Two people at the water basin of the historic Brown Mountain Dam in Angeles National Forest Southern California

Water Hikes

Summer in SoCal—hot, and dry right now, due to drought. Fortunately, LA’s still got some treasured and less-known waterworks for chilling out. Here are three to visit and appreciate.

Week: 07.13.2021
Regions: Southern CA

Dam Cool!

Hike to the Historic Brown Mountain Dam in the Angeles National Forest

Historic Brown Mountain Dam in Angeles National Forest Southern California
Man standing at the edge of the water at the historic Brown Mountain Dam in Southern California
Two men wading into the water basin of historic Brown Mountain Dam in Southern California
Hikers descending into a canyon in the Angeles National Forest Southern California
Head to the accessible southwest section of the Angeles National Forest, where you’ll find a hike to the historic Brown Mountain Dam. Few hikers, one refreshing reward!
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Summer's Must Sea

Marine Wildlife and Easy Adventures at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium
whale watch Monterey
kids at Monterey Bay Aquarium
The newly reopened Monterey Bay Aquarium never misses a “Best of” list—for good reason. The Aquarium’s location right on the shores of Monterey Bay, with waves crashing below the decks, is a mesmerizing experience.
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Crystal Ball

Hike and Camp at Crystal Lake Recreation Area in the Angeles National Forest

Woman staring out at Crystal Lake in Crystal Lake Recreation Area in Angeles National Forest Southern California
Find the magical snow-, rain-, and spring-fed Crystal Lake perched at 5,539 feet in the center of the Angeles National Forest. There's camping too. And it's first-come, first-served!
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Haines Your Way

Hike Haines Canyon Debris Basin in the San Gabriels

Haines Canyon Debris Basin in the San Gabriels Southern California
Hiker and dog on a trail in Haines Canyon Debris Basin in the San Gabriels Southern California
High point vista of Haines Canyon Debris Basin in the San Gabriels Southern California
Mountain Bikers on a trail in Haines Canyon Debris Basin in the San Gabriels Southern California
Enter the Debris basins, one of the less-visited, less-appreciated water features of the San Gabriels. Go on an out-and-back hike that highlights the Haines Canyon Debris Basin, and features some awesome valley views.
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  3. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

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  4. woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato

    Buck Wild!

    Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.

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  1. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

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  2. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

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    State Park Soaker

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