The Lowdown on the Newest Chicago-Area Camping Getaways

Locals know that the Lost Maples State Natural Area East Trail is one of the most challenging day hikes in the area. The 0.8 mile climb required is demanding, to say the least. But it's also very rewarding and worth the effort, even for rookies and novices. After your heart rate has recovered from the punchy 400 foot gain in elevation, you are rewarded with a phenomenal view of the Sabinal Valley below. To commence with this challenge, park on the northeast parking lot of the park and take the aptly named East trail. Hike 1.29 miles to Monkey Rock to pump yourself up for the climb. The simian resemblance of this rock is uncanny. You can also take the Maple trail which connects back to the East trail. After the first bend, you may choose to free climb a bit and explore near a large crevasse. You can't miss the crevasse because of it’s attention-grabbing size.   Around the first bend at Lost Maples Chrstine HershKeep hiking about 2.7 miles along the relatively flat East Trail until you hit the warning sign. Pro tip: If you see a warning sign, 100% of the time it means you absolutely should take that trail. Warning sign = Go for it! Christine HershOnce you hit the warning sign, you can start mentally preparing yourself to ascend 0.8 miles up rugged terrain to the top. At first, you will see the trail stairs. You will quickly pass the trail stairs and use Mother Nature’s stairs (read: rocks), for the remainder of the way. You can always stop for a breather, turn around and look at the view behind you, or chat with other hikers until you get to the top. Many hikers turn around before getting to the top. Do not despair! Once you see the bench, you're almost there. This entire stretch is a great sunrise location. Only one way...Up. Christine HershWhen you reach the top, you are graced with a beautiful vista of the Sabinal Valley below. Walk south towards the scenic overlook (point of interest number three on the LMSNA map) for another inspiring view. This overlook is a great panoramic lunch spot for large and small groups with plenty of space to sit. Turn around due north and walk the return 0.3 mile path back to the East Trail. You will pass another scenic overlook (point of interest number four on the map).   View from the top. Christine HershMake sure to take a picture at the scenic overlooks before you descend the 0.35 miles down the valley on the rocky terrain. Be careful as the rocks can slide.   The way back down is rocky -- watch your footing. Christine HershThe base of the valley reveals a pond with plenty of shade. This is another pleasant spot to stop for a lunch break, located near Primitive Campsite C. At this point, you can either take the East/West Trail 1-mile back to the parking lot or take the West Trail to add on more miles. Since you are here for the hills and not the flats, you will likely take the West Trail 2-miles through dried up creek beds and woods. Make sure to stop hiking for a minute and listen; it's quite a relaxing experience. Most of the other hikers return to the parking lot via the East/West Trail, so along the West Trail, you won't have to see or hear crowds of people (and their cell phones). After about 2-miles, you will find another 400 foot ascent (this time without a warning sign!). The grade isn't as steep as the East Trail’s climb, but it is still a challenge and is just as rocky as the descent from the previous climb. The top of the incline provides a little bench to take a breather, a snack, or a nap. The trail continues on the top of the plateau and then quickly descends into the valley via another rocky trail. In fairness, Lost Maples does not have the steepest inclines in the world, but it is a good challenge in Central Texas that is easily accessed by Austin and San Antonio locals. The park is busy during November when the maple leaves change color but is rarely traversed in the off-season. Expect to see 15-20 people in the off season throughout the hike, particularly on the West Trail. During the inclines, your thumping heart and lungs will be thankful that no one else is around to hear you panting.

