5 Hikes Where You’ll Want to Bring Your Selfie Stick

If you feel like the hiking to the Hollywood sign and jogging at Runyon are oh-so-cliché, try these hidden gems on the outskirts of LA. Be sure to bring your selfie sticks and get your hike on! (Duck-face optional).

1.The Bridge to Nowhere in the San Gabriel Mountains

Address: Sheep Mountain at East Fork Rd, Azusa, CA 91702

Roundtrip Length: 10 Miles / 6 Hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Yelp Link

Why we love this hike:

• On your way to the bridge, you’ll have the opportunity to cross many river fords
• The bridge was constructed in 1936 to link up the San Gabriel Valley with Wrightwood, but then a massive flood destroyed the road in 1938. The project was abandoned, but the lovely bridge remains as a reminder of the old roadway plans.
• You’ll be wadding through water for at least part of the trail (keep this in mind when choosing footwear and clothing)

2. Echo Moutain via the Sam Merrill Trail

Address: 3302 Lake Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001

Roundtrip Length: 6 Miles

Difficulty: Aggressive

Yelp Link

Why we love this hike:

• The history: in the late 1800s there used to be a very popular resort on Echo Mountain – it was known as White City and sitting at an elevation of over 3,000 feet, it provided exceptional views of Pasadena. It’s said that over 3 million guests stayed at the resort over the years in was operation. Unfortunately, the resort was destroyed in a fire, but ruins still remain and can been seen on the trail.
• Aggressive, but do-able incline

3. Escondido Falls

Address: 27807 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Roundtrip Length: 4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Yelp Link

Why we love this hike:

• The trail starts with views of some of Malibu’s most beautiful homes
• The waterfall!! Well worth the effort.
• Dog and mountain-bike friendly

4. Trail to M*A*S*H Film Set in

Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Malibu Creek State Park, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Roundtrip Length: 5 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Yelp Link

Why we love this hike:

• It’s the site of M*A*S*H! You can see old artifacts from the show: an abandoned truck, signs, and more
• Planet of the Apes was also filmed here
• The trail continues into Malibu Lake

5. The Grotto

Address: 12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu, CA 90265

Roundtrip Length: 4 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Yelp Link

Why we love this hike:

• The grotto is cool to see; there isn’t a ton of water and it’s a far cry from Grottos you might find in the Mediterranean, but it’s nice
• It’s backwards: you start by going downhill and you return by going uphill

There you have it folks – hike the hike less traveled! Cheers.