Staff Favorites: Great Places to Hike
The Chernov Team does not just talk the talk; we walk the walk – literally. This article will introduce you to three nearby hikes that the Chernov Team staff enjoys regularly. The vast majority of the Team lives close to Studio City, thus proximity is a major consideration in our preferences. However, convenience is not the only factor that needs to be taken into account when picking your favorite places to hike. Parking, aesthetics, and environment are what truly set these hikes apart in our minds.
(1) Fryman Canyon Park – A Good “beginner” hiking trail
Don’t be dismayed by the word “beginner”, we just mean that it’s an excellent hike to get your heart rate up, without having to dedicate too much time to the exercise. This is a staff favorite for a number of reasons. A major reason is that it takes just the right amount of energy you have to give after a long day at work – in fact, there is a good chance you will see a member of the Team on the trail on any given day.
The first half of the hike itself has a manageable incline for the first half, and the reward is an incredible view of the city. The second half is a steady decline. An added benefit is the number of dogs you will see along the way. If a view of the city is not motivation enough, go for the parade of our furry four-legged friends. The hike ends a few blocks away from where you started, making it an ideal spot to get a little post-work exercise in. Directions to Fryman Canyon Park can be found here.
(2) Dixie Canyon Park – A Beautiful Place for A Jog or a Walk
This hike is particularly enjoyable during the summer when the sun beats down on people relentlessly. What makes this hike so enjoyable is that it is mostly covered in shade. Warren Beatty donated this twenty (20) acre open space preserve in 1986. The trail begins alongside a perennial stream, and the beauty does not stop there.
If you haven’t noticed already, the Chernov Team Staff happen to be big fans of puppies, and there is no shortage of them on this hike. Rumor has it that you might even observe an elderly gentleman walking his cat on a leash!
While this hike is very green and is aesthetically pleasing, it should be noted that this hike’s trails are fairly narrow and uneven – it will be a good challenge. Directions to Dixie Canyon Park can be found here.
(3) Eaton Canyon Falls Trail – You Have the Option of a Refreshing Waterfall Shower at the End
This hike is a new addition to this page, as of August 13, 2017. It is also the newest favorite hike, as of August 13, 2017. There is plenty of parking, a multitude of dogs, a completely manageable path, and ample natural beauty.
The hike takes you from the parking lot, across some relatively flat, uneventful terrain, until you get to a creek bed – this is where it gets really fun. Throughout the hike, you crisscross over the water, jumping from stone-to-stone (only if you want to, the water isn’t more than an inch high). Ultimately, you end up in front of a waterfall with a small body of water surrounding it (as usually occurs when there is a waterfall). Dip your toes in the water, it’s crisp and cool; an excellent reward for a walk well walked. If you are feeling a little adventurous, go and let the waterfall give you a shower. At least one person can vouch that it is incredibly refreshing.
The hike itself is roughly 3.5 miles round-trip, but it is well worth it. About half of the hike takes place under a canopy of leaves, so the heat shouldn’t be much of a factor. As mentioned above, this is a new staff favorite; it will be very difficult to beat! Directions to Eaton Canyon Falls Trail can be found here.