From this short ridgeline
path above Baldwin Hills, you can watch the crowded freeways from a safe
distance. Perfect for an after-work stroll.
Location: Kenneth Hahn
State Recreation Area Region: South Los Angeles (Baldwin Hills) Distance: 1.1 mi. loop
Difficulty: Easy with one steep, slippery climb When to go: Year-round Hours: Sun up to sunset Phone: 323-298-3660 Elevation Gain: 100 ft. Are dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash Restrooms: near parking lot Parking: $3 on weekends and holidays only (otherwise, free)
Trail Information
Full Review: I lived in LA for eight years before finding about this
park. Sandwiched between the 10 and 405 freeways, its location doesn't
exactly scream out "Nature Reserve!" But the wildflowers and year-round
green hillsides (the city keeps it watered, even in summer) make Kenneth
Hahn a surprisingly pleasant escape from the surrounding urbania. The
section called Olympic Forest is a grove of 140 trees that were planted to
commemorate the nations that competed in 1984 Olympics. This hike takes you
up above the grove for views of Baldwin Hills and the surrounding freeway
traffic.
The trail starts on a small wooden bridge in the middle of the parking lot,
which takes you immediately up a narrow, overgrown, steep dirt path that
climbs a recently fire-scorched hill. Keep to the left whenever the footpath
forks. As you climb, look up to the left to spot a small wooden gazebo, the
first of three you'll visit on this walk. You'll hit a wider dirt path
before reaching the gazebo. Turn left and follow it there. Continue down
this path, passing a second gazebo and making your way down a gentle grade
on the back side of the hill toward some eucalyptus trees that partly
obscure the nearby Baldwin Hills homes. Just before you reach a short, steep
hill that climbs to the third gazebo, the wide path splits to the left. When
you're done checking out the view from the top of the hill, follow that path
(not the smaller ones that branch off on the right) back down to the
pavement. Turn left to get to your car, or cross the road to visit
catfish-stocked Gwen Moore Lake.
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