Hiking to Ruins in Southern California Mountains

Lovin' the Ruins

California has always been a land of dreamers, and some of them have left traces of those dreams behind for us to explore. In remote mountain canyons and high on desert cliffs, we venture to the ruins of some of SoCal’s most mystical abodes.

Week: 10.17.2019
Regions: Southern CA

Old Tom's Cabin

Hiking to Vincents Cabin in the San Gabriel Mountains

Hiking to Vincents Cabin San Gabriel Mountains
The 1.5-mile hike to Vincent’s Cabin provides vast mountain views and dense forest shade—and a chance to visit an odd bit of SoCal history surrounding the man who was Tom Vincent.
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Joshua Tree's Secret Aerie

Hiking to Eagle Cliff Mine in Joshua Tree National Park

Hiking to Eagle Cliff Mine in Joshua Tree National Park
You won’t find Eagle Cliff Mine on the official Joshua Tree National Park map—which is part of the appeal of this challenging 4.6-mile (round-trip) out-and-back trek.
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Sonoma's 5 Fall Wonders

Sonoma's 5 Fall Wonders

Hiking Sonoma Valley
Rams Gate Winery Sonoma Valley
Sonoma Plaza
You hear it from all the locals who live in Sonoma Valley: Fall is the best time of year. Here are some ideas to get you going.
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Mr. Beek's Mountain Dream

Hiking to Beek's Place in the Santa Ana Mountains

Hiking to Beek's Place in the Santa Ana Mountains
Beek’s Place in the Santa Ana Mountains is one of those great California shrines to faded dreams, and well worth the thigh-burning 10.5-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to get there.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

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  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

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  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

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  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

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  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

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  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

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  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

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