Category: Bike Ride

I love the idea of extreme rock climbing, but I don’t relish the thought of dangling on a thin nylon rope over a deadfall drop. If you’re like me, you’ll be happy to know there’s fun alternative. You’ll find it in Joshua Tree, and it’s a great day trip for a hiking date.

Only 140 miles east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park boasts three distinct eco-regions and six mountain ranges; but the most compelling feature of all lies to the west, in the giant piles of stone known as the Wonderland of Rocks.

It’s as if Salvador Dali sculpted these formations, which twist, bend and reach up in a surrealist fusion of monoliths, obelisks and spires. But it was millions of years of tectonic forces deep beneath the earth that formed these bizarre rocks, assisted by the unseen artistic hand of erosion. Luckily, the final masterpiece happens to be ideal for bouldering.

“Bouldering” is rock climber-ese for scrambling over, around and under piles of boulders and large rocks. It’s exhilarating and fun, but it requires strength, agility and commitment. In other words, if you and your friend are fit hikers, you’ll be fine.

Small-scale bouldering doesn’t require any special equipment, however, a good pair of leather gloves with the fingers cut off (biker gloves work great) and sturdy hiking shoes are an absolute must. They allow you to grip the rocks with Spiderman-like ease. Long sleeve shirts and blue jeans protect arms and legs from rocky scrapes. My more advanced bouldering buddy uses a thick, knotted rope of about 15 feet in length to help me out of crevices or up smooth walls. A rope and a buddy are just good sense - and more fun - to bring along. In summer bring plenty of water. In the winter just add plenty of layers and a warm hat. I always have some kind of head covering and sunscreen – temperatures here are 15 to 20 degrees cooler than Palm Springs, but there’s not a lot of shade!

If bouldering is not for you or your friend, the following trail hikes will give you the lay of the Wonderland without as much difficulty:

Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail is three miles round trip and of moderate difficulty. Over 50 fan palms make up this natural oasis with its pools of water. This palm oasis is one of five in the park.

Willow Hole Trail is an easy hike of seven miles round trip and features large water pools and willow trees. The trail begins at the Keys West Backcountry board, and goes through a modest gorge surrounded by tall boulders.

Boy Scout Trail is a scenic sixteen miles round trip, along the western edge of the Wonderland of Rocks. It is moderately difficult. You’ll find the trailhead at Keys West Backcountry board a half mile east of the Quail Springs picnic area. It’s not a bad idea to make this a shuttle hike, with a car parked at both ends.

To get to Joshua Tree from Los Angeles, take the I-10 East. Go North on the Twentynine Palms Highway to your selected destination.

Bouldering is an exciting alternative to extreme rock climbing that will get your blood pumping without the high risk. And while you’re up there, enjoy a romantic picnic for two on a cozy pancake of granite, and see who can find the craziest shapes in the rocks!

Photos by Randolph Scott

Spanning across 4,107 acres, Griffith Park is the largest city park in the United States. In fact, the infamous Hollywood sign is actually located within the perimeters of Griffith Park.

There are numerous activities to engage in while visiting Griffith Park. The park is not only home to the Hollywood sign, but also houses the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage, Greek Theater, the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo, the Travel Town Museum, the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, the Griffith Park Southern Railroad, and Pony Rides. Additionally, Griffith Park also features plentiful horseback riding, hiking trails, and bicycle rentals to enjoy the beautiful scenery first hand.

California’s rugged landscaping provides for a fantastic hiking experience. As you traverse through Griffith Park, you'll encounter many of the native California animals, such as quail, deer, and coyotes. Caution is advised however, since you may also cross paths with some rattlesnakes. In total, there are over 53 miles of trails and paths that are perfect for enjoying a short brisk walk, or a more strenuous hike. The trails are open from dawn until dusk and you can pick up trail maps at the Ranger Station.

In addition to hiking, many people enjoy horseback riding at Griffith Park. There are also pony rides available so families of all ages may enjoy the fun. There are specially designated trails for the riders, however, if riders choose to dismount, they must stay on the designated trails. Pony rides are available from Tuesday until Sunday between the hours of 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. There are also covered wagon rides that provide wonderful entertainment for young children. Whether you are on a date or enjoying the park with your family, you'll find plenty of activities to choose from while visiting Griffith Park.

Located in the eastern portion of the Santa Monica Mountains, the 10-acre San Vicente Mountain Park offers access to an expansive network of trails for hiking and mountain biking, several picnic areas, and breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.

Interestingly enough, San Vicente Mountain Park was once used as a missile launch site during the Cold War (from 1956-1968). That explains the Nike-Ajax anti-aircraft structure and radar tower; both are no longer operational but the radar tower is an excellent spot from which you can enjoy a spectacular sunset.

Getting Here

Getting to the park is fairly simple. If you’re taking the freeway, take the 405 North and exit on Skirball Center Dr. Turn left onto Skirball Center Dr and then make another left on Mulholland Dr. As you’re heading east along Mulholland Dr, you’ll notice a dirt road on your left side…turn onto that road and head up the unpaved trail. The physical address is 17500 Mulholland Dr, but the nearest cross street to the park entrance is Canyonback Rd.

You can either park your car immediately on the right or continue a little further till you reach the parking lot. Once you park your car, there is a short 10-minute walk up to the park along a wide dirt road.

Note: The unpaved road is extremely bumpy and there are tons of rocks. If you have low profile tires, there is a chance that you may damage them.

One of the best places to go bike riding in Los Angeles is along the South Bay Bicycle Trail. The paved bike trail is 22 miles in length and spans from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County Beach. You will run into a few sections where you will have to take the city streets, but they are pretty short in length. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own bike; you’ll have the opportunity to one from a plethora of shops along the way.

If you’re looking for other places to go bike riding in your area, check out the following page: Local Bike Riding Spots