The planet is crisscrossed with epic trails, from the Alps to the Andes. There are snowy summit trips for fleet-footed peak-baggers, long and leisurely rambles for wildlife lovers, and everything in between. While the options are almost infinite, here are a few epic hikes to add to that ever-expanding life list. 1. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania A post shared by Tommy Steinsland 🇳🇴 (@eventyrturer) on Feb 15, 2018 at 2:57am PST One of the planet’s Seven Summits, 19,341-foot Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain on Earth—and Africa’s loftiest peak. Despite the distinction, the glaciated summit is accessible courtesy of a number of a non-technical routes, leading climbers through five distinctly different climate zones. On the path to Uhuru Peak, trekkers traverse a lowland rainforest inhabited by colobus and blue monkeys, ascend the scrubby montane moorland of the Shira Plateau, cross hulking glaciers, and catch glimpses of the megafauna-loaded grasslands of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. At basecamp, vividly colored tents dot an unearthly moonscape, and climbers rest in the shadow of toothy 16,893-foot Mawenzi. 2. Table Mountain, South Africa A post shared by @k4me0 on Feb 15, 2018 at 12:13pm PST While the flat-topped mesa soaring above Cape Town is accessible by cable-car, the climb to the apex of 3,569-foot Table Mountain is one of the planet’s most spectacular treks—and a must-do for a visit to this dynamic city. Routes to the top of the 500 million-year-old massif treat ascending climbers to panoramic vistas of the pointed peaks of the Twelve Apostles, the azure water of Camps Bay, knobby Lion’s Head, and Cape Town’s bustling City Bowl. There are plenty of half-day routes to the mesa’s highest point, Maclear’s Beacon, including the three-hour slog through Skeleton Gorge, allowing hikers to encounter Cape dwarf chameleons, stealthy caracals, and vibrantly colored sunbirds. The climb can also be done as a multi-day trip along the Cape of Good Hope Trail or the Hoerikwaggo Trail, beginning at Cape Point. 3. Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand A post shared by Ali Brookes (@alibrookes10) on Jan 31, 2018 at 8:56pm PST Meaning "the long pathway," in Maori, New Zealand’s 1,864-mile Te Araroa Trail is the Kiwi version of America’s Appalachian Trail. Bookended by the Pacific Ocean, between Cape Regina and Bluff, the route runs through the heart of New Zealand, traversing both North and South islands and leading backpackers through a staggering diversity of landscapes: sun-drenched coastlines, subtropical rainforests, snow-dusted alpine passes, and river-braided glacial valleys. The epic trek also showcases many of New Zealand’s geological gems, including the Southern Alps, famed backdrop for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the still-active Tongariro volcano. 4. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal A post shared by Inge (@inkiepinky_) on Feb 14, 2018 at 3:40am PST Besides Everest, the most idolized Himalayan foray is Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit. The nearly 130-mile route horseshoes the Annapurna range’s sea of glaciated summits, capped by 26,545-foot Annapurna I. The high-altitude tour takes hardy trekkers through highlands terraced with rice paddies, across surging whitewater rivers, through shadowy rhododendron forests, over otherworldly mountain passes, and past Buddhist gompas and Hindu shrines. While backpackers on the circuit must tackle challenges like 17,768-foot Thorung La, the route is dotted with cozy tea houses affording creature comforts like brief but heavenly hot showers and steaming plates of dal bhat, a traditional meal of steamed rice and cooked lentil soup. 5. John Muir Trail, California A post shared by Aimee Michele (@aimventures) on Jan 29, 2018 at 7:43pm PST Named for legendary naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club, the John Muir Trail strings together two of California’s most spectacular natural wonders: the Yosemite Valley and 14,496-foot Mount Whitney, the highest point in the continental United States. Tracing the spine of the High Sierra, the 211-mile route moseys through three national parks and two federally designated wildernesses, leading hikers through a landscape of high peaks and passes, glassy alpine lakes, and sun-drenched mountain meadows. The trail skirts Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, and showcases natural wonders like the Devil’s Postpile National Monument and Evolution Basin in Kings Canyon National Park. Plus, hikers have ample opportunity to encounter black bears, mule deer, and curious marmots along the route. 