excellent. I'll try to post some pics eventually.”

“may be too late, but I really enjoyed Holy Jim Canyon...”

“Rosey - Cool! Can't wait for the pics!

Icehouse was one of our training hikes for Philmont. Nice surprise for being an hour from downtown Los Angeles.”

“I was really surprised, Phil. I mean, who'd a thunk it would be such a nice, well-maintained and clean trail. There was the teacher with 30 students talking through the megaphone on the first 500 yards of the trail, but they were quickly left behind and we didn't see/hear them again.

Great hike. I bet it can be a scorcher in the summer, tho.”