Out for a Stroll: More Natural Beauty in the Los Angeles Area.

I am back in Pacific Palisades, California near Los Angeles again walking the scenic routes. I just couldn’t get enough. Back in Colorado the temperature has fallen into the thirties at night, but here it is still in the 60’s as we approach December. Pacific Palisades is a small suburb of LA that sits atop bluffs above the ocean on the East side of Pacific Highway 101.

If one wishes to take a stroll, (and many do) along this winding way through Palisades Bluffs Park, take a camera, water, hoodie or head covering, and good shoes. Up and back is only 1.1 miles through a nice residential neighborhood, but it is an uphill climb that could be challenging to some. It can also be very windy. One can walk on a residential sidewalk or street for most of it, but beware the uplifted and broken sidewalks and pavement surprising in such a high end neighborhood. The broken sidewalks could be due to landslides. A few years ago a couple of houses slid down into the canyon. These bluffs used to be easier to walk down to the beach. Now that is not recommended.

I have purchased some hiking shoes for my walks that have a huge sole and arch for support, but they are not suitable for running. There are many variations on these shoes, high tops, low tops, vibram soles, etc. I got them from the Sportsman Warehouse. I paid about $40 for my last pair at a chain store and wore the soles off them in less than four months. This time I paid more money. If you get serious about walking or hiking, you will need to get serious about shoes. A walking stick can be a big help as well and may save you from a fall.

Most fitness experts advise stretching before and even after exercise, even basic walking. I keep trying to remember to stretch, but I still end up with sore muscles. Advil takes away the pain for another walk the next day or so. ​​

At the top of the hill is a view of Malibu’s shoreline, at the bottom, Will Rogers beach with its bike path and surfers. We will save the bike path for another day. The 1.1 mile walk took me 40 minutes due to looking at the scenery. It is a truly beautiful place.

Remember the park closes at sunset and there is a heavy private security presence here. If you are in Los Angeles it is worth the drive.