6 helpful nature apps that will enhance every hike
I used to believe that the last thing I wanted to do on a hike was pull out my phone. That’s one of the reasons…
3 hikes that avoid the Southern California wildfires
A week before Los Angeles shut down in spring 2020, my two friends, wife, dog and I hiked the Bridge to Nowhere. Setting off into…
How did ‘Hacks’ pull off that Emmy win?
We learned a few things Sunday night at the Emmys. Jean Smart remains undefeated. Jodie Foster is halfway to an EGOT. And more than a…
Bears don’t hibernate in L.A. How to stay safe from them on trails
I was drifting to sleep in my tent, soothed by the crisp night air, when I heard one word that jarred me back to reality.…
4 tips for how to start rock climbing in and around L.A.
I’ve never enjoyed walking into a gym. Growing up as a fat kid, I have enough traumatic memories around exercise to fill several therapy sessions.…
These day hikes in Kings Canyon National Park are uncrowded and serene
Hiking in and around L.A. can often feel like its own mini-vacation. Our local public lands offer many different types of escape, whether you want…
Why hiking early in Los Angeles is worth getting out of bed
I’ve never regretted getting up early for a hike.I had that realization on my favorite trail near Pasadena last week, as I breathed in the…
It’s a full moon weekend. Here’s where to hike in L.A.
My coworkers and I were deep in conversation when we all gasped. We’d crested a hill in Griffith Park, and rising just as we did…
Susan Wojcicki, internet pioneer at Google and YouTube, dies at 56
Susan Wojcicki, an early Google executive and long-time head of its YouTube video service who shaped how fortunes and fame are created on the internet,…
It’s rattlesnake season in L.A. Here’s how to stay safe
My good friend Bob and I were hiking to Strawberry Peak when she abruptly said, “Stop.” That’s our code for danger. Bob and I hike…
3 L.A. trails to hike before jumping straight into a lake
This time of year, I start to feel a little trapped by the heat.Don’t get me wrong, I understand the No. 1 rule of hiking…
How to volunteer at the L.A. County raptor rescue in San Dimas
Clockwise from left: A barn owl sits in its cage; a poster of owls; Olivia Miseroy, regional park superintendent, holds an animal ambassador barn owl…
This Southern California challenge will help you hike higher peaks
I remember feeling kind of like a celebrity in that Chipotle in Upland.It was a Thursday in 2021, and my dog and I had just…
This perfect summer L.A. hike has free parking, shade and a waterfall
Editor’s note: This newsletter is all about featuring a variety of exciting voices from SoCal’s outdoors scene. Starting this month, that voice belongs to Times…
My brother died too soon. How his passing inspired me to hike L.A.
Editor’s note: This newsletter is all about featuring a variety of exciting voices from SoCal’s outdoors scene. Starting this week, that voice belongs to Times…
4 great L.A. hikes that offer treats near the trails
When I was section hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, I met a thru-hiker (trail name: Toots Magoots) who shared a fun way she rewarded herself…
Libraries have free passes to California parks under budget deal
Californians can once again borrow a pass from their local library to gain free entry to a state park. The popular state library parks program…
How to volunteer with seals, sea lions and elephant seals in L.A.
When a sea lion is found stranded anywhere between Long Beach and Malibu, chances are a volunteer with the Marine Mammal Care Center in San…
Jennifer Esposito says Harvey Weinstein-type blacklisted her
Twenty-five years ago, Jennifer Esposito says, a producer nearly ended her career. Now she’s channeling her anger into her directorial debut. The “Blue Bloods” star…
Kendall Toole leaves Peloton: ‘See you in the next chapter’
Peloton instructor Kendall Toole is taking her last ride. “It’s with great consideration and many, many, many hours of reflection, but I’m choosing to close…