The sun has come out and its time to get out and about. Hiking is a great way to do that especially where we live in Souther California.  Hiking is really awesome because you can go out with a group of friends or you can do it alone. Im able to get exercise while being out in the sunshine and socializing. We have some great hikes planned for our summer program Starting in July.

I moved down here from Oregon about 5 years ago and thought I would never find hikes like I did in Oregon, and its true, I have not. The green grass and trees are missing but the view of the ocean is spectacular on a clear day, best the day after it rains.

One of my favorite hikes can be started 2 different ways. From santa monica head north on PCH, take sunset blvd inland, then on your left you will see a fire station.  You can drive up Paseo mirimar (past fire station) or directly to Los liones (before fire station) which give you a little of the green I miss from Oregon. If you dont want the meandering green and want to go uphill from the start, skip los liones and drive  through residential  up to the top. Park where you can.  The actual hike takes about 45min to an hour to get up, all depend on who your walking and talking with.  When you get to the top you have a spectacular view.  There is an option to travel on further also. I find just that hike is a good one when time is a factor. There is no shade on this hike, so I make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.

Temescal is another favorite hike of mine, its short and easy to get to, and if all is right you might even see the waterfall. Though dont be alarmed if there isn’t much flow, thats normal for the amount of rain we get here. It make for a nike loop hike.

Here are a few other hikes int he area that are great also!

Point Doome, Westridge, Solstice Canyon