Mt Wilson Orchard Camp

From Mt. Wilson Trail Drive, walk up the drive to the beginning of the trail on your left. Follow the trail up to a ridgetop road where you will see another trail sign on your left. The trail will begin to climb, high on the slope of Little Santa Anita Canyon. Past the one-mile marker are switchbacks which wind up the trail. At 1.5 miles go to your left (see photo with sign 2.0mi from Orchard Camp, if you go right you go down to the creek) and continue up the trail. The trail narrows west into Lost Canyon where you will cross the steam. From lost canyon you are rewarded with a nice view down into cyn. Here are lots of shady areas and oak canopy.

The trail moves on high above the canyon with great views. You descend slightly for a few minutes as the trail rounds around several ravines through some dense forest. You'll pass a three-mile marker (green wooden stake on your left). You'll hear and see the creek far below. After you head down a ways you will arrive at Decker Springs. Past the springs, follow the switchbacks on... there are lots of down oaks and you have to crawl under several before you round around to reach the shady site of Orchard Camp. Here is a wonderful area to enjoy the beauty and have some lunch unless of coarse it is pouring rain, hail or snowing and super cold. Then as we did, stay briefly, and head back down the same trail. Total 7 miles roundtrip.

To Get Here:
210 exit is Santa Anita N.
Lt Grandview
Rt or North on N. Mtn Trail Ave
Lt on Mira Monte ave.
Rt on Mt. Wilson Trail. (Park here right as you turn, can't park up the road.)
Also there is a little Museum 'Lizzy's' open 2 days a mo, or so. It is really cool and it used to be the home of Benjamin Wilson. Read the story here http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/news/SGVT021306.html.

Millard Canyon Falls

This is a fun hike with quite a bit of diversity. The hike starts out on Sunset Ridge, with great views of Millard Canyon and a 50 foot waterfall. The trail then drops sharply into a dark and heavily wooded canyon with an abandoned gold mine to add an interesting twist to the trek. The hike through the canyon has many lovely spots with gentle pools and small cascades. Bring along a camera. Dogs okay. The hike to the waterfall and the mine is still closed..BUT..it is still a beautiful hike if you go the opposite way down the stream.

Trailhead: From Loma Alta Drive in Altadena, drive up the Chaney Trail (past a locked gate that opens at 6am) to the top of sunset ridge, where there's parking by the roadside. The trail starts east on the gated paved sunset Ridge fire road. (Lat:34.2148 Lon:-118.1477). If the gate is locked it is a climb up the road to the entrance of the trail but still worth it.

Marina Del Rey Kayaking

Marina Del Rey Kayaking - okay this is not a hike but just as much fun and workout.
Also you are on the water so very refreshing! Try it! One weekend morning just head down to the Marina and along the pier are places to rent the kayaks. It may be overcast at first but sometimes that clears up and you end up with a beautiful sunny afternoon. Make sure you explore along the boats and shore you may see some sea urchins along the sand like we did and also seals. Also head to the El Torito after, makes a great day!

















These three photos courtesy of Dan, thanks dan.