6. Four Pass Loop, Colorado A post shared by hrishi Chandanpurkar (@hrishimuni) on Nov 15, 2017 at 5:27pm PST The most photographed spot in Colorado, the snow-stripped twin peaks of the Maroon Bells are best celebrated on the epic Four Pass Loop through the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness. The aptly amed 26-mile circuit begins at turquoise-toned Maroon Lake, just west of Aspen, and takes backpackers over four alpine passes each higher than 12,000 feet, across airy meadows dusted with wildflowers, through spruce forests and copses of white-barked aspen, and past backcountry waterfalls and peak-framed lakes. Besides the Maroon Bells, the Elk Mountains sampler also provides trekkers the chance to gape at a handful of celestial fourteeners, including Pyramid Peak and Snowmass Mountain. 7. Beara Way, Ireland A post shared by Sara Kiehl (@saraelise85) on Jun 16, 2017 at 11:29am PDT Ringing Ireland’s wind-pummeled Beara Peninsula, a 48-mile sliver of land bisected by the Caha and Slieve Miskish mountains, the Beara Way provides a quintessential taste of the Emerald Isle and forms part of Ireland’s longest hiking trail, the Beara-Breifne Way. The 122-mile trek cobbles together bucolic country lanes, highland tracks, and ancient roads, offering a glimpse of the peninsula’s colorful past. Following the path taken by Beara’s last chieftain, Donal Cam O’Sullivan Beare, as he fled hotly pursuing Elizabethan troops in 1603, the Beara Way takes trekkers past Neolithic and Bronze Age sites, through charming towns, and over craggy highlands. Fortunately, the lung-taxing climbs and knee-grating descents are greeted with panoramic vistas of the rugged coastline, including the shimmering waters of Bantry Bay, staging point for Theobald Wolfe Tone’s infamous but ill-fated 1786 rebellion. 8. Cotopaxi, Ecuador A post shared by Sofiane Bruneau (@sofiane_br59) on Feb 3, 2018 at 4:29am PST One of the peaks in Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes, 19,347-foot Cotopaxi soars above the high Andean páramo of Cotopaxi National Park. Although the peak is the second highest in Ecuador—and one of the loftiest active volcanoes on the planet—Cotopaxi is scalable without prior mountaineering experience. Ropes, crampons, and ice axes are required to reach the snow-capped pinnacle, but with the help of local guides (and after a quick hands-on introduction to mountaineering), the crater-pocked peak is reachable for most reasonably fit trekkers. Along the way to the summit, hikers have the chance to spot wild horses, llamas, and spectacled bears (the ursine species credited with inspiring the fictional character Paddington). 9. Inca Trail, Peru A post shared by World Nomads (@worldnomads) on Feb 15, 2018 at 7:36am PST The most celebrated trek in South America, this Andean excursion takes hikers from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, the stone-hewn urban center crafted by the Incas during the 15th century, a World Heritage site since 1983. Along the way to Machu Picchu, the 24-mile trek follows paths forged by the Incas more than 500 years ago, meandering through cloud forests studded with 300 types of orchids, over three cloud-shrouded mountain passes, and past pre-Columbian ruins. Stashed away at 7,972 feet, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is also a biodiversity hotspot, serving as an ecological corridor linking the Andes, Sacred Valley, and Amazon, and affording trekkers the opportunity to spot 370 different types of bird, including mammoth Andean condors. 10. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia A post shared by Candice (@candice_explores) on Feb 15, 2018 at 6:58am PST Soaring above other peaks in Malaysian Borneo’s Crocker Range, 13,435-foot Mount Kinabalu is the loftiest summit in Southeast Asia. Gunung Kinabalu, as the peak is known in Malay, is also the country’s first World Heritage site, a global hotspot for flora and fauna. The mountain’s ecosystems harbor more than 5,000 types of plants, over 300 species of birds, and 100 different mammals. Along the path to the granite-tipped summit, which typically takes two to three days round-trip, lush lowland rainforests give way to cloud-bathed montane and coniferous forests, providing the chance to spot orangutans, Bornean gibbons, and long-tailed Bornean Treepies. The mountain’s six different vegetation zones also support a thousand different orchids and five endemic species of carnivorous pitcher plants, including the largest on earth, Nepenthes rajah. 