Fresh and Up!

Great hikes aren’t just about reaching the summit. Some deliver sweeping views from plateaus, coastal overlooks, and iconic vantage points. Here are three that offer fresh perspectives.

Week: 04.01.2026
Regions: Southern CA

Mosaic of Mugu

Hike to Mugu Peak at Point Mugu State Park

Point Mugu State Park in spring is at its peak, literally. Experience verdant landscapes, prime ocean views, and wildflowers blooming on a 5-mile hike winding through La Jolla Valley Preserve and topping off at Mugu Peak. 
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Griffith Park Classic

Hike the Griffith Park Classic Fern Dell to Mount Hollywood

Hike the Griffith Park Classic Fern Dell to Mount Hollywood
This Griffith Park hike is a 5-mile instant classic lollipop loop with landmark locales, including the famous observatory, hidden gardens, and an amazing view of the Hollywood Sign. There's also guided weekday evening hikes in the park.
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Viejas Valor

Hike to the summit of Viejas Mountain near Alpine in San Diego County

Pining for something short, sweet, and steep? Head to Viejas Mountain, just 3 miles north of Alpine in the Cleveland National Forest, for a 3.2-mile out-and-back that gains nearly 1,500 feet in elevation and rewards the sweetest of vistas. 
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  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

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  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

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  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

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  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

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  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

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  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

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  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

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