This is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States @ 14,505 feet. On 7/8/19 I trekked 22 miles in 1 day to conquer this iconic summit and it was an adventure I will never forget. The Eastern Sierras is a truly magical place that everyone needs to experience especially with how accessible it is to Southern Californians. Mt Whitney is hands down the most gorgeous hike that I have ever done till this day.

This trail is known as the Old Mt. Baldy trail and was the original route leading up to the summit. It is now called Bear Canyon aka “The Baldy Death March” as it is considered the hardest trek up to the peak. I completed this as my last training hike for Mt. Whitney and even experienced seeing the elusive big horn sheep.

Exploring the granite kingdom known as Yosemite National Park was an experience. This place is truly something else and has some of the most dramatic scenery I have ever seen. Standing at the bottom of Yosemite Valley while staring at El Capitan (which Alex Honnold free solo’ed up) was mind blowing. The park’s most iconic landmark is Half Dome which is the real life North Face logo and a bucket list adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lush canyons, ocean breezes, and scenic coastal views of the Santa Monica Bay make this an LA favorite and quintessentially a California vibe. Challenge yourself and go beyond the first overlook all the way to the Parker Mesa overlook for the best views of the Pacific ocean. This is also the hike that I have trekked the most because of it’s close proximity to West Los Angeles.

Deep in Malibu lies Sandstone Peak - the highest summit in the Santa Monica mountains @ 3,114 FT. This was the first hike in LA that took my breath away. It was during sunset and the way the light hit the mountains that day is forever in my mind. From that day on, it was a must to explore more of what the local LA mountains had to offer.

Located in the beautiful neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, this trek has pristine ocean & canyon views, and shaded forest ascents. Take the trail all the way to Skull Rock - a jagged rock formation that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

About one hour east of Downtown LA lies one of the most strenuous, gorgeous, and epic hikes in all of LA County - Mount Baldy (also known as Mount San Antonio). This is our local Mount Everest and is the tallest peak in LA @ 10,064 FT. Accomplishing this peak is a rite of passage for hikers in SoCal.

The Devil’s backbone is my favorite section as you feel you are trekking a giant monster’s narrow spine to the bald, treeless summit. In the winter mountaineering skills is a must or else you will fall to your death.

Iron Mountain #1 aka Big Iron is considered by many as the hardest and most isolate trek in the entire San Gabriel mountain range. This summit will bring you on a rollercoaster ride of physical and mental anguish due to it’s extreme terrain. This is the most relentless hike I have ever conquered next to Mt. Whitney. The terrain is very steep, rugged, and decorated with sharp yucca plants. For those strong enough to make it to the top and see the infamous W15 witness post, you will be in the heart of the San Gabriels with 360 panoramic views with Mt. Baldy as your backdrop. If you can accomplish this, you are a certified bad ass. Be prepared for Big Iron because it holds no prisoners.

This cave is the real deal. Rock scramble inside and climb out to the top for epic views of Upper Las Virgenes Canyon and El Scorpion park. This is one of my favorite treks as it is short yet action packed. If you are lucky, you might experience this area after a rainfall where the hills come alive with a lush & green vibrancy that makes you feel you were transported to the shire in Lord of the Rings. Extend your trek all the way to Castle Peak for steep elevation gains and more incredible views up top the ridge line.

Rattlesnake peak is the little brother of it's neighbor Iron Mountain #1. Think of Rattlesnake peak as the bratty, whiny, younger brother that just causes alot of physical and mental anguish - the hike is straight to the point with how steep and rocky it is the entire way. It does not waste anytime showing off how why it's the second most inaccessible peak in this mountain range. I received battle scars from falling a few times on the way back down - probably the toughest terrain I have experienced. Make sure to explore the Road to Nowhere all the way to the tunnels. Walking through them is an experience in itself.

Venture deep into the canyons of the Sheep mountain wilderness to discover the mysterious Bridge to Nowhere landmark. This adventure has you trekking along the San Gabriel river where giant yucca plants and stream crossings await. Once at the bridge, watch the bungee jumpers leap off and if you dare join yourself (it cost around $100). I highly recommend scrambling down below the bridge to get a good view of the jumpers and to bathe in the canyon’s many tide pools.

Cucamonga has an epic view of the Inland Empire and the peak is a favorite of local hikers. My crew weathered a late May, season storm with snow, hail, rain, gusty winds, and cold temperatures. It had the Pacific Northwest wonderland vibes to it and was one of the most extreme hikes due to the weather conditions. Icehouse canyon on the way up is a beauty.

Strawberry Peak is the hardest trek in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains. For those seeking adventure, tackle the mountaineer’s route which is a class 3 rock scramble up to the peak. This specific route is one of my absolute favorites as you feel like you are on a real life, mountain climb. If you decide to do this route, do not go by yourself and proceed with the caution.