11. Tour du Mont Blanc, Western Europe A post shared by Pascal Heimberg (@kimbleontherun) on Jan 31, 2018 at 9:11am PST While scaling 15,781-foot Mont Blanc requires extensive mountaineering knowhow, more casual hikers can still get an eyeful of Western Europe’s loftiest summit from three different countries—France, Italy, and Switzerland—on the Tour du Mont Blanc. The 105-mile route rings the entire snow-frosted massif, traipsing over seven alpine passes, past storybook alpine hamlets, along colossal glaciers, and through wildflower-freckled meadows. Besides the spellbinding scenery, the Tour du Mont Blanc also provides a snapshot of regional culture, taking hikers through historic locales like medieval Courmayeur. Best of all, while physically taxing, the route is scattered with cozy alpine huts, affording plenty of opportunity to swap freeze-dried fare for fondue. 12. Torres del Paine Circuit, Patagonia, Chile A post shared by Patagonia Adventure Cycling (@patagoniaadventurecycling) on Feb 7, 2015 at 1:26pm PST Towering above the guanaco-grazed steppes of Chilean Patagonia, the trio of granite pillars dubbed Torres del Paine comprise one of the most iconic massifs on earth. The blue-hued granite cathedral tops out at 10,656 feet and crowns Torres del Paine National Park, a former sheep estancia declared a World Heritage site in 1978. Backpackers can gape at the granite monoliths from every angle imaginable along on a circuit trek on the national park’s non-technical trails. The more heavily trafficked ‘W’ configuration can be done in less than four days, while the more extensive ‘O’ circuit, takes about a week. Despite the rugged landscape of glaciated granite peaks, raging rivers, and iceberg-strewn alpine lakes, the Torres del Paine circuit can be done without forgoing creature comforts by cobbling together a route linking the park’s cozy refugios. 13. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii A post shared by Maxwell (@maxwellreyer) on Feb 15, 2018 at 8:14am PST Showcasing Kauai’s rugged Nā Pali Coast, where fluted mountains meld into the glistening Pacific Ocean, the Kalalau Trail is among the most spectacular coastal treks on earth. But, the 11-mile trek is no walk on the beach. Between Ke’e Beach and Kalalau Beach, the trail winds through five different valleys, across more than a half-dozen streams, and along precipitous cliff sides, including a vertiginous stretch aptly dubbed Crawler’s Ledge, for the hikers duly daunted by the 500-foot drop. Grit and determination are mandatory, but trekkers are rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Pacific and gems like the 300-foot Hanakapi’ai Waterfall. While the 22-mile out-and-back trip can be done in a day, the route is scattered with stunning camping spots, like the area near 1,400-foot Hanakoa Falls, about halfway through the trek. 14. Mount Fuji, Japan A post shared by Wouter Klijnsoon (@wouterklijnsoon) on Feb 15, 2018 at 1:42pm PST Located southwest of Tokyo, the solitary summit of 12,388-foot Mount Fuji is one of the planet’s most recognizable peaks. Dormant for just over 300 years, the snow-dusted stratovolcano has served as an artistic muse for centuries, revered as one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains. Religious pilgrims have been scaling the sacred mountain since ancient times, and the climb remains exceedingly popular. Climbing season for Mount Fuji only runs from the beginning of July to the end of August, but more than 300,000 trekkers make the approximately six-hour trip every year. While there are celestial views on the way to the summit, the trek has the distinction of being one of the few climbs on the planet that is more cultural experience than wilderness excursion. Each of the four routes to the top offers mountain huts peddling food and drinks, and there is even a post office at the summit where you can drop a postcard to a lucky recipient. 15. Sunshine Coast Trail, British Columbia A post shared by Casey Dubie Dubois (@cdubiejr) on Feb 9, 2018 at 6:06pm PST Rambling along the wild Sunshine Coast in southwest British Columbia, the Sunshine Coast Trail is a less-frequented alternative to the West Coast Trail. Built entirely by volunteers and maintained by the non-profit Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society, the 112-mile trail ambles from Desolation Sound to Saltery Bay, taking trekkers through old growth rainforests roamed by black bears, grey wolves, and cougars. Wildlife watchers also have the chance to spot the blubbery bodies of Stellar sea lions and harbor seals along coastal stretches of the trail, and the route’s highest point—4,821-foot Mount Troutbridge—is a hotspot for seafaring marbled murrelets. Best of all, the Sunshine Coast Trail is Canada’s only free hut-to-hut track, with no reservations or permits required. Written by Malee Baker Oot for RootsRated.

