This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
L.A. may be about fun in the sun during the summer, but the City of Angels has its dark side too. Wander up into the canyons and mountains just past the city limits and you'll find abandoned mines, dense oak forests, bizarre geology, cabin ruins and more eeriness.
Devil's Punchbowl (Photo by David Lockeretz via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
Devil's Punchbowl
Forged by rivaling earthquake faults and snow melt from high in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Punchbowl is as unique a site as can be found anywhere in the L.A. area. Though only a mile long, the loop trail through the heart of the Punchbowl has a phenomenal variety of scenery through the 300-feet deep canyon of gnarled sandstone. SoCal might be home to trendy boutiques, bistros, and perfectly manicured suburbs, but it is also the site of some of the awesome forces of nature at work. Thanks to an executive order announced by President Obama today, this unusual rock formation will soon become a part of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and fall under even more protection so future generations can enjoy this natural wonder. The Devil's Punchbowl is about an hour and half from downtown L.A. and can be reached via Highways 14 and 138. For more information, click here.
Castro Crest
At first it might look like a set from a military film or perhaps a spy thriller, but the imposing barricade blocking the upper reaches of Castro Peak, the highest point in the eastern half of the Santa Monica Mountains, is real. The result of an ongoing dispute between a local land owner and the National Park Service, the gates to the private property are adorned with barbed wire, security cameras and many strongly worded signs. The message is the same as the most time-honored warning the entire horror literature: "Do NOT open that door!" Fortunately, hikers can still enjoy this 2.5-mile stretch of the Backbone Trail, located four miles north of Pacific Coast Highway at the end of Corral Canyon Road, which features panoramic ocean views, interesting geology and dark, shaded canyons. For more information, open THIS door.
View from Ghost Mountain, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park(Photo by David Lockeretz/LAist)
Ghost Mountain
Merely having the word "Ghost" in its name might not qualify a hike for this list, but the story and setting of Ghost Mountain make it a truly unique spot. One of the odder chapters of SoCal history belongs to Marshal South, a survivalist who built a cabin on top of this mountain in the San Diego desert. His family lived there for a while before the members left one by one, leaving South to make his stand against the harsh terrain. Remnants of his cabin still stand on top of the mountain which can be reached by a short but steep hike through exposed desert terrain. To be sure this destination is a bit of a haul for anyone in the L.A. area; even from San Diego it's well over an hour, but for lovers of the bizarre, it's a must-see. For more information, click here.
Hemet Maze Stone (Photo by David Lockeretz/LAist)
Hemet Maze Stone
Bizarreness also abounds at the Hemet Maze Stone, a boulder containing a prehistoric petroglyph of unknown origin and purpose. Theories range from Mayan precursors to proof that the Chinese made it to America before Christopher Columbus. Either way, it is an easily accessible piece of ancient archaeology for So Cal residents. The stone lies in the desert northwest of Hemet, a few miles from Highway 74, and can be reached via a short hike on an abandoned paved road. Barbed wire fences block the stone from easy viewing, and are unfortunately necessary to keep vandals from ruining this historical artifact for the rest of us. For more information, click here.
Abandoned machinery and ocean fog, Serrano Homestead Site (Photo by David Lockeretz/LAist)
Serrano Homestead
Using a little-known entrance to Point Mugu State Park, the westernmost park in the Santa Monica Mountains, this 4-mile round-trip hike has the feel of a covert operation. In the wake of the devastating Malibu Springs Fire of 2013, much of the formerly bucolic Serrano Valley area of the park now looks like something from a Mad Max movie. Abandoned farm equipment and appliances at the former homestead site add to the dystopian feel of the hike. Click here for more information.
Abandoned mine in Tin Mine Canyon, Santa Ana Mountains (Photo by David Lockeretz/LAist)
Tin Mine Canyon
Starting out on the fringes of the Corona suburbs, this hike might seem indistinguishable from a trick-or-treat walk through the neighborhood for the first mile—but when it leaves the fire road and heads into claustrophobic Tin Mine Canyon, all bets are off. Gnarled oaks, outcrops of sandstone, caves and yes, an abandoned tin mine, add to the intrigue. The Forest Service has barricaded the mine entrance so no amateur spelunkers can interfere with the unique cave dwellers within. If nature is your thing, though, be on the lookout for newts in Tin Mine Creek. The trail officially ends after about a mile in the canyon, but brave souls have been known to venture farther at their own risk. Beware of the poison oak. For more information, head here.
Big Willy's Grave, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Diego. (Photo by David Lockeretz/LAist
Thunder Spring and Chimney Flats
Continuing the theme of abandoned cabins near San Diego, we head now to the north section of the county, high in Palomar Mountain State Park. While undeniably attractive and scenic, this 4-mile hike also features elements of the macabre—the ruins of Scott's Cabin, the grave of "Big Willy" Pearson, who was killed when a tree fell on him in 1898, and tons of poison oak. While definitely worth the vistas, this hike is challenging, with steep portions and plenty of fallen trees that make avoiding the poison oak a real challenge. Head here for more information.
Geology in the Narrows, Towsley Canyon Loop (Photo by David Lockeretz/LAist)
Towsley Canyon Loop
This challenging loop hike in the Santa Clarita Valley, conveniently located on the Old Road near the 5 Freeway, will force you to face both your claustrophobia and acrophobia. Starting in the tight confines of the canyon, the hike climbs a narrow ridge, providing excellent—and somewhat scary—nearly aerial views of the surrounding area, with panoramas that bring together the urban and natural landscape of the region. A ridge near the apex of the trail provides great views of Oat Mountain to one side and Six Flags Magic Mountain on the other. At a closer level, the Narrows near the end of the trail (or beginning, depending on which direction you want to hike) is filled with fascinating geology for some good photo ops. For more information, head over here.
The unique geology of Vasquez Rocks
Vasquez Rocks
With a history as both a filming mecca and a hideout for outlaws, Vasquez Rocks is a real-life untamed frontier less than an hour's drive from L.A. The location was a well known spot for bandido Tiburcio Vásquez to lay low, giving the spot its name. Like the Devil's Punchbowl, the park features gigantic slabs of rock—recognizable from being used in Star Trek, The Flintstones and many more films and TV shows—pushed up as 150 feet from the earth by tectonic activity. While the front area of the park is nicely laid out with picnic tables and interpretive exhibits, the remote and rugged back country quickly starts feeling very isolated—up to and including the eerie tunnel that routes the Pacific Crest Trail beneath the 14 Freeway. Click here for more information.
Caves in Corriganville Park (Photo by David Lockeretz/LAist)
Corriganville Park
Thick oak woodlands and bizarrely shaped sandstone caves and outcrops have made this small park near the 118 Freeway on the outskirts of Simi Valley a perennial favorite filming location. Look for it in classic Western films and TV shows such as For Apache (starring John Wayne) and The Lone Ranger. Remains of its Hollywood past remains, as hikers can see the remnants of "Silvertown," one of the old filming sets, along the path. Known both as a dog- and kid-friendly park, the relatively flat Corriganville is a perfect destination for families whose ideal level of fright is closer to Ghostbusters than The Exorcist. For more information, click here.
