Exploring LA's less known hiking trails..

Hiking has been a favorite past time of mine since I was a child. Every Sunday the whole family would load up in the old Cadillac and head to the park for  hike. When I arrived in LA all anyone would talk about was hiking at Runyan Canyon or Griffith Park..However, I soon discovered there were much more amazing trails with waterfalls (yes, WATERFALLS!), a grotto (one of my fav. hikes) and much more gorgeous views of LA. Here is a list and a brief description of each:  (Sorry, I wrote the reviews at different times so the rev. formats are different)

Behind the Hollywood Sign- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2010/07/hiking-reviewbehind-hollywood-sign.html

Eagle Rock- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2012/03/hiking-revieweagle-rock-malibu.html

Newton Falls- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2011/02/hiking-reviewnewton-falls-malibu.html

Vanalden Cave and San Vicente Missile- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2012/01/2-valley-hikesvanalden-cave-and-san.html

Mt. Lowe Railway Trail- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2009/11/hiking-reviewmt-lowe-railway-loop.html

Solstice Canyon- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2009/05/friday-hiking-reviewsolstice-canyon.html

La Jolla Valley Loop- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2010/08/hiking-reviewla-jolla-valley-loopone-of.html

Big Santa Anita- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2009/08/hiking-reviewbig-santa-anita-canyon.html

Paradise Falls- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2009/07/friday-hiking-reviewparadise.html

Malibu Creek- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2009/06/friday-hiking-reviewmalibu-creek-malibu.html

The grotto- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2009/07/friday-hiking-reviewthe-grotto-malibu.html
Escondido Falls- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2009/09/hiking-reviewescondido-falls.html
Mishe Mokwa/Sandstone- http://annikas27.blogspot.com/2009/05/friday-hiking-reviewmishe-mokwa-trail.html

Sturtevant Falls- 701 N Santa Anita Canyon Rd, Sierra Madre, CA - I loved this hike. I went on a weekday last week and did not see many people. There were about 5 people at the actual waterfall. Don't skip the middle (lower)trail. There are a few beautiful pools/smaller falls you can swim in and can be romantic if you want some privacy(hint,hint).
Scenery: Oddly shaped, giant rocks to climb on 
Hike Time: Depends on how long you want to walk/climb around the rocks
Rating: 3 Stars (not much of a hike but it was fun climbing on the rocks)

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, Trabuco Canyon- Highlights:Red Rock Scenery: Oak Forest, Amazing Rock Formations Hike Time: About 2 hours Difficulty: EasyRating: 4Summary: After reading the reviews of this hike, I'm not going to lie I was a little scared!. The Mention of mountain lions several times in several reviews and then the sign announcing mountain lions in the area when you first arrive to the parks gate...a little intimidating and every rustle in the bush made me want to run back to the entrance (luckily, I didn't see any mountain lions, just 2 deer)..The hike to Red Rock was very peaceful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday (watch out for bikers). Maybe because it was a pretty hot day, mentioning that, make sure to bring plenty of water, the path has a lot of uncovered parts from the sun. The trail starts off going through a forest and eventually evolves into a more "desert" environment with a sandy path, cactus and red rock formations. The statuesque red rock formations were definitely the highlight of the hike and I spent a good 20 minutes just climbing on them and exploring. It's amazing what can be found a "city", definitely worth checking out..

Abalone Cove- Abalone Cove/Sacred Cove/Smugglers Cove Highlights: Bluffside Views, Sea Caves, Tide Pools Scenery: Ocean View Hike Time: Varies, several different paths are available Difficulty: Moderate Rating: 5 Stars Summary: This is definitely one of my favorite hikes in LA. The views are gorgeous and you're constantly wondering what is around the next bend. The hike is filled with breathtaking views, sea caves, tide pools and sometimes even seals (one was sun bathing on the beach). The hike is a dirt path and can be steep at certain points. There is a $5 parking fee but it is well worth it.Address to Trailhead: 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes

Parker Mesa Overlook- 575 Los Liones Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA- 3 stars-  I didn't like this hike because you are just hiking along a fire trail without shade the whole way :( The view at the end is gorgeous though. A great place to clear your mind and take in the ocean breeze.

Newton Falls- 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).

Vasquez Rocks

Highlights: Oddly shaped, giant rocks to climb on

Difficulty: Easy. 

Summary: It’s thought provoking, knowing you are walking on rocks created 25 million years ago (sorry, I guess I’m a bit of a dork). However, this location has also been used for quite a few films such as Star Trek, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, etc. There isn’t a structured trail here, you basically walk anyway you can around and over the rocks. Definitely a fun time for kids who have a lot of energy to burnJ.

Address to Trailhead: 10700 West Escondido Canyon Road

Agua Dulce, CA  91350

Switzer Falls- 34-14 Angeles Crest Hwy,La Canada Flintridge-The first time I took this trail it was early June and one of my favorites(I give it a 5 that time)!!! It is beautiful and the woods reminded me  of a fairy tale! The 2nd time I went with my best friend was 2 weeks ago. Bugs were after us the whole time in the shaded area and we decided to try to take the upper trail since it was rated as a more beautiful trail. However, I guess we branched off at the wrong point (there wasn't a sign) and ended up on this super narrow, high path with no shade. We hiked for awhile hoping it would bring us back down but after a mini rock slide almost fell on our heads twice we turned around. (very scary when you don't see another hiker for a hour and you don't have cell phone serv.). The lower trail was def. one of my fav. hikes though.

Eaton Canyon- 1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena- 2 stars- Not really a fan of this trail...There was construction and graffiti everywhere. It was hard to follow the path too, it wasn't clearly marked.