Across Great Smoky Mountains National Park, miles of interconnected trails meander through lush, green valleys, hug the banks of moss-laden, rocky creeks, and climb through thickets of mountain laurel and rhododendron to the blue-tinged mountain peaks. You could spend weeks backpacking through this rich landscape, but a weekend trip will also allow you to experience the best of the Smokies. To help you plan your visit, we’ve highlighted three backpacking loops that give you the Appalachian Trail, streamside and ridgeline campsites, killer views, and enough distance and elevation to satisfy your inner weekend warrior. Big Creek Loop Combining the best of frontcountry and backcountry camping, the Big Creek area on the northeastern tip of the park off I-40 offers something for every level of hiker. Tackle a 21.5-mile loop over big peaks or lower your mileage and elevation with a night at one of the sweetest creekside campsites in the park. Either way, you’ll hike the AT through some of the most scenic terrain in the Smokies. You will be in constant awe of the beauty on Big Creek Loop. Rock/Creek Roll into Big Creek Friday night to enjoy campground amenities like restrooms, dinner at a picnic table, and campsites with fire rings. You’ll be up early on Saturday to climb the Chestnut Branch Trail 2 miles to the Appalachian Trail. One of the shortest AT access points, the trail passes the remains of homesteads that pre-date the national park. Turn south on the AT and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the 0.6-mile Mt. Cammerer fire tower spur trail. At 4,928 feet, the tower overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge to the north and Mt. Sterling to the south. From the fire tower, it’s a moderate descent 2.1 miles to the Low Gap Trail. Take Low Gap 2.5 miles to campsite #37 at the Big Creek Trail junction. Right on the banks of Big Creek, you’d be hard pressed to find a more spacious backcountry site in the park. On Sunday, you can go big or go home, as they say. Going big means a hike up the Swallow Falls Trail 4 miles to the Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail. It’s another 1.4 miles and more climbing to an elevation of 5,842 feet on Mt. Sterling. Climb Sterling’s 60-foot steel fire tower for panoramic views of Cataloochee Valley, the Black Mountains, and the Southern Appalachians. Now, the downhill endurance test begins, with a 4,000-foot elevation loss over 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail. If you opt to go home, you can sleep in, savor your coffee by the campfire, and still have plenty of time to hike the moderate, 5-mile descent along Big Creek back to the campground, passing two stunning waterfalls and plenty of swimming holes along the way. Big Creek loop ends with a 4,000-foot elevation loss over 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail. virgntn2011 Big Creek Campground is open from April through October and makes a great base camp for groups by serving a wide variety of abilities and interests. On your way home, make sure you leave enough time to refuel at Carver’s Apple Orchard in Cosby, Tenn. At Carver’s you can shop for fresh produce at the farmers market, nab awesome treats at an old-time candy shop, and feast at a homestyle restaurant, where the apple fritters are not to be missed. Twentymile Loop In the southwest corner of the Smokies you’ll find a lesser-used trailhead that leads to the AT and one of the most scenic balds in the park. From this trailhead, you’ll log 17.6 miles on the way to Gregory Bald, sleeping one night on the AT and camping the other night on the bald. Start off Friday afternoon at the Twentymile Ranger Station off Highway 28 near the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. A non-technical climb takes you 4.5 miles to meet the AT at Sassafras Gap. Campsite #113, at Birch Spring Gap, is less than 1 mile north of the trail junction. If time allows late Friday or early Saturday morning, head south on the AT for 360-degree views at sunset or sunrise from the top of Shuckstack Fire Tower. The historic lookout isn’t regularly maintained, so watch your step on the 200-foot climb to the top. In the southwest corner of the Smokies you’ll find the lesser-used Twentymile Loop trailhead. Chris M Morris You’ll resume your northward journey on the AT, traveling 2 miles over Doe Knob to the next trail junction. Next, take Gregory Bald Trail west a little more than 3 miles to campsite #13 on the bald. Known for spectacular flame azalea blooms each year in mid to late June, the grassy high-elevation meadow offers stunning views of Cades Cove, Fontana Lake, and Clingmans Dome. On Sunday, make the final 6.3-mile descent to the trailhead on the wide, non-technical Wolf Ridge Trail. Refuel at Fontana Village, just over 6 miles down