subject: The Best Places to Go Hiking in California [print this page] The Best Places to Go Hiking in California
I don't get to do it much anymore, but when I get fit enough again, here are the places I will want to go.
1) Aliso Viejo and Wood Canyon Trails: Nestled in the area of Lugana Niguel, Laguna Beach and other well known Orange County cities is a woodland that can take you back to before cities were built here. Coyotes, bobcats and deer frequent the area. Raccoons, squirrels and other, smaller critters can also be found. The trails can be hiked, biked or even seen from horseback. One entrance to this set of trails can be found on Alicia Parkway.
2) Chumash Trail: While I've only made it to the top twice, I have been hiking this mountain for years. It's a little over two miles, but it seems to go straight up in places. A local organization goes out regularly to inspect and repair the trail so it remains climbable. Like Aliso Viejo, hiking, bikes and horses are all permitted. The trail starts on Flanagan Drive in Simi Valley. Go north on Yosemite from the 118 and the street is on the left.
Dogs are welcome, but only on a leash, and it's unwise to try to take them up in really hot weather. Several have died on the trail.
3) Corriganville: This is also local, and was once used for movie productions. Some of the signs in the park tell which movies were shot there. Fires have taken out all of the wooden structures, but concrete and stone structures from the movie days still remain. Entrance to this trail/park is on Kuehner Drive south of the 118 freeway from that exit.
4) Wildwood Park: While some of the trails do have some pretty steep areas, others are fairly flat and even I can handle walking through them. It's beautiful with many native plants and flowers. A creek runs through it and there is a waterfall further into the park. To get to this park, take the 101 to either Lynn Rd or Moorpark. Go to Avenida de los Arboles and turn right. You'll see it on your left at the end of the road.
5) Yosemite: This has to be the most gorgeous park I've seen west of the Mississippi. While it is famous, it's a must see. Day hiking and backpacking can both be done here, or you can simply wander around the immense valley floor. There are two waterfalls that are worth the trip by themselves. Bridleveil falls looks exactly like that. It is very tall and falls straight to the valley floor. After a wet winter, it's at its best. Yosemite falls is also a good one to observe. There was an observation deck part way up the falls for a closer look, but that may be gone by now.
Hiking in California is great, but there are a few rules to keep in mind.
1) Never hike alone.
2) Always carry water, a knife, a whistle and some sort of food. Matches might be wise, but remember that campfires here are illegal unless in a designated area.
3) Tell someone about your plans, both the trails, the itinerary and your estimated return time.
4) Watch out for wild animals. We have rattlers, bears, coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions.
5) Have fun, leave only footprints and take only pictures.
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