Los Angeles is full of natural wonder, and contrary to popular belief, Angelenos don't spend all their time in cars or on air conditioned reality television sets. So as part of Curbed Outdoors Week 2011, we're looking to decide once and for all on Los Angeles's greatest outdoors--the best in hikes, beaches, dog parks, and hanging out parks. Today we settle the matter of the county's best hike. Check out the choices below and cast your vote (polls will be open for 24 hours UPDATE: because of the outage, we'll keep the polls open until Wednesday evening), then nominate your beach, dog park, and hanging out park for lasting glory by emailing la@curbed.com.
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, Culver City
The hike isn't terribly difficult, but it comes in a glute-toning stair version in addition to the traditional dirt path. There's also plenty of parking, killer views of the city from angles you don't often see, and a Safdie Rabines-designed visitors center. [Image via Yelp]
Solstice Canyon, Malibu
Solstice Canyon's a moderate hike that's packed with treasures--a stone cabin from the 1800s, a house that looks like Darth Vader, and the ruins of a 1950s Paul Williams house that burned down in the eighties.
Temescal Canyon, Pacific Palisades
Temescal's one of the prettiest nature hikes around--it's got ocean views, wildflowers, native trees, waterfalls, and a creek. For a few steps more, there's also sandstone outcrop Skull Rock. [Image via Yelp]
Mt. Lowe Railway, Altadena
This one's for the rail enthusiasts. There's both a short, steep hike that goes up to the ruins of an 1890s hotel, and the much longer old railbed of the scenic Mt. Lowe Railway, which was built in the 1890s by Thaddeus S.C. Lowe.
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