Highway 28, before heading home. Burgers and brews will hit the spot at Wildwood Grill, while the Mountainview Restaurant highlights seasonal produce, along with fresh, local rainbow trout. Deep Creek Loop Along Deep Creek loop you’ll pass Indian Creek Falls. Alan Cressler Enjoy the streams and waterfalls of the Deep Creek area in the south-central region of the Smokies on this 28.2-mile loop. You’ll also spend a night in an AT shelter and exit on one of the longest continuously descending trails in the Smokies. You’ve barely left the Deep Creek Ranger Station before you come across Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls. Once you pass these Instagram-worthy stops, it’s a slight uphill grade for 4 miles along the moderately rocky Deep Creek Trail to campsites 54-59. Claim a site for Friday evening (all but one are non-reservable) to enjoy the refreshing waters of Deep Creek and thickly wooded campsites. Creek crossings and easy bushwacking are on the agenda Saturday, as you hike another 4 miles to the Fork Ridge Trail. Fork Ridge ascends 5 miles to Clingmans Dome Road and the AT. A short hike north takes you to the Mount Collins shelter, where you’ll spend the night in a high-elevation spruce-fir forest and dramatically cooler, drier conditions. Enjoy the shelter amenities, like cozy bunks and a fireplace inside. Hike down from Clingmans Dome Road to start your final 11.4-mile descent. Kevin Stewart Photography The pre-dawn hike south to Clingmans Dome is highly recommended for 360 degrees of sunrise from the highest point in the Smokies. Hike 2 miles down Clingmans Dome Road to the Noland Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent. The trail slopes gently for the first 5 miles before making a steeper drop into Deep Creek, but there are few roots and rocks to slow you down. Make sure you stop to enjoy the views at Lonesome Pine Overlook along the way. After logging all those miles, nothing’s going to taste more satisfying than a meal and craft beer at The Warehouse at Nantahala Brewing Co. Wrap up your Smokies adventure on the outdoor patio in downtown Bryson City with specialties like the slow-cooked brisket noodle bowl, apple bourbon pork chops, or Bryson City Brown Ale chicken along with a flagship or seasonal draft. Written by Ann Gibson for RootsRated in partnership with OrthoCarolina.

Los Angeles. City of Angels, City of Dreams, and for the West Coast, City of Cities. Los Angeles is an old city, a new city, and a large city. Almost everyone in the United States, and the world, has an opinion about the second largest metropolis in the United States. With big names, bright stars, bright lights, and dusk-to-dawn energy, Los Angeles is a city that defies description. It is, however, more than just the Hollywood sign, Disneyland, movies, music, celebrities, and fine weather. It is is a melting pot of history, culture, and wilderness. Yes, wilderness. While LA will presumably never be primarily known for its outdoor possibilities, it does in fact have miles of stunning beaches, tons of fantastic hiking trails, and a number of high peaks that ring the Los Angeles basin. Considering the size of the city (did we mention it's the second largest metropolis in the country?) it would take much more than a weekend to explore all of its secret and well-known spots, but if you’re visiting, there’s no harm in trying to live large and see it all, just as the locals do year-round. Here’s a “best of” list that will provide a great start to experiencing all that the city has to offer. Where to Get Caffeinated Tierra Mia Cafe makes a mean Horchata Latte Ray Bouknight Above all else, Los Angeles is a town that does not sleep. From sun-up, to sun-down, the city works normal hours just like every other town in America. But, unlike every other town in America, the pace of life in Los Angeles does not slow. Since sleep is at a premium in LA, having a quality cup of coffee is a necessity for much of the city. The best thing about the coffee scene in Los Angeles is the variety. One of the more recent coffeehouses to open in Los Angeles is Go Get Em Tiger. This unconventionally-named establishment provides a hip environment where craft coffee lovers can enjoy unique spins on traditional espresso drinks and breakfast waffles. Just try pairing a Macadamia Almond Milk Latte with a Ricotta Waffle topped with fresh berries, honey, and a pinch of salt. You won't regret it. If you’re looking to try a coffeehouse that doesn't feature the standard American fare, one of the best places to start is Document Coffee Bar, which is located in the Korean section of Los Angeles. Document Coffee has perhaps the best iced coffee in the city with their signature drink, the decadent Document Cold. Document also offers a number of other great drinks, including the Document