There’s a good chance if you live in Southern California, you take advantage of all the beautiful natural wonders that surround us daily, one of which is the fantastic hiking trails. If you’re like ten percent of Californians, you also struggle with addiction. What if there was a way to use the majestic hiking trails littered throughout SoCal to help you on your sobriety journey? Countless studies show that physical exercise is key to achieving and sustaining your sobriety, so why not pick up a new habit that will help you on your sober journey and benefit you in a lifetime of wellness? Keep reading to learn the best Southern California hiking trails that can do all the above.
Runyon Canyon
Near West Hollywood, you’ll find this 2.7-mile loop trail, Runyon Canyon, that takes, on average, only an hour and a half to complete. While it is a somewhat challenging hike, it’s worth it as the endorphins you produce during a more strenuous hike are excellent for your mental health, but they will also produce a sweat which is great for physical well-being. When you’re on a journey towards sobriety, health becomes more of a focus than it likely has been in years, so this hike is a great option for those who are incorporating other aspects of wellness in their journey.
Yucca Point Trail
If you’re in the Torrey Pines area, Yucca Point Trail is one of the best hikes around. While the elevation is low, around 190 feet, and it’s a short hike at a little over one mile, you’re hard-pressed to find a more scenic hike in all of California, let alone SoCal, than Yucca Point. It’s a beachside trail that takes you along the cliffs and down to the water. This trail is at the Torrey Pines State Reserve, just north of La Jolla, and features 2000 acres of gorgeous ocean views, desert flora, fauna, and of course, the sandy beaches for which SoCal is known.
Brush Canyon Trail
In Griffith Park lies Brush Canyon Trail, known for its ability to hike directly to the iconic Hollywood Sign. While several hikes lead you to the famous sign, the Brush Canyon Trail is the easiest path and most well-known to do so. You can spend all day on this hike, and when you reach the peak, the view of the city is awe-inspiring. Nothing like taking in the size of the city to remind you that we are but a speck and nothing is insurmountable, including your sober journey.
Solstice Canyon Trail
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is home to Solstice Canyon Trail, a beautiful 3-mile hike that is a favorite in Malibu. This gorgeous hike features a lush canyon to take in, a small waterfall to meditate by, and even some shade – if you’re used to hiking in SoCal, you know that shade is hard to come by. Solstices happen twice a year, making them rare, and this hike could be a great hike to commemorate your first AA meeting, the day you checked into a small sized detox facility, or your first time sponsoring someone. There are so many milestones worth celebrating during your sober journey, and this is a beautiful spot to come back to time and again to celebrate them.
Mount Woodson Trail
Looking to take things higher and push yourself harder? That’s how a sober journey can feel most days, which makes Mount Woodson Trail the challenge you’re ready to accept. This trail is over 6 miles long and takes you to an elevation of 2100 feet, but it’s also one of the most popular hikes in the area, known by locals as the Potato Chip Rock Hike. While you have to take an intimidating leap to get onto the Potato Chip shaped rock that gives this hike its name, it takes the same courage and leaps you make toward sober living, so you got this.
There are countless hiking trails in the Southern California area; in fact, they’re a reason many people move to the area. Your environment impacts your wellness, including your sobriety, so take advantage of the above hikes as you work towards the life you know you’re meant to live. Here’s to your health!
