Rod Shegem provides insight into a variety of hiking trails and notes some of their special features (including some waterfalls!) spread throughout California.

1. H I K I N G T R A I L S
R O D S H E G E M
C A L I F O R N I A

2. C a l i f o r n i a c o n t a i n s a m e d l e y o f
g o r g e o u s l a n d s c a p e s f o r n a t u r e
l o v e r s t o i n d u l g e . C a l i f o r n i a c o n t a i n s
a m e d l e y o f g o r g e o u s l a n d s c a p e s f o r
n a t u r e l o v e r s t o i n d u l g e .
C a l i f o r n i a h a s s o m e o f t h e b e s t p e a k s
a n d d e s e r t c a n y o n s f o r h i k i n g . T h e r e
a r e h u n d r e d s o f t r a i l s y o u c a n h i t t o
e x p e r i e n c e b r e a t h t a k i n g v i e w s i f
y o u ’ r e a i m i n g t o g e t a w a y f r o m t h e
u r b a n s p r a w l .

3. BLACK STAR CANYON
TRAIL – LIMESTONE
CANYON REGIONAL
PARK, SILVERADO
Black Star Canyon is a lesser known
hiking trail, yet it is anything but boring.
Not only is the canyon an important
archaeological site, it held one of the
bloodiest battles in the history of the
Santa Ana Mountains.
The out and back trail is a little over six
and a half miles and leads to Black Star
Canyon Falls. The best time to hike is
just after a heavy rain, when the water
flow is high.

4. EL MORO CANYON
LOOP TRAIL –
CRYSTAL COVE
STATE PARK,
LAGUNA BEACH
The El Moro Canyon Loop is 5
mile loop that takes you
through the canyon and up to
Moro ridge. This trail provides
some of the best views of the
coastline in the park. Once
finished hiking, enjoy some
time on the beach! Want to
make it an overnight trip?
There are four campsites
available for your choosing.

5. MORRO BAY Morro Bay is another spot perfect for sea kayaking beginners, as it is
protected from the ocean by a 3-mile sandpit. While some dunes
reach 85 feet, the volcanic peak of Morro Rock reaches an
astounding 578 feet. Also known for more than 100 different bird
species, be sure to keep an eye out for nesting peregrine falcons or
brown pelicans flying above.

6. ESCONDIDO
FALLS TRAIL –
ESCONDIDO
CANYON PARK,
MALIBU
One of the easier trails on this list,
Escondido Falls Trail is a little over
three and a half miles out and back.
Perfect for all skill levels, this is a trail
for the family. You’ll experience
scenic views and a waterfall. If you’re
feeling adventurous, you can
continue hiking behind the first
waterfall to experience another. This
is another trail that is best explored
after a heavy rail when the water flow
is strong.

7. Sturtevant Falls Trail is one of the popular trails to escape the city life of Los
Angeles. This three mile out and back trail is referred to as an “enchanted
portion” of the San Gabriel Mountains, and it does not disappoint. A leisurely hike
will lead you to a fifty foot waterfall and swimming hole, and you can take one of
the many trails branching off to extend your hike.
STURTEVANT FALLS TRAIL – ANGELES
NATIONAL FOREST, SIERRA MADRE

8. PARADISE FALLS
TRAIL –
WILDWOOD
REGIONAL PARK,
THOUSAND OAKS
You won’t believe that this trail
is located amidst suburban
sprawl. Paradise Falls Trail is a
moderate loop trail a little less
than three miles long. You’ll
start the trail looking down
upon Indian Creek, which will
lead you to a steep drop off
into an area of volcanic rock,
featuring a stunning 70-foot
waterfall.

9. T H A N K S F O R
W A T C H I N G
W W W . R O D S H E G E M . O R G