Affogato and the Document Hot Chocolate. Another great option with unique drinks and pastries is Tierra Mia Coffee. Tierra Mia has a number of locations throughout the greater Los Angeles area, and features one of the top coffee concoctions in the Los Angeles basin, the Horchata Latte—an unfathomably delicious blend of rice, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar, which pairs perfectly with a Tres Leches muffin. Finally, if you’re looking for a place to rest from the non-stop motion of Los Angeles, Bricks and Scones is the place to visit, because it has “the study.” The study is a non-talking room, dedicated to reading, writing, and well, relaxing with your scone of the day, or a cup of whatever catches your fancy. Where to Hit the Trail Exploring Griffith Park—one of the largest urban parks in America Chris Sonnen Although the song asserts that “ nobody walks in L.A .", Los Angeles is actually an area with a plethora of trails. From the beaches, to the foothills, to the city greenways, to the canyons that honeycomb the city, there are plenty of hikes that are readily accessible for walkers and hikers alike. Los Angeles also has a number of longer trails for slightly burlier hikers, which crisscross the San Gabriel Mountains to the East and the Santa Monica Mountains to the West. With over 280 days of sun yearly, the weather in the Los Angeles basin is perfect for hiking year-round. The most popular hike in the city is the iconic Hollywood Sign Hike. Comprised of three separate trails in Griffith Park—the Wonder View Trail, Hollyridge Trail, and the Brush Canyon Trail—and ranging in distance from three miles to six miles roundtrip, the Hollywood Sign Hike is a classic jaunt for obvious cinematic reasons. Across Highway 101 to the West, is LA's second most popular hike: Runyon Canyon, which has great views of the Los Angeles Basin and is a great place for people watching (famous and regular alike) on weekdays and weekends. Taking in the view of the Hollywood Sign Chris Sonnen If you're looking to get out of the city, however, the Santa Monica Mountains to the west provide a large swath of wilderness expanse along the scenic Pacific Coast. One of the best hikes here is the Cheeseboro Canyon Trail . This 4.6 mile trail can be made into a loop route, or can be done as an out-and-back as well. Either way, hikers will be treated to uninterrupted views of what Southern California must have originally looked like, replete with rolling hills and groves of coastal and valley oak. On the Eastern side of Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Mountains provide a number of wilderness opportunities. One of the more popular hikes is the Vivian Creek Trail, which over the course of 9.3 miles ascends to the summit of Southern California’s highest mountain, San Gorgonio. The most extreme hike in the San Gabriel Range is the Bridge to Nowhere, which crosses the San Gabriel River several times before arriving at the bridge itself. Constructed in 1936 as part of a planned road that was later abandoned, the bridge is now used as the only location for bungee jumping in Southern California. Hikers can either elect to jump off the bridge themselves, or simply opt to watch others risking life and limb for potential Youtube fame, before heading back to the trailhead safe and sound. Where to Go Climbing In addition to the great hiking that Los Angeles possesses, it's also home to a number of great places to climb. One of the oldest—and most historic of these places is Stoney Point Park . Stoney Point is a spot where climbing legends like Royal Robbins, Bob Kamps, and Yvon Chouinard first got their start, and it remains one of the most popular and accessible areas within the city for climbers of all ability levels with over 150 official routes. Similarly, the Devil’s Punchbowl, an area that rests on top of the San Andreas Fault to the North of the city, provides great bouldering and traditional climbing opportunities from beginner to intermediate. Along the coast, Point Dume State Beach provides some of the most stunning scenery that beginner and intermediate climbers can find anywhere. These rock walls overlook the beach and the blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean, giving climbers a stellar view as they hone their craft under the Southern California sun. Although Stoney Point and Point Dume provide excellent climbing in the Los Angeles basin, hands down the best climbing in the area can be found slightly outside of Los Angeles at the world-renowned Joshua Tree National Park. With thousands of official climbing routes, and even more unofficial bouldering routes, Joshua Tree is a destination that lives up to the hype, and it's a can’t-miss spot if you have the time to make the two-hour drive east of the city. Where to Paddle A