| is much to like about living in Los Angeles. The | | | | Angeles. |
| warm climate, the proximity to the ocean, | | | | 3. The Santa Monica Mountains Trails |
| Hollywood and a many other attractions make | | | | These mountains, peaking at 3,111 feet, are in the |
| this a great place to call home. A person who | | | | Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. |
| lives in this city never needs to feel bored. Los | | | | This hiking and recreation area covers 65,000 |
| Angeles has long been a magnet attracting all | | | | acres and is the home of deer, skunks, rabbits, |
| kinds of people who seek the delights of a | | | | coyotes, rattlesnakes, foxes, hawks and quails. In |
| southern California lifestyle. There are many | | | | the spring, flowers are in bloom and everything is |
| choices of things to do out-of-doors for Angelinos. | | | | green. A variety of trails are available, so a hiker |
| That includes hundreds of hiking trails. Here are | | | | may want to come here frequently. A favorite |
| four trails you may want to check out. Most are | | | | trail is the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Trail. It is |
| a moderate length, so you need not be a | | | | only 0.7 of a mile round-trip but gives hikers |
| dedicated hiker to enjoy them. As you take a | | | | access to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook at the |
| hike, think about this: LA is not famous for its | | | | top of the ridgeline. There are panoramic views of |
| hiking, but it should be. | | | | the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Point Dume, Santa |
| 1. The Hollywood Sign Hike | | | | Monica Bay and Balloria Creek. This trail is located |
| Tourists and locals alike enjoy the Hollywood Sign | | | | at the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, 4100 |
| Hike in Griffith Park. This five-mile hike takes you | | | | South La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles. |
| within about 20 feet of the world-famous | | | | 4. Sullivan Canyon |
| Hollywood sign. A fence prevents hikers from | | | | Sullivan Canyon offers a fourth great hiking trail. |
| going closer or touching it. The highlight of this hike | | | | This 7.5 mile long trail passes through a canyon |
| is the fabulous view of the Los Angeles urban | | | | shaded by beautiful sycamore, oak and willow |
| area. The trail goes up the backside of the hill. It is | | | | trees. The first few miles are a gradual uphill climb, |
| not usually crowded, and hikers can take a picnic | | | | but the last mile or so is a bit steeper. The trail is |
| lunch if they desire. | | | | well-maintained, and there are unusual colored |
| 2. Runyon Canyon Park | | | | rock formations. This hike does not feature |
| This park, located at Franklin and Fuller Avenues in | | | | particularly beautiful views; however it is very |
| Los Angeles, has the ideal hike for dog lovers. | | | | quiet and peaceful and has little creeks running |
| Unlike most parks, here your dog can run free | | | | though the main trail. It is a nice place to go to |
| and enjoy the day as much as his master. For | | | | just enjoy nature. |
| those who don’t have a dog, or are afraid | | | | Few cities offer so many diverse and beautiful |
| of dogs, this particular park might not be the best | | | | hikes as Los Angeles. It provides a great |
| choice. However, it is a good place to get a cardio | | | | experience to get out and enjoy them. |
| workout, and there are terrific views of Los | | | | |