Five Best Hikes for a First Date
Going on a first date? Don't know what to do? Don't want to have to worry about offering to pay? Hikes are the answer if you live in LA. Especially as I write this during Covid times. Here's the key on a first date hike: KEEP IT EASY. I don't care if you're in pretty good shape. Don't add the extra layer of trying to push your self to keep up the same pace and then all of a sudden you're out of breath and trying to maintain a conversation. The trails I chose are all in close proximity to Los Angeles. They each have plenty of foot traffic (Except maybe the last one), so you won't truly be alone. Maybe save that last one for an old friend but new lover, or date number 3. I tried not to include the typical Griffith Observatory or Silverlake Reservoir. But do what you want. Our lives are upside down and familiarity is comforting.
3.5 miles 436 ft elevation gain out and back
It's not far from LA, located right on the edge of the mountains in Altadena. There is plenty of parking (even an overflow lot). It's a very easy hike and you'll be hopping along the river for a significant portion of it. If you manage to avoid the weekend, there will be less crowds (And during Covid, they are actually requiring you to reserve a time permit, which will in itself limit crowds). This hike is perfect for any time of year. If you fall in love and want to come back here on your first anniversary, you can always turn this hike into a backpacking adventure and doing an overnight camp up at Henninger Campground. Super cute and free campground with fun views of LA.
2.9 miles 875 ft elevation gain loop
Okay this is more of a moderate hike but if you live on the westside and you are both lil active babies, then this is a good one. I took my not active boyfriend on it and he was fine. Great views of the ocean. You have to pay to park, but honestly sometimes the simplicity of just knowing where to meet up is nice. It's a very popular hike, so you'll have plenty of people watching on this 3 mile loop. And if ya'll still dig each other after the hike, head over to the beach until the traffic dies down.
2.3 miles 236 ft elevation gain loop
1 mile 248 ft elevation gain loop
Live on the east side? This hike is directly off the 134. It's only a mile long. You can do it on your lunch break. There's a very straightforward parking area and a little bench at the top. Beautiful wildflowers in spring and you'll have the trail mostly for your self. There were mainly just locals out giving their dogs some exercise when I did it. You won't get sweaty if it's not the summer and you can pop over to highland park or wherever to grab a beer or a bite to eat. There's lots of cute coffee shops and if you're there around lunchtime try out Belle's Bagels. They are amazing. Hell, meet there and then head over to the hike and eat your bagel on that sweet little bench. Isn't that a great idea?
1.8 miles 800 ft elevation gain out and back
This AWESOME little hidden treasure is nestled into a neighborhood in Pasadena. It's a little tricky to find the trailhead, but just follow the map on all trails. You will literally walk right onto the trail from the street. It starts with pretty views of the canyon and then heads down toward a stream. There is a waterfall in the late winter and spring but it is of course down to a trickle by summer. You can keep scrambling up to the top of the falls and head up toward echo mountain, but i would just stop once you get to the water area. Plenty of places to sit and chat. I wasn't alone on this hike, but it does feel more removed than the others for whatever reason. So you might want to save this for date number 3. STAY SAFE AND VIGILANT AND TELL A FRIEND WHERE YOU ARE GOING. But give love and hiking a chance. BUT BRING YOUR PHONE AND SHARE YOUR LOCATION. Keep an open mind and an open heart. ALL THESE HIKES HAVE CELL SERVICE.
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