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The 7 Best Hikes in Southern California | Scenic Trails for Everyone

These hikes in Southern California offer something for everyone. From easy desert trails with oasis, to demanding mountainous treks with spectacular views, and breathtaking coastal hikes from which you can spot the sea life. Here are some of the best hikes in Southern California for your next trekking adventure.

Desert scene with large red sandstone boulders, dry bushes and a Joshua Tree

When it comes to the best hikes in Southern California, the list is endless. After all, SoCal is home to several snow-covered peaks, dreamy desert landscapes, and beautiful blue oceans. Additionally, the Southern California trails have marvelous landscapes, wilderness, and wildlife.

Any journey through these trails is made worthy by the destinations, with many being California’s hidden gems. And with so many hikes sharing these qualities, it can be hard to pick the best ones. This is why this guide exists, to help indecisive Southern hikers make the best choice.

Keep reading for a list of the best Southern California hiking trails – there is something for everyone. 

Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, Anza-Borrego Desert SP

Distance: 3.25 miles
Approx. time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Starts: Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
Finishes: A shady palm oasis 
Type of hike: Loop

Palm trees and flowing freshwater in an arid rocky landscape. The Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is one of the best hikes in Southern California for families

Are you in Southern California and wondering if there are any “easy hiking trails near me?”. The kid-friendly Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is the answer. This Southern California hidden gem is located in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, famed for being one of California’s best state parks

It takes you through several picturesque areas with cacti, palm trees, and wildlife aplenty. You’ll be spoiled with a beautiful waterfall during your hike and a shady palm oasis at the end of it. You get a chance to see the San Ysidro Mountain, the bighorn sheep, and open-air bathrooms built in the 1930s. 

Hiking tip: Apply sunscreen and bring plenty of water as the trail gets hot. Also, be wary of snakes. 

El Moro Canyon Trail, Crystal Cove State Park

Distance: 5.5 miles
Approx. time: 2 hours
Starts: El Moro Visitor Center
Finishes: El Moro Ridge and back to the starting point
Type of hike: Loop

Blue sky over a small arid headland with a house and trees on top. There is golden sand beach and clear blue sea.

This trail in the Crystal Cove State Park is the perfect length. It provides a few hours’ worth of hiking without taking the whole day. You’ll need a $15 day pass or $125 annual pass to access the trail.

It’s a moderately difficult trail with several inclines that provides hikers with a view of the El Moro Canyon and Moro Ridge. You’ll be mesmerized by the breathtaking Laguna Beach coastal views. You’ll certainly marvel at the park’s colorful flora and landscapes spread across the wilderness.

Hiking tip: Be wary of rattlesnakes. The trail lacks shading and is normally hot. Therefore bring plenty of water, apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Get this lightweight Osprey Hikelite 26 hiking backpack  to help you store your hiking supplies.

Brush Canyon Trail, Griffith Park

Distance: 6.4 miles
Approx. time: 3 hours
Starts: Griffith Park parking lot
Finishes: Hollywood sign
Type of hike: Out and back

View of Los Angeles from the top of the hill with part of the back of the Hollywood sign visible

This picturesque trail is one of the best hikes in Southern California thanks to its location. It leads to the Hollywood sign, making it one of the best photo opps of any SoCal hike.

The moderately difficult hike is dog-friendly and offers exquisite views at its end. You can see the Griffith Observatory, the Santa Monica Mountains, Dodger Stadium, and the whole city of LA.

Hiking tip: The hike lacks shade and gets hot. Bring lots of water, apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing. This Thinksport sunscreen is great for protecting your skin from the sun.

Smuggler’s Cove Trail, Channel Islands National Park

Distance: 7.7 miles
Approx. time: 3 hours
Starts: Scorpion Anchorage
Finishes: Smuggler’s Cove
Type of hike: Out and back

Path on a grassy hill going down into a valley that ends in a cove. The sea is in the distance.

Located on Channel Islands’ Santa Cruz Island, this hike is considered moderately difficult. You’ll reach the trailhead using a ferry from Ventura. Look out for dolphins and other sea life on your ride there.

You can catch a glimpse of the ocean, rocky cliffs, and scenic views of distant Santa Barbara and Ventura. During your trek, you might run into the native small island fox. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see whales migrating during winter.

Hiking tip: There are no services selling food and water so bring your own. Leave enough time to get back to the ferry to avoid being stuck overnight. 

Mount Baldy Loop

Distance: 11.3 miles
Approx. time: 7 hours
Starts: Manker Campground
Finishes: Mt. Baldy Summit
Type of hike: Loop

Path following the ridge of an arid mountain to the summit. Mount Baldy is one of the best hikes in Southern California if you are looking for a challenging hike

Mt. Baldy is the peak of SoCal hiking — no pun intended. You can hike the mountain using the Ski Hut Trail or Devil’s Backbone.

The incredible view of the city of LA at the summit makes the hike worth it. The trail is physically demanding so it’s best for those in top shape. Although, you can cheat by way of a ski lift ride.

