SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS : Hikers to Get Wide View of Fireworks

Valley residents are invited to pack their picnic baskets and Old Glory on Sunday and celebrate July 4 and National Picnic Month with a breathtaking 1.3-mile hike in the Santa Monica Mountains to view fireworks from above the San Fernando Valley.

The 10th Annual Natural Fourth of July hike will begin at 7 p.m. at the entrance to the Caballero Canyon Trailhead, located across the street from the Braemar Country Club at 4001 Reseda Blvd. in Tarzana.

“We’ll be about 1,000 feet above the Valley,” said Jill Swift, the hike’s organizer. “It’s really a very unique perspective on fireworks. You’re overlooking the Valley as the night lights come on and the fireworks start. There aren’t people drinking and smoking pot. It’s a natural Fourth.”

Fireworks displays at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Devonshire Downs and at city parks can be seen from the hikers’ vantage point, Swift said. No smoking or fireworks are allowed on the hike. As many as 400 hikers have participated in the hike at one time.

The hike, which is free to the public, ends about 9:30 p.m. Swift encourages participants to bring a picnic, something to sit on and warm clothes. Flashlights are for adult use only, and should only be used for emergencies, she said.