This blog will detail 1,000 video hikes in Southern California. By Southern California, I am drawing a line from San Luis Obispo to the Nevada Border. Anything south of that line will be declared "Southern California". In a way, it is a personal challenge to do so many hikes. Mainly, however, it is my way of showcasing how many hiking opportunities there really are right in our own geographic back yard. As a blog, it serves as a companion piece to my Youtube channel "Mike On The Trail". It is also a work in progress, as I don't actually have 1,000 edited videos completed. This will take effort for quite some time before it is declared done. Even then, there will still be more out there. Here's to hiking and all the positive effects it has had on my life...and possibly yours!
Oak Canyon survives as an oasis of wilderness surrounded by neighborhoods. It is located in a small canyon in Anaheim Hills. Despite the close proximity, the canyon high in the hills is well secluded from the nearby cityscape. It really feels like a remote place without actually being one. That is the appeal to me that keeps bringing me back.
On the canyon floor.
From the parking lot, the trail begins. It leads past a visitor center and breaks off in two different directions. The left fork goes uphill and passes through some displays. The right fork enters the canyon floor. However, each option eventually meets at some point, since it is basically a loop hike that encompasses the canyon. I chose to go left first, since it gains most of the hike's elevation right away, making much of the rest of the hike and enjoyable stroll.
A creek crossing.
Most of the displays are passed in the first quarter-mile before closely reaching the top of the canyon walls. From there, the homes along the edge of the rim are visible. The trail continues below the rim on Roadrunner Ridge before dropping to the canyon road. The road leads back to the canyon floor near the visitor center in a straight line. To add variety, I picked up the Stream Trail, which parallels the creek. It is rather scenic along the creek and exemplifies the remote feel the area gives. The trail crosses a few scenic wooden foot bridges to get back to the canyon road.
Re-created mining site.
Form the canyon floor, I picked up Wren Way, which quickly climbs back up the western wall of the canyon and creates a mini loop back to the canyon floor just south of the visitor center. At that point, a re-created mining site is on display, which is always good for a photograph. This is a peaceful place, great for an easy hike, but with scenic qualities, making for a nice outdoor experience without all the sweating.
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