Lamountains 186 articles published
Checking Mount Baldy current conditions before you climb Featured · Gear & Preparation

Checking Mount Baldy current conditions before you climb

In brief Don’t treat the summit trail as a routine hike. Check forest alerts and the road on the day you drive, since closures can change overnight. Where…

About

Exploring the Great Outdoors, From Peaks to Streets.

186+
Published articles
5
Topics
186
This year

Latest articles

Updated regularly
01
— Gear & Preparation

Essential gear for hiking in the rain in California

In brief A waterproof, breathable shell with sealed seams and rain pants keeps you dry in steady California rain. A 3-layer shell…
14 Oct
02
— Malibu & Coast

Hiking the Point Dume trail in Malibu

In brief Start at the end of Westward Beach Road for the short 1-mile preserve loop, which takes 30 to 45 minutes.…
13 Oct
03
— Gear & Preparation

Brightest and best hiking headlamps for night trails

Key takeaway: Optimal hiking performance in 2026 necessitates a strategic balance between high-lumen output and thermal regulation. While the Petzl NAO RL…
12 Oct
04
— Gear & Preparation

Trail etiquette every new hiker needs to know

Key takeaway: Mastering trail etiquette necessitates prioritizing uphill momentum and yielding to stock animals to ensure collective safety. Maintaining aerobic rhythm for…
11 Oct
05
— Urban & Historic LA

Mastering the Culver City stairs for hiking fitness

Key takeaway: Mastering the 282 irregular concrete steps at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook provides a superior vertical cardio and posterior chain workout,…
10 Oct
06
— Gear & Preparation

Top inflatable kayaks for Southern California lakes

Key takeaway: High-performance inflatable kayaks for California lakes prioritize 1,000-denier PVC and drop-stitch technology to achieve hard-shell rigidity against thermal winds. These…
9 Oct
07
— 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…
8 Oct
“

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
Newsletter

A selection, every week.

Trek and hikes curated, just for you