4 PERFECT HIKES FOR MOTHER’S DAY
SHARE GREAT VIEWS AND A PICNIC WITH MOM ON ONE OF THESE EASY, CLOSE-TO-HOME HIKES
MOMSwhoare wild at heart or don’t want to skip their daily steps may like this gift: a Mother’s Day hike. Think about a picnic along a scenic hiking trail that’s super easy for the whole family. It’s a great way to spend outdoors time with Mom — and a good last-minute option if you’re stumped on where to go. Early morning or dusk may be the best times to beat the crowds.
These four hikes aren’t too far away and are great for a half- or full-day outing. Grab a to-go lunch (see our list of the right sandwich for 22 SoCal hikes at bit.ly/ hikesandbites), or make your own fancy fixings. Use a trail guide or app so you don’t get lost. Enjoy!
INSPIRATION POINT AT WILL ROGERS STATE PARK, PACIFIC PALISADES
Difficulty: Easy 2.25-mile hike, 324 feet of gain Hours: Parking lot open 8 a.m. to sunset; $12 to park for the day Picnic spot: On the bench at the point or find a shady spot at the park
The handy thing about this hike is its location: close enough to avoid a freeway meltdown, easy enough to be home by dinner. And, of course, there are the views that reveal the curve of Santa Monica Bay, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and is that Catalina Island in the distance?
It’s also a beautiful spot in the Santa Monica Mountains to enjoy with Mom, breathing deep to take in the scent of sage along the way. You’ll face stiff competition for the single bench at the vista point — hikers, runners, cyclists and selfie-lovers stop here — so you may decide to eat elsewhere in the park. There are picnic tables, some with shade, at the start near the historic home where author and columnist Will Rogers lived. Start: Will Rogers State Historic Park, 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades.
CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK, MALIBU
Difficulty: Easy 2.6-mile loop, 462 feet of gain Hours: Open 8 a.m. to sunset Picnic spot: One of the benches at the vista point
For those who like a view of the ocean that’s higher than eye level, Charmlee Wilderness Park above Malibu offers wide-angle views, often with Catalina and Santa Barbara islands on the horizon. The Ocean Overlook Loop offers a chance to gaze at the Pacific and appreciate the coastal curves below.
It’s also a place to see how Southern California wildland rebounds after fire. The park was a lush cliff-top site in November 2018 when the Woolsey fire swept through. It reopened in October after being shut for two years to repair and clear damaged trails (some remain closed). The landscape has been altered, but the views are unbeatable. You’ll see native oak trees that are scorched and black, many with leafy new growth emerging amid the char.
Picnic areas remain but have lost their landscaped charm to the fire. Picnic on one of the metal benches or boulders facing the ocean. Start: Charmlee Wilderness Park, 2577 Encinal Canyon Road, Malibu
FERN DELL TO WEST OBSERVATORY LOOP, GRIFFITH PARK
Difficulty: Easy 2.5-mile loop, 613 feet of gain Hours: Open 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Picnic spot: In the leafy Fern Dell area or on the lawn at the observatory
Griffith Park is guaranteed to be crowded on Mother’s Day, but most people stay in the f lat, drive-up areas. Take Mom on this lovely loop hike that starts in lush Fern Dell, a surprisingly woodsy idyll that will be hard to leave behind. At the top of the nature trail, hike up one of the wide trails (West Observatory Trail) leading to the Griffith Observatory. It’s a climb but not terribly steep. At the top, you’ll take in city views (the observatory is still closed because of the pandemic) and descend on a different trail. Start: Fern Dell area of Griffith Park, Fern Dell Drive, Los Angeles
THE WEST LOOP TRAIL, ELYSIAN PARK
Difficulty: Easy 2.3-mile loop, 236 feet of gain Hours: Open sunrise to sunset Picnic spot: Anywhere along the way or at designated tables
The West Loop Trail is an easy introduction if Mom has never explored Elysian Park near downtown L.A. Follow a wide dirt path that winds uphill past a grove of eucalyptus trees. From the high point, you’ll see Taylor Yard, Mt. Washington, the L.A. River, Rio de Los Angeles State Park and Forest Lawn.
As you continue, you’ll see the Marian Harlow Memorial Grove, a shady green space good for picnicking. The loop continues through eucalyptus, pine and oak trees to an area with barbecue pits and restrooms — another potential spot to dine alfresco. Start: Elysian Park, the western part of Elysian Park Drive, and Stadium Way, Los Angeles