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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