Hike Smarter: Uncover LA’s Secret Shady Trails
Navigate Trails with Confidence This Summer
Discover how to find refreshing, shaded hiking routes across Los Angeles by understanding the simple science of sun and shade. This guide empowers you to explore local trails without overheating.
Mastering the Sun’s Path
To pinpoint your next cool hike, consider the time of day and year. The sun’s position dictates where shade will fall. Knowing this, along with local topography and tree cover, is key to a comfortable outdoor experience.
Understanding Your Compass
Your smartphone’s compass app is a powerful tool. By observing its bearing readings, you can determine the precise direction of sunrise. For example, on a given Saturday, the sun might rise at a bearing of 66 degrees northeast. This information is vital for predicting where shade will be available in the morning.
Topography: Your Shading Ally
The orientation of slopes significantly impacts sun exposure. Northeastern-facing slopes in areas like Griffith Park will catch the earliest morning sun. Conversely, southern and southwestern slopes are more likely to remain shaded during peak daylight hours. Exploring maps with terrain features can reveal these shaded pockets.
For instance, trails near the Merry-Go-Round in Griffith Park will be sunnier in the morning, while areas like Fern Dell are better bets for shade. A quick look at a topographical map can highlight these differences.
Leveraging Weather and Elevation
Higher elevations generally offer cooler temperatures. For every 1,000 feet gained, temperatures can drop by 3.5 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. This “lapse rate” makes places like the San Gabriel Mountains a welcome escape on hot days. Trails above 5,000 feet, such as those near Buckhorn Campground or on Mt. Waterman, often provide a noticeable temperature difference compared to the valleys.
When planning a hike in the Angeles National Forest, prioritize north-facing slopes, as they receive less direct sunlight. Hikes such as the Mt. Waterman trail or the Mt. Baden-Powell trail via Vincent Gap are excellent examples of routes offering consistent shade.
The Crucial Role of Tree Cover
Dense tree cover is a hiker’s best friend in Southern California’s dry climate. The type of vegetation, from oak woodlands to riparian areas and tall pines at higher elevations, dramatically influences the shade available. Areas along rivers or in higher mountain zones with substantial tree cover are prime candidates for cooler hikes.
For example, oak woodlands in Placerita Canyon are known for providing excellent shade, making them ideal for summer excursions.
Upcoming Events
Audubon’s Bird Conservation Efforts
Join biologist Keith Haney at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center in Torrance for a presentation on the Audubon Society’s initiatives to support declining bird populations. Registration is available on Eventbrite.
Eastside Mural Bike Ride
On Saturday at 9 a.m., People for Mobility Justice is hosting an art-focused bike ride through East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights, starting at Mariachi Plaza. Participants should bring a bike, helmet, lights, and water. Register via Eventbrite.
Night of Moths in Valyermo
To celebrate National Moth Week, the Invertebrate Club of Southern California will host a black lighting event from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area in Valyermo. Participants can observe moths and other nocturnal invertebrates. Registration is required.
The Unofficial Searcher
Jomarie Calasanz was visiting Sequoia National Park when she was swept away by the Kaweah River. With official search efforts halted due to dangerous currents, her family sought help from Juan Heredia, a civilian diver. “I think when they call and tell me they have a loved one who has drowned, it opens up a wound in me, too. And then I need closure,”
Heredia stated. He has successfully located numerous individuals after authorities stopped their operations. His dedication stems from a deep empathy for the families involved.
Remember to prioritize safety during your outdoor adventures.
P.S. During research for this piece, a call to the Mt. Wilson Observatory revealed an automated option to hear Alfred Noyes’ poem, “The Observatory,” a dramatic reading that evoked the awe of early astronomical discoveries and the quiet solitude of mountain escapes.
