With more than 3,700 miles of hiking trails in Southern California alone, you could spend every day exploring a new trail, but if you’d like your family to join you on some of those excursions this summer, consider choosing trails that everyone — all ages and abilities — might enjoy.
These suggestions for outdoor activities take into consideration the contrasting needs of hyperactive young children and aging adults with limited mobility, including those using powered devices and walkers. Bring water, sunblock, hats, shades, snacks, binoculars and comfortable shoes to all of them. All parks listed are ADA-compliant.
South Coast
Wetlands and marshes
Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center – Torrance; Tues-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Little kids love this small park, which offers a series of educational programs tailored to them. There are brochures in the parking area for self-guided tours. At least 275 species of birds live in this park. Dogs not allowed.
El Dorado Nature Center – Long Beach; Tue-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
In this manmade environment built with the soil extracted from construction of the 605 Freeway, children can enjoy watching turtles bask in the sun while older folks can rest by the lake to look at the waterfowl. With three connecting loops, the park offers a total of 3.25 miles of trail, mostly shaded. The soil is so soft that people often walk barefooted. Parking $8-$9 on holidays; passes with senior discounts. Dogs not allowed.
Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve – Marina del Rey; daily
Enjoy about four miles of soft trail. Watch for butterflies. Look for easy parking on Bluff Creek Drive.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve – Seal Beach; daily, 6 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Originally home to the Tongva people, this rich coastal ecosystem surrounding a tidal mouth has been a restoration project for decades. The 1,300-acre park offers four miles of flat trail accessible to powered mobility devices and strollers. From the trails, visitors have a vantage point to observe Bolsa Chica’s biodiversity far beyond the beautiful birds, including endangered plants and even sea lions. Pamphlets are available at the two free parking lots. Dogs not allowed.
Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park –Wilmington; daily, dawn to dusk
Around 300 species of migratory birds enjoy the freshwater lake, the tule marsh and the willow forest. The two flat trails have a total combined distance of 5 miles. Free parking. Fishing permit needed.
Overlooking the Ocean
Point Vicente Coastal Trail –Palos Verdes Peninsula; daily, dawn to dusk
Also known as Vicente Bluffs, this trail runs several miles east and west parallel to the south rim of the peninsula. Stroll west as long as you can, taking in the spectacular view. Don’t miss the interpretative center, the whale-watching deck or the lighthouse, which opens only on second Saturdays. Have a picnic or watch the sunset. It’s all free, including parking. Bring a jacket. Leashed dogs are OK.
Urban
Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area – Los Angeles; March to October, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
Nestled between La Cienega Boulevard and La Brea Avenue in Baldwin Hills, Kenneth Hahn is an urban gem with a network of hiking trails at varying difficulty levels. The trail closest to the Japanese garden is ADA compliant. To avoid parking fees, use the shuttle bus for 25 cents.
Suburban
Powder Canyon Trail – La Habra; dawn to dusk
The best family-friendly trail of the entire Puente Hills Preserve is a 1.1-mile portion of the Powder Canyon. Equipped with complete facilities. Leashed dogs allowed.
Mountain
Crystal Lake Recreation Area/Campground – Angeles National Forest, accessed from Azusa via California Highway 39
This overnight camping trip requires planning. Adventure pass and fishing permit are needed. Senior discounts are available. Pack all you need to feed and shelter your family for a weekend, but think simple, practical and economical. California Highway 39 is a long, winding road shared with cyclists going uphill. Kids might need something for motion sickness.
At 6,000-feet elevation, Crystal Lake campground has running water, clean bathrooms and 120 tent sites. Arrive late on Thursday or early on Friday ahead of Labor Day to secure one of the three ADA-compliant sites. Use only designated, bear-proof garbage containers. Leave no trace is the principle.
There are two ADA-accessible, interpretative trails with brochures: Golden Cup Trail (0.25 miles) and Pinyon Ridge Trail (a new 1-mile loop). The lake trail is 2 miles long and mostly on the road, then you hike down the last .25 miles on a wide trail. Swimming is not allowed. For a greater challenge, older children and strong adults can take an adventure day of their own. Windy Gap Trail is 2.5 miles long (one way) with an 1,380-elevation gain of moderate difficulty. It serves as a popular path to the Pacific Crest Trail and to Little Jimmy Trail Camp. Visit sierraclub.org for a list of 10 essentials to bring. Pick up a trail map at the ranger’s office.
If you can only stay in the Crystal Lake recreation area and walk the short trails around camp, do not be discouraged. Disconnect from your digital devices and play camp games, creating beautiful memories for your family along with the breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Canyon.
Born in Venezuela, Lisbeth Coiman is a trekker of intersecting paths and an avid hiker with aching knees. She is the author of “I Asked the Blue Heron: A memoir” and “Uprising/Alzamiento,” a poetry collection that calls attention to the humanitarian crisis in her homeland. Visit lisbethcoiman.com.
