8 Of Southern California's Most Scenic Hiking Destinations

California boasts some stunning mountain ranges and scenic hiking trails. From the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the dramatic landscapes of Yosemite to the epic long-distance John Muir Trail and the picturesque Point Reyes National Seashore, it is easy to see why hikers flock to the Golden State.

Hiking guides to California often focus on the central and northern parts of the state, where trails wind beneath the shade of giant redwoods, through the gorgeous national forests of Shasta-Trinity and Mendocino, and over the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada. But Southern California isn't just beautiful beaches, Hollywood glamor, and eerie desert ghost towns. There are some spectacularly scenic trails across Southern California, which makes it a great destination for hikers seeking a combination of excitement and natural beauty.

The SoCal weather lends itself to year-round hiking, with snow-free trails available all winter. From the peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains to the otherworldly desert of Joshua Tree and the glitzy elegance of Tinseltown, these are eight of Southern California's most stunning hiking trails.

The Bridge to Nowhere is a gorgeous trail through the San Gabriel Mountains that combines awesome panoramas, a challenging hike, and a fascinating attraction in the eponymous bridge, an abandoned 1936 arch bridge connected to nothing. Just an hour's drive from Los Angeles, the 10-mile out-and-back hike takes around six hours to complete. If you want to add an extra level of adrenaline-pumping daredevilry, you can even bungee-jump off the 120-foot-tall bridge! It is worth paying attention to weather conditions, as high water after rain at the river crossings can be deadly.

With the Inland Empire and Apple Valley spread out below, and the other summits of the San Gabriel Mountains visible in the distance, it is easy to see why Cucamonga Peak is one of Southern California's most photographed locations. This stunning mountain peak towers 8,859 feet above sea level, and offers a rich visual reward for hikers willing to make the tough trek. It is a great trail to take on during the summer, as the altitude and the shaded switchbacks mean it is cooler than many other routes.

Often overlooked, the Channel Islands National Park is a unique ecosystem of five remarkable, picturesque islands often referred to as "California's Galapagos." Set off the coast of Santa Barbara, the islands are filled with wonderful wildlife, exciting sea caves, and a network of fabulous coastal trails. The Potato Harbor trail is a particular highlight, a 5-mile loop around the harbor and its gorgeous blue waters that boasts stunning clifftop views, beautiful wildflowers, and some amazing spots to watch the sunset. If you're lucky, you might see whales breaching in the sea below, dolphins playing in the surf, and seabirds circling overhead.

The weird, almost alien landscape of Joshua Tree National Park has to be seen to be properly appreciated. Starkly beautiful in its rugged, arid serenity, the combination of giant rock formations, endless desert sand, and the twisted silhouettes of the Joshua trees themselves is unique and eye-catching. There are plenty of great trails through the park, but to avoid the more crowded ones, try the Fortynine Palms Oasis trail, a 3-mile out-and-back to a charming oasis on the edge of the city of Twentynine Palms.

At 9,406 feet, Mount Baden-Powell is one of the tallest and most impressive mountains in Southern California. Hiking to the summit of this beast is a challenge, but one that's well worth the effort. Part of the Pacific Crest Trail, the route is well-signed and marked, and from the summit, you get magnificent panoramas of the San Gabriel Mountains and, unusually, no sight of urban sprawl to get in the way. The hike also boasts a delightful feature in the shape of the Wally Waldron tree, a knotty, gnarled pine that looks like it strolled straight off the pages of a high fantasy novel.

Mount Baldy (properly known as Mount San Antonio) is the highest peak in Southern California's San Gabriel Mountains. As a result, taking on its 10,064 feet is a serious feat, suitable only for advanced hikers with mountaineering experience. The main route up is an 11-mile loop with more than 4,000 feet of elevation. Not only is it a wonderful hiking challenge, but it boasts incredible views over the Angeles National Forest and all the way to Los Angeles on a clear day.

When it comes to winter hikes in Southern California, the Indian Canyons near Agua Caliente in the Cahuilla Hills just outside Palm Springs are hard to beat. These magnificent canyons boast extraordinary lush and verdant fan palms which grow along the creeks, creating a gorgeous oasis in the middle of the desert. There are routes suitable for all levels, from a 1-mile out-and-back along Andreas Creek to 15 miles of cactus-studded desert along the main Palm Canyon trail, but all offer wonderful scenery to look at and photograph.

The hills overlooking Los Angeles between Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon Park might not sound like the most adventurous hiking challenge, but there are some great, accessible trails that can be done in an afternoon. Best of all, a Hollywood Hills hike gives you the chance to get up close to the famous Hollywood sign! The Brush Canyon trail is a 6.5-mile route that takes you up to the top of Mount Lee, overlooking the iconic letters, with a great view looking out over Hollywood and Los Angeles as well.

For more to do in SoCal, check out our list of the best budget-friendly destinations in Southern California.