At the start of each year, more people talk about how they
have a clean slate and get to become a new person. We often hear the words “new
year, new me” as everyone around us sets new goals and tries to achieve them. I
have never been one for new years resolutions or setting goals that I know I
won’t keep. But what I have noticed about myself this year is that I promised
I would hike at least once a week because in Southern California, our weather
is typically decent enough to be outside and we have incredible hiking spots! I am constantly searching for new trails to check out that are local or only a bit of a drive away!
Hiking is a great way to go at your own pace and kick-start
whatever weight loss or fitness goal you’ve set for yourself! Check out our
list of the top hikes of the San Fernando Valley!
- Caballero Canyon in Tarzana. This hike is beautiful! The
Caballero Trail is easily accessible and easily doable! There are several other
trails farther up Reseda as well, but the Caballero Trail ends with such a
gorgeous view at the top! Another plus—there is ample parking and it’s
completely free! Beware—I’ve never seen snakes here, but this trail is known
for its wildlife!
- Stough Canyon Nature Center in Burbank. I see the Burbank
mountains (Verdugo Mountains) from the freeway all the time but have never
thought twice about the hiking there until now. The trails are wide and easy,
but if you want a good kick in the butt, there are steeper routes of this hike!
They have their own parking lot and a nature center. The hikes also have side
trails to explore that are fun, but coyotes are typically roaming around! Be
careful!
- Aliso Canyon Park in Porter Ranch. As SFV residents, we know
that Porter Ranch has some great hiking spots. This hike in particular is a
great hike for every level of hiker! It’s pretty much flat until the last
stretch of the hike, but it is filled with beautiful trees, patches of
incredibly green grass, and a perfect view of the hills! This is a total hidden
gem! Friends of mine from Santa Clarita call this hike their favorite hike and
make the drive every week! This hike has the perfect amount of shade for a hot
day and just enough sun for a cool day. This is a great spot for families,
people who are solo-hiking, and everyone in between!
- Mario DeCampos Trail in Granada Hills. This hike is familiar
to most of you who grew up in Granada Hills. It is convenient and beautiful.
This is a great hike if you want a bit of a challenge—it’s uphill and somewhat
lengthy. (It’s not super strenuous either, though, for those of you who are
beginners!). On a day with good weather, you’ll see tons of people and dogs
walking the trails. Even the wildlife here is friendly! This hike is primarily
uphill, but you are rewarded with a killer view. Tip from the regulars: The
best place to catch your breath is at the trees just before the end! So
idyllic! Check this place out!
- Topanga State Park in Topanga. This one may be last on our
list, but it’s certainly not least! Topanga State Park is a great place to hike
on the weekends for a more crowded trail, or during the week for a relatively
empty trail! There are several well-marked trails to choose from. The entire
park is a nature lovers heaven—each trail has a breathtaking view, and the
wildlife is friendly and very much out and about! My favorite hike here is the
one that leads to the Parker Mesa overlook. Another well-known trail here is
the Eagle Rock trail! This one is gorgeous as well. The only downside is that
unless you find street parking, it costs $10 to park in the park’s parking lot.
We are getting some decent weather for the next few days so
definitely get up and get outside! :)
And if you don't mind a bit of a drive, check out the Placerita Canyon State Park in Santa Clarita, Towsley Canyon in Santa Clarita, The Tree of Life trail in LA, or Runyon Canyon in LA!
Enjoy!