There is a restaurant on your way down. Celebrate conquering this impressive hike with refreshing snacks and drinks.

Hiking tip: It can be hot or cold. Therefore, wear suitable clothing and bring plenty of food and water. It’s best to hike in the summer if you have zero experience hiking in the snow. Even if you do have experience, bring proper equipment like crampons and an ice axe.

Ryan Mountain Trail, Joshua Tree National Park

Distance: 3 miles
Approx. time: 1.5 hours
Starts: Ryan Mountain Trail trailhead
Finishes: Mountain summit
Type of hike: Out and back

View of a rocky desert from the top of a rocky hill with two Joshua trees

The Joshua Tree National Park is one of the popular places to hike in Southern California. One of its most famous trails is the short, yet difficult and steep, Ryan Mountain trail.

Along the way, expect to see some wildlife and wildflowers. At the summit, you get a 360-degree incredible view of Joshua Tree.

You’ll see Joshua trees, rare rock formations, and a beautiful landscape of wilderness. It’s great for beginner hikers and offers a great sunrise or sunset view.

Hiking tip: It’s best hiked in the fall and winter. Apply sunscreen and bring lots of water.  Platypus Hands-Free Hydration System is great for storing water thanks to its 2-liter bladder pack.

Pacific Crest Trail, Southern California section – A lengthy hike in Southern California

Distance: Over 700 miles
Approx. time: Multiple days
Starts: Low hill near Campo
Finishes: Highway 178 at Walker Pass
Type of hike: Thru-hike

Wooden signs reading P. C. T Access and River Access on the side of a dirt track in an arid landscape

Made famous by Cheryl Strayde’s book Wild, the Pacific Crest Trail’s (PCT) Southern California section is just over 700 miles. It’s a must-do for hikers looking for long-distance California trails spanning multiple days.

It’s a difficult trail that’s taxing on the body. It’s extremely comprehensive and shows you the best of SoCal’s landscapes and national parks. You’ll pass through several mountains, beautiful lakes, and a diverse ecosystem with rich fauna and flora.

Hiking tip: Since the hike will span across several areas, it’s best to check the weather for each area beforehand and bring the appropriate gear. The Green Cabin in Bear Lake is a great resting spot.

Why not check out the Northern California hike of the Pacific Crest Trail too?

Essentials for hiking in Southern California

Before you hit the trail, here are some basic items that will help you make the best hikes in Southern California safer and more enjoyable.

Water – Don’t set off on your hike without packing plenty of water. A hydration pack is a very convenient way to carry up to 2 litres. Alternatively, you can take a refillable bottle like Grayl Geopress Water Purifier, which has a powerful filtration system that filters out bacteria, viruses, and other particles such as chemicals and microplastics.

Backpack – A backpack is a must for your hikes so you can keep everything you need in one place. This Osprey Hikelite 26 hiking backpack has a hydration compartment and is perfect for both short and long hikes.

Hiking shoes – Make sure you wear appropriate footwear. Besides making the hike more comfortable, wearing hiking shoes or boots like these Scarpa hiking boots, will offer you support when walking over uneven terrain.

Two hikers walking on a path that's on a hill overlooking San Francisco Bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance

Extra pair of socks – Bringing an extra pair of hiking socks is useful just in case you find yourself with wet feet after crossing a stream. It’ll make all the difference being able to complete your hike with dry feet. My favourite brand of hiking socks is Smartwool.

Sun protection gear – When hiking, particularly in the desert, make sure you protect yourself from the sun with a hat, and with a sun shirt. Sunscreen is also essential no matter the weather, and this one from Thinksport is non-greasy and chemical free. And of course, don’t forget your poralized sunglasses for maximum protection!

Trekking poles – On challenging treks or thru-hikes, trekking poles will save your knees going down and will help you get up those mountains, and hills on strenuous hikes in Southern California. I have been using lightweight Leki trekking poles for many years and I could not recommend them enough.

Headlamp – Some of these hikes offer great sunset or sunrise views, which would mean that you may need to walk some of it in the dark. Bring a lightweight headlamp like this Petzl headlamp with you to light up your way.

First aid kit – It’s always good to be prepared for any eventuality, especially if you are planning to go into the wilderness or up a mountain, so pack an easy-to-carry first aid kit

Compass – I have a terrible sense of direction, so if I accidentally veer off the path, I know I can find my way back even if I don’t have phone service, thanks to my little compass. I always carry one with me just in case.

Places to Hike in Southern California

Equipped with all this information, you should be ready to set off on the best hikes of Southern California. You’ll be enchanted by the landscapes, see incredible wildlife, and admire mesmerizing views when choosing any hiking trails in SoCal.

To continue your journey discovering California, why not go on a California road trip, experience some chilled vibes in Santa Cruz or travel back in time in Gold Country?

Ready for your hikes in Southern California? Use this travel toolkit

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