A magically green, rainy scenePaseo Miramar is one of the most popular trails in Los Angeles, famous for its spectacular views of the ocean (ergo mira...mar). It's so popular that the LA Times named it one of Southern California's "10 Essential Hikes," sporting the "Top Ocean Vista." Cool, but with such notoriety usually come droves, and I'm not down with droves.
Solution: Go on a Monday morning amidst one of the heaviest rainstorms of the last 5 years. That oughta thin the herd. Being from the great Pacific Northwest I like hiking in the rain, plus I was looking for an excuse to test out some new rain gear I just picked up (it passed, props to the folks at Patagonia).
5 miles round trip, moderate elevation gain, comfortable 1hr up, 45min return. It was pouring, with a brisk wind to boot. Numerous sections of the trail were flooded and streams were forming. Navigating a muddy trail was the biggest challenge. There was no view to be had, but the joy of hiking through the clouds surrounded by green was reward enough. One other hiker seen enroute along the trail. Probably best revisited immediately after a storm breaks when the view opens up.
Google Earth view of the hike - map here
End of the trail at Parker Mesa Overlook - not much of a view today!
Staying dry amidst the rainclouds
Wind had knocked down some trees along the way
Dry and cozy back at the trailhead
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