Take a Hike, But Call First

For the latest road, trail and weather conditions of the various hiking venues mentioned in the accompanying story, contact the appropriate visitors center. Since many of the state parks and national forests offer campgrounds (or some other rustic accommodations), along with picnic facilities and nature exhibits, you can easily make a weekend adventure from one of these outings.

It’s particularly important to call ahead in this severe drought year (our fourth dry year in a row). Some remote backcountry areas are closed because of fire danger. Other paths are simply unpleasant because of the withered flora and dusty conditions.

Angeles National Forest Headquarters, 701 N. Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia 91006, (818) 796-5541.

Avalon Visitors Center (Catalina Island), 423 Crescent Ave., Avalon 90704, (800) 428-2566.

East Mojave National Scenic Area, Desert Information Center, 831 Barstow Road, Barstow 92311, (619) 256-8617.

Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena 91107, (818) 794-1866.

Los Padres National Forest, 6144 Calle Real, Goleta 93117, (805) 683-6711.

Mt. San Jacinto State Park, 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild 92349, (714) 659-2607.

San Bernardino National Forest, San Gorgonio District, 34701 Mill Creek Road, Mentone 92359, (714) 794-1123.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, 30401 Agoura Road, Agoura 93101, (818) 597-9192.