Nestled on top of Cahuenga Peak is the beloved Wisdom Tree. Conquer the steep .75 mile trail to the top and be blessed with incredible views of Lake Hollywood, Downtown LA, and Griffith Park. The American flag swaying in the wind across from the wisdom tree is quite a sight to see too. After soaking in the sights here, take the ridge line all the way to behind the Hollywood sign for a more rugged and isolated journey.

Historical and astronomical wonder characterize this SoCal landmark. The actual trails leading to the summit are covered in bountiful shade from the thick forest. It feels as though you are in the Bay Area or even the PNW. The peak itself is a whole complex that will have you channeling your inner scientific nerd.

Trek through some unique LA history as you churn those legs upward to the Echo Mountain resort ruins. Yell into the echo phone to here your voice reverberate through the mountain canyons - it works rather well. I recommend extending your trek all the way to Inspiration Point where you will find incredible views and a row of telescopes labeled by LA’s different neighborhoods.

Two hours east of downtown LA is San Bernardino Peak - one of the most gorgeous hikes in all of Southern California. The San Bernardino National forest gives you that Pacific Northwest feel. This is also the twin of San Gorgonio and is a serious trek at 17 miles and a high elevation of 10,649 FT.

San Gorgonio aka “Old Grayback” is a beauty and beast of a mountain. This is the tallest mountain in all of Southern California @ 11,503 FT. Think of it as the LA Marathon of day hikes in Socal as it is 22 miles long. San G is an achievement in it’s own right and is the ideal trek to conquer if you plan on tackling Mt. Whitney or Cactus to the Clouds. Be very prepared if you decide to do this mountain, my hiking partner and I experienced a crazy thunder & lightning storm out of the blue where we saw lightning zap the hills across from us. Bring the 10 hiking essentials and avoid this in the winter - it is no joke.

Cactus to Clouds aka #C2C is considered one of the hardest day hikes in the world and has the single highest elevation gain of any trail in the United States. To conquer this notorious route, one must trek 22 miles and ascend over 10,000 feet from the desert floor to Mount San Jacinto which is the 2nd tallest mountain Southern California @ 10,834 feet. My group of 7 became a group of 5, which then became a group of 3 that made it to the summit. It was a journey for the books.

This is the urban park next to Dodger’s stadium. Explore around and if lucky, you just might find the hidden swing that overlooks the cities of Northeast Los Angeles.

This coastal trek is considered our slice of Big Sur within LA County. Take the trail towards the shoreline for sweeping ocean vistas, towering cliff sides, and explore the sacred cove down below. The waves along this coastline are rough and tough - do not enter during high tide. The area is known to have search and rescues. If you have not been to this area before you might just fall in love with beauty of Palos Verdes.

Malibu Creek State Park is an LA outdoor’s playground with all kinds of layers and adventures to it. I did the lower east loop that goes through glistening lakes, prominent rock formations, and even the former set of hit TV show M.A.S.H. The gem is the rock pool where people gather to swim and go cliff jumping. Proceed with much caution if you decide to jump off.

El Matador is arguably the most scenic beach in LA. The cliffs and rock formations on the sand really transport you into another world especially during sunset. I came here after bagging nearby Sandstone Peak and it was the perfect way to end the day. If you come during sunset, you will feel like you are in one massive photo shoot as photographers and fashion brands flock here to capture content. Looking for more seclusion? Just walk further up north on the sand for more peace of mind.

This national park is a rock climber’s paradise w/ massive rock formations that make you landed on a barren alien planet. The campsites lend itself to some great outdoor recreation with friends. Stargazing and moon watching are a must in Joshua Tree.

Death Valley is a land of extremes, so much of nothing and so much for everything. It is the largest national park in the country and home to the Badwater Basin which is the lowest point in North America. Death Valley has the hottest temperature recorded in the world.

One of the most impressive rock formations in LA. This massive slab of sandstone will pleasantly distract you with it’s mini like caves that you can explore through. Proceed with caution as there are steep drop offs the further you venture down. I could relax and hang out here for hours.

This is the most iconic landmark in Yosemite National Park. Those lucky enough to obtain a permit will have the opportunity to scale 500 feet up the infamous Half Dome cables to the massive summit. Half Dome is the real life North Face logo and is a bucket list adventure for any trekker. On Mon, Sept 9th my group of 7 conquered and persevered this 16 mile trek.

This leg burning trek up to the Baldwin Hills Scenic overlook is the outdoor stair master. The 282 stone steps will have you huffing and puffing. Once at the top you will be awarded with 360 degree views of the LA basin, Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains. Come here for a sunset trek and watch the sun transition into the LA city lights.

This is a gem next to Point Dume State Beach. Walk through the prairie, take the wooden walkway down, and you are rewarded with cliffside views of the beach. This area is rocky and a more remote location. It was here that I captured a majestic sea lion bathing in the sunset.

Ocean scents, coastal views, and patches of dandelion mazes characterize this trail. This is where my hiking journey began. It’s a must to grub at the Malibu Seafood shack at the trailhead.

