Solstice Canyon

Where: Malibu
What: 2.2 mile round-trip hike, with a creek and a waterfall

Directions: West on 10 Fwy, North on PC, pass Pepperdine, continue on for another couple of miles, and turn right on Corral Canyon Rd, which is at a 76 gas station. Go 0.2 miles and enter the park, and then go another 0.3 miles to the trailhead parking lot. Follow the Solstice Canyon Trail to Tropical Terrace. Reverse your steps back to the car.


Rice Canyon

Where: Newhall Pass / Santa Clarita
What: 2.2 mile round-trip hike (or less), criss-crossing a creek

Directions: 170 N to 5 N to the Calgrove Boulevard exit at the southern edge of Santa Clarita. Turn left onto Calgrove, go under the freeway, and turn left again onto The Old Road. Go 0.8 miles south on The Old Road. The Rice/East Canyon parking lot will be on your right. Bring $3 or a check to pay for parking at the unmanned drop box. The trailhead is just north of the drop box. The trail splits after 0.3 miles, where a sign tells you to turn right for Rice Canyon. Go as far as you?d like through the beautiful canyon, and enjoy rock-hopping across the creek. Reverse your steps back to the car.


Stough Canyon

Where: Burbank
What: A great Nature Center, and hiking

Directions: Highland to Cahuenga to Barham to Olive. Cross the 5 Fwy. Turn left onto Kenneth Rd, and then right onto Walnut Ave. Pass the golf course and you?ll come to the Nature Center. At this time of the year, the Nature Center is open 11 AM ? 5 PM Sunday and Tuesday ? Friday. You might want to call them at 818-238-5440. Pick up a trail map at the Center. The beginning of the trail is a bit steep.


Coldwater Canyon Park

Where: Mulholland and Coldwater Canyon
What: Hikes of various lengths

Directions: Park at TreePeople, 12601 Mulholland Dr (at Coldwater Canyon), 818-753-4600. Pick up a copy of the park guide, or study the one at the kiosk. Try the Magical City Forest Trail, the Oak Trail, or the Betty Dearing Trail.


Rainforest

Where: Mulholland, between Coldwater Canyon and Laurel Canyon
What: 2 mile round-trip hike

Directions: Park at the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook on the north side of Mulholland, 1 mile west of Laurel Canyon Blvd. Follow the trail down the hill for a few yards, and turn left onto the Betty Dearing Trail. Follow the switchbacks, and when in doubt, go left and down. You?ll cross a creek a couple of times. Find the ?Rainforest? sign and follow the arrow. You?ll end up at a small gorge with a little creek, large, downed trees, and a pair of daredevil swings. Reverse your steps back to the car.


Advice: Bring water. Don't hike with bare legs or arms. Beware of rattlesnakes