Lamountains 170 articles published
Checking air quality before your next LA hike Featured · Gear & Preparation

Checking air quality before your next LA hike

Key takeaway: Hikers must monitor PM2.5 levels, as strenuous climbs amplify toxin inhalation. While the 0-500 AQI scale guides safety, physical exertion makes moderate levels risky. If visibility…

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Mathilde Martin · 7 min ·
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Exploring the Great Outdoors, From Peaks to Streets.

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How to get a Bridge to Nowhere hike permit in 2026
Santa Monica Mountains

How to get a Bridge to Nowhere hike permit in 2026

7 min
The essential winter hiking gear list for SoCal mountains
Gear & Preparation

The essential winter hiking gear list for SoCal mountains

9 min
Top-rated day packs for Southern California hiking
Gear & Preparation

Top-rated day packs for Southern California hiking

16 min
What to do if you encounter a mountain lion while hiking
Gear & Preparation

What to do if you encounter a mountain lion while hiking

7 min
Clear directions for the best Hollywood Sign hike
Urban & Historic LA

Clear directions for the best Hollywood Sign hike

7 min
Stop the pain with the best hiking socks for blisters
Gear & Preparation

Stop the pain with the best hiking socks for blisters

17 min

Latest articles

Updated regularly
01
— Malibu & Coast

Hiking the Mishe Mokwa trail to Sandstone Peak

Key takeaway: Reaching Sandstone Peak via the 6.1-mile Mishe Mokwa loop offers a superior hiking experience, balancing elevation gain more effectively than…
28 Sep
02
— Gear & Preparation

Essential hiking apps for navigating California trails

Key takeaway: Effective California wilderness navigation requires combining AllTrails’ community-driven alerts with Gaia GPS’s professional topographic layers for reliable offline safety. Utilizing…
27 Sep
03
— Gear & Preparation

How to use a wildfire smoke map for safe hiking

Key takeaway: Los Angeles wildfire safety requires real-time AQI monitoring and wind vector analysis to bypass smoke entrapment in canyons. Prioritize coastal…
26 Sep
04
— Gear & Preparation

Hydration bladders vs water bottles for long hikes

Key takeaway: Hydration bladders optimize trekking momentum through hands-free sipping and superior spinal weight distribution, whereas rigid bottles offer unmatched durability and…
25 Sep
05
— Valleys & Foothills

Best hiking trails near Pasadena for every skill level

Key takeaway: While Pasadena offers diverse trails ranging from the 3.08-mile paved Rose Bowl Loop to the 5,603-foot Mount Lowe summit, extensive…
24 Sep
06
— Valleys & Foothills

Complete guide to hiking Mount Wilson in Los Angeles

Key takeaway: Reaching the 5,713-foot summit requires navigating a strenuous 4,700-foot vertical gain via the 14-mile Sierra Madre or Chantry Flat routes.…
23 Sep
07
— Gear & Preparation

How to choose your first pair of hiking boots

Key takeaway: Effective beginner hiking footwear requires balancing EVA cushioning for immediate comfort with 4-6mm lug depth for essential traction. Prioritize late-afternoon…
22 Sep
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A place to share, slowly and thoughtfully, everything that matters when it comes to hiking and trekking.

MM
Mathilde Martin
Santa Monica Mountains & Urban & Historic LA writer
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