Experience

I am going to make my case for the best hike (& place) in the world. (Pictures provided)

Name: Bridge to Nowhere

Location: Outside of Las Angeles

Premise: There was a mining village in the 30s in this area and an asphalt road that went through this canyon for miles and led to an amazing bridge. Due to crazy flooding, the roads were washed out. Hence, a Bridge to Nowhere. 

First off, the view is gorgeous. You are in the shade almost the entire time, and are continually crossing the river as you make your way upstream.

Not only is the scenery stunning, but there are also lots of cool critters:

After hiking for about six miles, you come to the Bridge to Nowhere. It isn't a rickety old bridge, even though it's almost a century old. It is rather quite magestic.

Now this is usually where most hikers arrive, and then turn around and head home. But there are many side canyons that are off the beaten path you can take. You can find remnants of old miner's homes:

But there is also a secret waterfall you can find that very few people know about (so you're basically always alone there):

All in all, this is my favorite spot in the world for hiking, camping, and backpacking. Especially in the summer time when it's hot out, there are endless places to jump in and swim around to cool off, and the endless hills mere miles away from a huge city allow you to really appreciate nature in a surprising way.

Thanks for listening to my Ted Talk