My Top Trails of 2020
With the end of the year comes the lists, the recaps, the look back. It's part of our society's tradition. Well, let's not make this year any different. While this blog is new, my lists of hikes this year is fairly long and I'd like to briefly share with you my top 5 hikes of 2020. Due to Covid, it is fairly limited to the greater Los Angeles area, although I did make it as far as Big Bear, CA this fall and did include a hike from that trip in here.
5. Lewis Falls (Azusa, CA)
A short but oh so sweet hike in the Angeles National Forest. About 1.5 miles out and back, this hike requires some dexterity, especially as you approach the waterfall. A few rock scrambles and water crossings call for some fancy footwork. The last water crossing is the hardest but it brings you right in front on the falls where you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You also follow the water for the whole trek so you get the soothing sounds of a babbling brook throughout the journey.
4. Vasquez Rocks (Agua Dulce)
Very cool rock formations and a famous area from various movies and TV (i.e. Star Trek). At times there is little to no trail to follow and you can make it as adventurous as you want in terms of climbing up the rocks. If you follow the trails deep enough into the park, you'll even find an area that is more "rolling hills" that jagged rocks. Because of the desert location, it can get very hot so remember to bring lots of water and sun screen. You can also seek shelter in some rocky overhangs if needed.
3. Dawn Mine (Angeles National Forest)
This was a recent favorite of mine. It's a 6 mile out and back trail that starts at the Mt. Lowe Trailhead. There is plenty to see on this trek including a cabin, old mining equipment, and even a little waterfall or two. The trail heads down into a canyon and follows a stream for much of it so stream crossings are rather frequent but very easy. The trail gets steep near the end and some may be a little underwhelmed by the mine itself, but I thought it was a cool little destination.
2. The Bridge to Nowhere (La Verne, CA)
This one is the longest hike on this list. It was also the most challenging. We also opted for adding on a jaunt out to Devil's Gulch Falls which is well worth it but does add quite a bit of time. This hike does require multiple river crossings and the water can get pretty deep so you'll need to be prepared for that. If you go to Devil's Gulch Falls, there is also a fair amount of poison oak on the way up the gulch that you have to be aware of. During normal times there is bungy jumping from the bridge on weekends but I'm not sure if that is still going on during the pandemic.
1. Pineknot Trail to Grand Viewpoint (Big Bear Lake, CA)
This one is the farthest from Los Angeles on the list but it is well worth the trip. (Parking in the lot at the trailhead does require a pass.) You get a number of nice views along the way including some glimpses of the lake. The trail winds through the pine forest and so there is plenty of shade for most of the hike and it's just a beautiful walk through the woods. It is about 7 miles out and back. There are a couple of splits in the trail that could cause you to go in the wrong direction if you're not careful so be sure to check a map or GPS if you are unsure (my phone worked fine for most of the hike so I was able to use that to verify where we were). We had Grand Viewpoint all to ourselves and, let me tell you, the view was quite grand!
Full reviews for many of these trails are coming in 2021!
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