It’s only July, but L.A.’s heat is already pushing more mercury than a tuna salesman.
You can’t spend all that time in front of an AC unit or submerged in water (you’ll prune!).
So consider a merciful summer hike cooled by sea breeze and plenty of shady trailside groves.
Here’s one that checks both boxes. It’s under two hours, and ends near a new restaurant plating brunch all day long.
Plus: the best T-shirt for hiking in the heat — you’ll need it.
Oliver’s Apparel: Convoy Tee
A black wool tee might not be the first thing you’d reach for when setting out on summer hike, especially when it’s 90 degrees. But we did and were surprised by its comfort. Olivers’ 100 percent merino is more breathable than synthetic and cotton tees, it wicks sweat like a champ and dries in minutes.
Topanga State Park: Santa Ynez Trail
The Santa Ynez trail at Topanga State Park descends a mile or so down into a shady grove of oak trees. You start in the parking lot and follow the fire road, veering left up the hill until you hit a single-track trail entrance. Then it’s all the way downhill until you reach the dry riverbed. The hike back is all uphill. Go early to spare yourself from peak heat, and pack lots of water, sunscreen and maybe a snack.
Time: 90 minutes
Mileage: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
20828 Entrada Rd (map)
Brunch: Topanga Table
The porch at Topanga Table seems to beckon a breeze, even on a blisteringly hot day. It’s shielded from the sun and still gives the feeling of being high up in the hills. The food is fresh, and we’d recommend getting the breakfast burrito, which is kept flavorful and light courtesy of eggs, sauteed kale, onions and gruyère.
1861 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. (map)
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