The Hollywood Sign and Bronson Caves

The infamous Hollywood Sign, oh yes. I finally went on top of the Hollywood sign! I started my hike around 7:30 a.m. on July 17, 2014. The parking here is free. Surprisingly, it was not as hot as I thought it was going to be. There was a slight breeze and a small overcast, not too shabby.

Before the Hollywood Sign hike, I wanted to see the Bronson Cave which was where Batman was film in the 1960s. Super cool, since I have a thing for caves. The Bronson Cave is only 0.5 miles from the parking lot. After the Bronson Cave, I started heading over to the Hollywood Sign.

Hollywood Sign hike is approximately 3.5 miles hike and I got lost a few times trying to find the trail to the top of the sign. However, I explored other trails that led to a big water storage thing, so I hike a total of 7 or 8 miles. This hike was 2-4 hours long, depending on how many trails or stops you take. Most people follow the trail towards the bottom of the Hollywood Sign. So be careful and look at alternative trail that leads up. On the way up through the trail, the view was always beautiful. This hike is fairly easy, not much of inclines. There are a lot of pavement roads as well as dirt roads. Overall, this hike was pleasantly sweet, and please visit the Bronson Caves!


Location: 3204 Canyon Lake Dr Hollywood, CA 90068

Aliso Summit Trail & Aliso Peak Trail

 On July 12, 2014 around 8 a.m. I started my hike at Aliso Summit Trail. It's located near a neighbor, but it's a great trail for runners and bikers. Parking is free, just park in the neighborhood near the trail. This trail did not have much scenery, but I cannot complain much about it. When I turn to the right, I see mountains. When I turn to the right I see the backyards of luxurious houses. As I walk pass the trail, I continue on pass a dog park into another trail. 
I did not intend to go on this trail, but Aliso Summit Trail was too short for me. 

The trail passed the dog park is call Aliso Peak Trail and this trail had more inclines than the summit trail. There's not much shade on either trails. The top of the peak was beautiful, the view of the ocean. I can actually spot Huntington Beach from the peak. This peak is similar to the popular hike "Top of the World." Aliso Peak Trail is on the other side of the mountain of Top of the World Hike. Both of the trails combine is about 4-4.5 miles hike, and an estimate of 2-3 hours.

Location: Highlands Ave & Ridgview Dr. Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Bridge To Nowhere

The most difficult hike I've been to by far. The Bridge To Nowhere is probably one of my favorite hikes. I'm so in love with the scenery of this trail. I climbed rocks, went through rivers, and spot horn sheep on top of the mountain. I started this hike at 7 a.m. on June 30, 2014. This hike is 11 miles long, and about 6 to 7 hours hike; depending on how long you stay at the water pool. This hike requires an Adventure Pass which can be purchase at Sports Chalet. It was scorching hot when I reached the top of the mountain towards the bridge. I got lost a few times because the trails are not clear. I love how there is a river along the trail because whenever I felt out of breath, I would break near the river. You will definitely need water; I brought 6 water bottles and my boyfriend brought 8 water bottles. 

You will have to climb a few rocks and cross the river several times. So prepare to get your shoes and feet wet! The water is so clear in the river, I almost drank it. About 1 mile before the bridge, I saw rams or horn sheep! So many of them on top of a hill. It was amazing and they were so curious watching me walk by. When I reached the bridge, I was so relieved. I took the trail towards the top of the bridge instead of going under the bridge. But I climbed my way down to the river pool where there is a small waterfall. It felt so nice to dip into the river pool after a long hot hike.

My poor baby so exhausted.

 This hike allows dog, but I wouldn't recommend bringing a small dog. It took a toll on my dog and she's a medium/large dog. She was so exhausted that she didn't want to walk back to the car. My boyfriend and his brother had to carry her through the whole way back.

I'm certainly coming back towards the end of August with a bigger group. It's challenging yet rewarding at the end. Did I mention how beautiful the scenery is?! The scenery will catch your eyes. Worth every sweat and pain.

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

Sturtevant Falls & Spruce Grove

     Sturtevant Falls is so beautiful. I loved it, where do I begin?! The scene is breath taking and so relaxing. There are mountains, trees, rocks, bridge, water falls, old dams, and so many random cabins. I started this hike at 8 a.m. on June 26, 2014. When I arrive there, there were fogs covering the top of the mountains, it was gorgeous. The beginning of the trail is pavement, but as you work your way down the mountain, it turns into dirt paths. As I walked through the trails, I witnessed woodpeckers, squirrels, and lizards. So many cute chubby squirrels running around. As usual, bring plenty of water and parking was $5. There are plenty of shade which I love to make the hike bearable.

This hike is about 9.1 miles, but my boyfriend and I took other trails to reach to spruce grove. I would say we did at least 11 miles total because we went through many different small trails. Dogs are also allowed on this hiking trail. When I reached the waterfall, it was a small stream of water because of California's drought. The best part I like was hiking pass the top of the waterfall. It was rocky and narrow, but very exciting to go through. Be very careful if you take that route because it is narrow and rocky. I took my time, but it was worth it. After I hiked the top of the waterfall, I kept going and following the trails. I took at least 3 different trails to explore the mountain. This hike takes about 4 to 5 hours.  I love this hike, it's insanely beautiful. Will come back again!
 
Location:  Arcadia, CA

Peters Canyon Regional Park

It was hot and sunny on June 23, 2014 for my first hiking adventure. Peters Canyon hike is more like a trail with runners and bikers. It's great for beginners and first time hikers. I started hiking around 10 a.m. which is an average time to go hiking, but I would recommend an earlier time. It took about 3 hours to finish the hike. Parking is $3 and can be purchased at the parking lot. There are two trails to take, the incline one, or the bottom trail. I decided to take the incline one because I'm always up for a challenge. If it gets too hot, the earlier, the better. Make sure to bring plenty of water. 
The hike was 4 miles long and fairly easy with one incline up to the top of the hill. The view is alright, there's not much scenery because it's close to neighborhoods and the freeway. Dogs are allowed on this trail, so bring your pup! My dog loved it and she made it through easily. I also took different small trails whenever there was a random trail. Remember to be adventurous! Also, be careful for rattle snakes. I stumbled upon one rattle snake on the trail during my first 15 minutes into the hike. 

Overall, this is an easy hike and great for first timers. There are barely any shaded area so get ready to get your tan on!

Location:  8548 Peters Canyon Trail, North Tustin, CA 92705