A hike on X-mas morning in or near Los Angeles?

December 24, 2009 10:24 AM

A hike on X-mas morning in or near Los Angeles?

Since I have no big plans, I'm thinking about getting out and going hiking tomorrow morning. Doesn't have to be a huge all-day thing, I wouldn't mind being back by the Lakers game at 2pm actually.

I'm just wondering if the local parks like Runyon Canyon that are (I think) closeable will be closed. Also just generally looking for suggestions of fun, nearby trails that would make a good solo Christmas day hike. (I know about most of the hiking websites and books, just wondering if anyone has any specific ideas to throw at me.)

Thanks!

posted by drjimmy11 to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (9 answers total)

Response by poster: (Also open to any other relaxing outdoor activities a person could do by himself on X-mas morning.)
posted by drjimmy11 at 10:25 AM on December 24, 2009

Rubio Canyon is gorgeous.
posted by generalist at 10:30 AM on December 24, 2009

Response by poster: The link doesn't work, but from googling that does sound cool. I am just trying to make sure everything is still OK there after the fires this summer. I can't find any information about the area being closed or damaged thusfar...
posted by drjimmy11 at 10:46 AM on December 24, 2009

There are several good hikes in Pasadena. I like Echo Mountain and Henniger Flats myself.
posted by lex mercatoria at 11:05 AM on December 24, 2009

Check out San Vicente Mountain Park.

There's plenty of hiking with great views of L.A. & the valley.
posted by cwarmy at 11:08 AM on December 24, 2009

I just discovered the cool "local hikes" site I linked to above, and after poking around there a bit I found an entry for Switzer Falls, which I totally forgot about and which is gorgeous. There should be water still from the recent rains. This was my favorite hike when I lived in So Cal.
posted by lex mercatoria at 11:11 AM on December 24, 2009

Response by poster: Yeah I like that locahikes site. Switzer Falls has ex-girlfriend memories for me. Anyway it is "still closed" on 12/4 according to the reports at the bottom.

The site has no listing at all for Rubio Canyon, which sounds cool, but I'm having trouble figuring out if it would be open or not.
posted by drjimmy11 at 11:24 AM on December 24, 2009

I'm planning to join a group of people going hiking in the Fryman Canyon area (Sherman Oaks) at 10 a.m. that day. Feel free to email me if you'd like more info.
posted by chicainthecity at 12:41 PM on December 24, 2009

This might not be as natural as you're envisioning, but I'll throw out: The "Sunken City" -- not really so much a hike as an urban adventure stroll. Required sturdy shoes and some climbing over fences, but totally weird and worth it.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 8:51 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]