Angeles National Forest

The closest you'll come to seeing Southern California in the days of John Muir is in the Angeles National Forest, which is about 30 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles. There are ways to avoid other people on some of the trails, which can be crowded at times because so many people want to see the spectacular Sturtevant Falls, for instance.

For a short day trip to Gould Mesa Campground, take a part of the 28-mile Gabrielino National Recreation Trail via the sycamore-shaded Arroyo Seco. A longer, 8-mile round-trip climb through shady forests will take more seasoned hikers to the summit of 9,399-foot Mount Baden-Powell (located just northwest of the more well-known Mount Baldy). 360-degree views make the nearly 2,900-foot ascent to the barren peak worthwhile.

• Location:Angeles National Forest