common sight at Venice Beach Ryan Vaarsi Paddling in Los Angeles in 2015 has one meaning and one meaning only: surfing. After all, Los Angeles is one of the historic homes of surf culture world-wide. Out of all of Los Angeles’ beaches, the best locations can be found in an arc from the southwest to the northwest. Starting on the southwest end, Venice Beach provides the best locale for novices to learn. With a small, consistent break, the surfing here isn't the most challenging, but it is the friendliest location in the greater Los Angeles area. And after your lesson or introductory set, Venice Beach is a prime spot to relax and observe the bronze-skinned, beach bum locals skateboarding along the boardwalk and pasty tourists fumble in their fanny packs at one of the many beach stand restaurants. Slightly further north, Manhattan Beach provides a larger, faster break during the winter months for aspiring intermediate surfers. It's also a great spot for afternoon drinks while watching some of the more experienced surfers catch air on the larger waves. Up the coast from Manhattan is Topanga Beach. With its long, sandy beaches, Topanga provides another classic location for beginners and intermediate surfers that is buzzing day in, day out all year long. And just a little further north is one of the best breaks in Los Angeles County—Surfrider Beach in Malibu. Surfrider is an aptly named spot where professional—and aspiring professional—surfers go to test their mettle under classic Southern California conditions. Even though surfing is the reigning king in LA, all of these spots also offer sea kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and even stand up paddlesurfing, for the best of both worlds. Where to Unwind The famous Office Burger at the Father's Office Memphis CVB Los Angeles is a world-class city for food. From the chic to the bohemian, another moniker this city could add to its long list of monikers might be the "City of Unbelievably Diverse and Exceptionally Delicious Dining." (Although, something tells us this one might not stick.) With easily some of the finest restaurants on the West Coast, and a price point for everyone, there's essentially an endless supply of food and drink destinations for LA adventurers. One of the best “newer” restaurants in Los Angeles is Bestia, located on the outskirts of the downtown core of the city. With a unique industrial design, Bestia pleases both the eye and the palate with its rustic Italian style of food. While all of the meals on Bestia’s menu look good and taste good, the top three items could be the kale salad, cavatelli alla norcina, and the butter poached lobster chanterelles. And of course, saving room for dessert is essential. Bestia impresses in this arena with a homemade "Coffee & Donuts" with spiced chestnut zeppole, whipped cream, and coffee ice cream. For something a little more low-key in the Los Angeles Basin, Father’s Office is the place to go. With an impressive selection of beer on tap, a number of delectable appetizers like sweet potato fries and even sea urchin, and literally the best burger in all of Los Angeles (it was voted as such), Father's Office tops the charts for must-visit food stops in Hollywood. One word of caution for potential visitors: the restaurant does not do substitutions (the food comes as it is described on the menu), including no ketchup! But trust them; they're burger wizards! No list of Los Angeles restaurant recommendations would be complete without a “secret” location. In this case, the best “secret” is Versailles Cuban Restaurant. With four locations now, this restaurant has been serving the best Cuban food in the city for almost thirty-five years and has a famously unparalleled garlic chicken and a fantastic tres leches cake. Where to Get a Good Night’s Rest The sun sets over Dockweiler State Beach Rick Cooper Although Los Angeles is many things, it is not usually cheap or easy on the wallet. Having said that, if you plan your visit in advance, you can find a deal or two if you are, in fact, planning to sleep in the city that never rests. The cheapest alternative in the Los Angeles Basin (with the best view too) is Dockweiler State Beach. With beachfront camping and bonfires allowed, this is a popular destination for people looking to relax, save, and witness exceptional Pacific sunsets. For visitors looking for a room with an old Hollywood vibe, the Hotel Hollywood is a boutique location near the Hollywood sign as well as many other famous Hollywood sights. Finally, the current hottest destination in the city is the Ace Hotel Los Angeles, which also has reasonable rates, a great location, and a new redesign that will leave anyone feeling like a star. And the Ace also has one of the best breakfasts you'll ever have. Written by Chris Sunnen for RootsRated.