5 Fall Hikes in Southern California That Are Worth the Trip

Autumn in Southern California brings cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, and fewer crowds on the trails. If you're looking for the perfect fall hikes to enjoy the crisp air and picturesque landscapes, here are five stellar options. Each of these hikes has its unique charm, and some even come with a touch of eerie lore!

1. Pumpkin Rock in Norco

• Total Miles: 1.7 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 458 feet
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Time: 45 minutes
• Dogs Allowed: Yes, on a leash
• Restrooms: Available near parking lot

Why It’s Great for Fall: The Pumpkin Rock hike is a short but rewarding trek that takes you to a giant pumpkin-shaped rock with fantastic views of the surrounding area. In the fall, the crisp weather and golden light make the hike particularly enjoyable, and the vibrant scenery adds to the festive spirit.

Haunted Lore: This trail doesn’t come with any ghost stories, but it’s a local favorite for a reason. The rock itself is painted to look like a jack o lantern, which gives it a fun, seasonal twist. It's the perfect hike for Halloween!

2. Ho Chi Minh Trail in La Jolla

• Total Miles: 0.65
• Elevation Gain: 280 feet
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Time: 20 minutes
• Dogs Allowed: Not permitted
• Restrooms Available: No

Why It’s Great for Fall: This trail provides stunning coastal views and is known for its scenic beauty. In the fall, the ocean breeze is particularly refreshing, and the reduced crowds mean you can enjoy the tranquility of the trail without the usual summer hustle.

Haunted Lore: The Ho Chi Minh Trail doesn’t have a reputation for hauntings, but its history adds a layer of intrigue. The trail was originally used during the Vietnam War era, and some locals claim to feel a sense of history and reflection as they walk along the rugged path.

3. Bonita Falls in Lytle Creek

• Total Miles: 1.28 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 450 feet
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Time: 45 minutes
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes, on a leash
• Restrooms Available: Available at Campground

Why It’s Great for Fall: The fall colors around Bonita Falls add a beautiful touch to this hike. The weather is cool enough for a comfortable hike, and the sound of the waterfall is especially soothing as the leaves change color.

Haunted Lore: This trail isn’t known for hauntings, but it has a serene and somewhat mystical feel, especially during the fall when the surroundings are bathed in golden light and the sounds of the waterfall create a peaceful ambiance. 

4. Bridge to Nowhere

• Total Miles: 10 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1300 feet
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
• Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Dogs Allowed: Yes, on a leash
• Restrooms Available: Available near parking lot

Why It’s Great for Fall: The Bridge to Nowhere hike is a unique adventure that leads you to a bridge built during the Great Depression, abandoned and isolated. The fall season’s cooler temperatures make the challenging hike more pleasant, and the changing colors of the leaves add to the scenic beauty of the trail.

Haunted Lore: The Bridge to Nowhere has some interesting stories associated with it. The bridge is often referred to as “haunted” due to its eerie isolation and the legends that local hikers tell about mysterious happenings. While these tales are more folklore than fact, they add an intriguing edge to the hike.

5. Black Star Canyon in Silverado

• Total Miles: 6.7 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 850 feet
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
• Time: 4 to 5 hours
• Dogs Allowed: Yes, on a leash
• Restrooms Available: No

Why It’s Great for Fall: Black Star Canyon offers a mix of challenging terrain and scenic rewards. Fall is the perfect time to tackle this hike because the cooler weather makes the ascent more manageable, and the autumn landscape enhances the trail’s dramatic scenery.

Haunted Lore: Black Star Canyon is famous for its ghost stories and alleged paranormal activity. Local legends speak of tragic events and hauntings related to early 20th-century crimes. The canyon’s eerie atmosphere, especially in the fall, can make these stories feel all the more real. Let us know if you have any spooky stories from Black Star Canyon!