The Best Day Hikes in Southern California! Longtime Los Angeles Times hiking columnist John McKinney, a.k.a. The Trailmaster, details 150 hikes and reveals how you can get the most out of your time on the trail. All you need to know about hiking in SoCal's parks, preserves and special places: San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Monica Mountains, Orange County, Ventura County and Santa Barbara, as well as the best trails along the coast, in the desert and on the islands. Save time and money and reduce your fuel costs by learning about the wide range of hiking experiences available so surprisingly close to home. The author's colorful stories and proven trail accounts will help you select-and take-a quality hike you're guranteed to like.