| There is much to like about living in Los Angeles. The | | | | 3. The Santa Monica Mountains Trails |
| warm climate, the proximity to the ocean, Hollywood | | | | These mountains, peaking at 3,111 feet, are in the |
| and a many other attractions make this a great place | | | | Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. |
| to call home. A person who lives in this city never | | | | This hiking and recreation area covers 65,000 acres |
| needs to feel bored. Los Angeles has long been a | | | | and is the home of deer, skunks, rabbits, coyotes, |
| magnet attracting all kinds of people who seek the | | | | rattlesnakes, foxes, hawks and quails. In the spring, |
| delights of a southern California lifestyle. There are | | | | flowers are in bloom and everything is green. A |
| many choices of things to do out-of-doors for | | | | variety of trails are available, so a hiker may want to |
| Angelinos. That includes hundreds of hiking trails. | | | | come here frequently. A favorite trail is the Baldwin |
| Here are four trails you may want to check out. | | | | Hills Scenic Overlook Trail. It is only 0.7 of a mile |
| Most are a moderate length, so you need not be a | | | | round-trip but gives hikers access to the Baldwin Hills |
| dedicated hiker to enjoy them. As you take a hike, | | | | Scenic Overlook at the top of the ridgeline. There are |
| think about this: LA is not famous for its hiking, but it | | | | panoramic views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Point |
| should be. | | | | Dume, Santa Monica Bay and Balloria Creek. This trail |
| 1. The Hollywood Sign Hike | | | | is located at the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation |
| Tourists and locals alike enjoy the Hollywood Sign | | | | Area, 4100 South La Cienega Boulevard in Los |
| Hike in Griffith Park. This five-mile hike takes you | | | | Angeles. |
| within about 20 feet of the world-famous Hollywood | | | | 4. Hiking in Sullivan Canyon |
| sign. A fence prevents hikers from going closer or | | | | Sullivan Canyon offers a fourth great hiking trail. This |
| touching it. The highlight of this hike is the fabulous | | | | 7.5 mile long trail passes through a canyon shaded by |
| view of the Los Angeles urban area. The trail goes | | | | beautiful sycamore, oak and willow trees. The first |
| up the backside of the hill. It is not usually crowded, | | | | few miles are a gradual uphill climb, but the last mile |
| and hikers can take a picnic lunch if they desire. | | | | or so is a bit steeper. The trail is well-maintained, and |
| 2. Hiking in Runyon Canyon Park | | | | there are unusual colored rock formations. This hike |
| This park, located at Franklin and Fuller Avenues in | | | | does not feature particularly beautiful views; |
| Los Angeles, has the ideal hike for dog lovers. Unlike | | | | however it is very quiet and peaceful and has little |
| most parks, here your dog can run free and enjoy | | | | creeks running though the main trail. It is a nice place |
| the day as much as his master. For those who don't | | | | to go to just enjoy nature. |
| have a dog, or are afraid of dogs, this particular park | | | | Few cities offer so many diverse and beautiful hikes |
| might not be the best choice. However, it is a good | | | | as Los Angeles. It provides a great experience to get |
| place to get a cardio workout, and there are terrific | | | | out and enjoy them. |
| views of Los Angeles. | | | | |
