Hiking Review...Newton Falls, Malibu

Highlights: Easy access waterfall, sweeping views on Santa Monica Mountains
Near: Malibu, CA
Distance: 4.11 miles
Difficulty: Medium
Trail Condition: Dirt path/Overgrown by the waterfall
Rating: 4

Summary: This was my second time to this particular trail. Unfortunately, neither time I had time to fully complete the hike. I've hiked about a hour of it each time and it consists of breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the soothing sound of the babbling creek follows you throughout the trail. One thing I particularly liked was the easy access to the waterfall. Most of the waterfall hikes I have hiked in LA take about a hour if not more to just reach the waterfall, with this hike it only takes about 20 minutes from the trailhead. The remoteness and height of the waterfall almost make you believe you are on a tropical vacation.:)

Trailhead: From the Ventura Freeway (101) in Agoura, take Kanan-Dume Road towards the beach for about 8 miles. Park at the Backbone trailhead parking area between the second and third tunnels (Newton Canyon).

13 Out of the box Valentine Day Date Ideas...

1. Message in A Bottle kayak ride- http://www.beachshootsandiego.com/Site/Romance.html

2. Gondola Ride (I did this one, soo much fun!!!)- http://www.gondolacompany.com/valentines.html

3. 2/12-Mona’s Sweetheart Neon Cruise of LA- http://www.experiencela.com/calendar/event/35733

4. 2/20(they don’t offer it on the 14th)- Santa Barbara Wine Train- http://www.overlandtrail.com/ride/sb_wine_t_page.htm

5. Ice Skating (I did this one too, super fun and it’s outdoors!)- http://www.iceatsantamonica.com/

6. Free Junior Suite when you spend $100 in Seoul Jung or Cardini Ristorante- Saturday & Sunday, February 13-14, 2010- Take your Valentine to dinner at L.A.'s classiest Korean restaurant or Downtown's favorite traditional Italian ristorante, and get a newly remodeled Junior Suite for FREE on Valentine's Night at the Wilshire Grand Hotel. Spend just $100 in either Seoul Jung Restaurant or Cardini Ristorante on Saturday or Sunday, February 13th or 14th, 2010 and we will treat you to your room, plus free overnight parking for one car! Call (213) 688-7777 for reservations, and indicate in which restaurant you would like to place a reservation. Limited to the first 100 reservations. $100 minimum does not include tax or gratuity. Guests will receive a voucher for their room after completing their dining experience.

7. For those who have dreamt of being a racecar driver- http://www.rwre.us/racing_experiences

8.Helicopter tour of LA- http://adventurehelicoptertours.com/tours.htm
Valentine’s Cruises- http://www.hornblower.com/hce/port/category/mdr+valentines

9.Play with wolves(I sooo want to do this one!!!)- Feel the spirit of the wolf. Interact and become part of the pack. Touch them, hug them, get wolf kisses and take pictures with them. As seen on the Today Show! Gourmet lunch provided. Available Thursday through Sunday. 6 hr excursion - 4 or more guests $189pp / 3 guests $259pp / 2 guests $359pp- Palm Springs - http://www.elitelandtours.com/palm-springs-tours.php

10.Zipeline in Catalina- http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/tour_zipline.php?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=zip%2Blining&utm_campaign=scico&gclid=CIXhgdnR5qYCFRBzgwodNV4E2Q

11.Hot air balloon ride- http://www.hotairadventures.com/

12. Sunset Sailing Cruise(I took this tour in Santa Barbara, soo relaxing!!)-$35 per person (2 person minimum) You'll experience a fun and exciting cruise while enjoying beautiful views of the coast and the channel islands. This 50' Catamaran offers 1400 square feet of deck space and the multi hull construction makes her comfortable, stable & safe. On board you'll find a beer, wine and soda bar. Light snacks and restrooms are on hand for your convenience.- http://www.captainjackstours.com/rates.html#sunsetcruise

13. Horseback Riding(I went on this tour as well, I wouldn't recommend it for people who are scared of heights. The horses stay really close to the edge of the canyon)- http://www.sunsetranchhollywood.com/horseback%20riding%20tours.html