This year has completely changed how I approach the outdoors. I used to spend my weekends hiking in the backcountry, climbing or skydiving with friends. I enjoyed the challenge and the risk-reward of learning new skills in a higher stakes environment. That was pre-COVID-19.

Recently I visited a local park by the beach with my best friend. Although it wasn't a super technical hike or a climbing weekend at Joshua Tree, it was such a surprisingly wonderful way to spend our afternoon. I’ll be honest, once I started doing big missions in the mountains a few years ago, I lost appreciation for chill local outdoor activities that didn’t require expensive technical gear. Looking back, I think my internal bias prevented me from enjoying so many different experiences in nature like visiting a local park and sitting on a picnic blanket with your best friend.

I made a pretty intentional shift in priorities when COVID-19 hit, when there was still a lot of uncertainty in my mind about what was safe to do, and when many folks around me had resumed their normal activities. I found myself spending a lot of mental energy going back and forth: is it safe to go skydiving? Who will I potentially be putting at risk? Am I being overdramatic about this? Everyone else seems to think it’s fine…

This June, I decided once and for all that, because of the potential unknowns of the pandemic, and because I’d spent the last 4 years prioritizing my life outside, I’d take this season off of skydiving to refocus on other things I really care about. That included taking the next step in my career and working on meaningful projects. It’s been very rewarding so far but—as many of us have been privileged to experience this year!—sitting at a computer for 10+ hours a day has been tiring in its own special way; I’m less patient, more agitated, and less understanding.

The pandemic also inspired me to look for accessible green spaces in the city, when a big adventure is out of reach for one reason or another. I also want to share information and ideas for outings with folks who are just beginning their nature journey, starting with a local park close to home in LA.

About the park

For folks in the LA area who are just getting into the outdoors, the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is a great place to start. It's tucked between La Cienega and La Brea, two major thoroughfares that run through much of the city. The park is located across the street from an oil field and along the flight path of LAX. This place is really a great respite from the hustle and bustle of living in the city, and, as far as parks in the middle of the city go, this one is expansive at 338 acres.

The park has five miles of trails, picnic areas, a fishing lake, small waterfalls, and tons of open grass that's perfect for picnicking. There's also a disc golf course (read: massive grassy area) which is beautiful! The trails house a large native coastal sage scrub habitat, a familiar sight for most people who have explored trails near the beach in southern California, and would definitely be gorgeous in the winter after some decent rainfall.

If you're looking for a hike, there are a number of trip reports for the Olympic Forest trail online that go more in-depth. In short, it's a 2.5 mile–long trail that has some really great views of LA and the Santa Monicas. I wasn’t sure what the physical distancing situation on the trail has been like, so this time, I opted to stay in the main area of the park which has more than enough space to facilitate social distancing. I enjoyed a 45-minute leisurely jaunt with my puppy, Nugget, from the fishing lake, to the open grassy area, around a number of picnic tables, then back through the other grassy half of the park.

We’ve had massive heat waves in LA this summer, so the plants are a bit dry this time of year. To make up for it, there are a number of lovely water features in addition to the fishing lake and lotus pond. The running water sounds from the human-made creeks and waterfalls provided a much-needed escape before I went back home to work that evening.

Logistics

Masks and physical distancing are required at the park! I went on a weekday and there was ample room to socially distance in the main park area, although I hear weekends can get busy. It might also be difficult to physically distance on the narrower trails. Finally, no group gatherings are allowed for now. There were a few large groups at the park when I went, but don't be that person. Please!

Dogs are allowed on leash, and this is such a great spot to take a walk with your pup. Every dog I saw was on a leash, which was amazing for keeping my leash reactive puppy under threshold while we were there. I'm really grateful for this, but this may not be the case when the park is busier.

There are several parking lots locatedin different areas of the park when you enter from La Cienega, and there was ample parking on my weekday visit. There's also a shuttle that costs $0.25 to ride and runs every 20 minutes, which would probably be a good option for busier weekends.

The Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is such a wonderful spot to get outside in the middle of the city. Its easily-accessed trails, green spaces, and water features make for a quick and simple adventure that’s perfect for families, first-time hikers, city dwellers, and—if you’re like me—adventurers who have shifted their priorities for the weekend or even the next year.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

Admission: free

Parking: free on weekdays, $6 on weekends

Address: 4100 South La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90056

Shuttle information on the Los Angeles Public Works website.

Hours and additional information available on the Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation website.