The lush canyons and the tropical terrace ruins define this Malibu trek. This area was burned by the fires and is currently coming back to life. The Rising Sun Trail is my favorite section.

On 10/5/19 I officially completed the epic 2019 Six Packs Of Peak challenge with my summit of Ontario Peak. Trek through the beauty of Icehouse Canyon to the saddle and find the Ontario sign to be on your journey. This trail has plenty of solitude compared to the surrounding peaks and has spectacular views of Mount Baldy and the Inland Empire. The actual summit has a rock nest and a lone tree w/ sprawling aged branches. A kind soul even attached a bottle opener to the base of the tree for that celebratory summit beer.

Nestled in Simi Valley, CA is a hidden cave with a secret swing called “The Nets.” Located in the boulder fields off the Hummingbird Trail, this short and action packed trek is a must do adventure with steep inclines and rock scrambling. Follow the white rabbits and locate the Wonderland sign near the top to find this psychedelic destination.

This urban park oasis has something for everyone. Stroll around the Central Park esque lake, listen to the calming water streams, trek up and down the hill overlooks, zen out at the Japanese garden, and pay tribute to the Martin Luther King Memorial. This is the ideal park for a community gathering.

This unique trail has one exploring an abandoned Nazi camp through the forest. The ruins of Murphy Ranch are eerie yet a piece of LA history worth trekking through.

Welcome to West World or what was left of it. This Western themed set located in Malibu has been used by the movie industry for decades. It was completely burned by the Malibu fires. All that is left standing is the church, eerie. I am grateful to have experienced the area before the fires ravished the land.

Escape to the Malibu Wine safari for a staycation vibe. I joined LA Hike Club & Outdoor voices for a most memorable day: trekked a beautiful estate, sipped wine, fed exotic animals, and met some rad peeps like Stanley the Giraffe. What is even more amazing is that all the animals survived the crazy Malibu fires last year.

After bagging the surrounding peaks such as Baldy, Cucamonga, and Ontario Peak - it was refreshing to set foot on a new trail in the area. This trek is located near the Mt Baldy Visitor Center and it has some incredible ridge line and summit views which require less mileage than it’s neighboring peaks. Ironically enough, there was no sun nor sunset during this hike but rather beautiful layers of clouds rolling through and misty rain. It had the Pacific Northwest vibes.

I was invited last second by Sal, founder of Jaguar Hikes, to join Midweek Hikers and let me tell you it was quite the experience. These folks know how to throw a summit party. We took the steep ridge line trail up and came back down via the fire road. It was a rad experience to meet alot of the badass trekkers of the SoCal community that I follow through social media.

Deep in Malibu lies The Scenic and Overlook Trail - one of the most beautiful coastal treks in all of LA. Located within Point Mugu State Park next to Big Sycamore Canyon, this trail has breathtaking views of the ocean, canyons, and the beach. Best part of this hike is the easy access to the campgrounds below and a tunnel under the freeway that leads into the beach. Perfect trek for a hike + beach type of day.

Just 25 miles outside of Las Vegas is this vast canyon land of gorgeous sandstone, red rocks. It is quite the scenic 13 mile drive and also an international destination for rock climbers. There are also several hiking trails and areas for an epic picnic. Escape the noise of the strip and come here. I went on one of the trails and happily got lost wandering around the desert lands - the canyons are strikingly beautiful.

Located in the eastern coastline of Maui, this legendary road is considered the most beautiful drive in the United States. Black sand beaches, waterfalls galore, bamboo forests, cliffside vistas, and more will take your breath away. I took one of the adventure tours with the fam and it was an all day love affair with Maui’s beauty.

In the Western shores of Oahu, lies this local gem amidst a landscape of jagged lava rock. This is a beautiful water cove where one needs to be able to lift their own body weight in order to get back out. Do not enter the caves during high tide or you will be washed away for eternity.

One of the best treks in Oahu is just 20+ minutes outside of Waikiki. This trail starts in an affluent neighborhood that reminded me a bit of Beverly Hills and transports you into a forest with trees overarching each other. Locals supposedly say this is the one of the best views of the entire island and I can definitely see why. The views up top are gorgeous with 360 degree panoramic view of the entire island. It’s a special view that really puts into perspective the island’s majestic surroundings.

This bay is considered one of the best areas for snorkeling on Maui. The short trek through the forest is magical and full of roosters running amok. Passing through the Indian banyan trees is a sight to see and the secluded bay is a gem.

Just Trek Podcast 4 Year Anniversary 4.6.24

Los Angeles, CA // Happier Camper Outdoor Showroom

Shot by Francis Ngo @wheresfrancis

In partnership with Happier Camper, Happier Cafe, and Tadaa Coffee.

Sponsored by: Cotopaxi, KEEN, 52 Hike Challenge, Parch, Juneshine, Easy Rider, Tony’s Chocolonely