HAPPIEST TRAILS

Residents Share Their Favorites

The winter solstice occurred on December 21, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. We say goodbye to short days and look forward to the extra hours of sunlight ahead in the new year as the air has become crisp and clear. Despite the colder temperatures, this is the time of year the local landscape begins to be blanketed in green grasses from the rains. Traveling on a horse path during the winter solstice can be a unique experience. One rewarding trail can be entered next to 5330 or 5658 Jed Smith Roads.

The Jed Smith North South Trail is wide and well-worn, making it easy to navigate especially for those with little experience hiking or riding. Winding for about a mile through beautiful scenery, it offers plenty of opportunities to admire surrounding nature and backyards with a few exits along the way. The lack of leaves on trees allows for better views to spot wildlife that may not be as visible during other times of the year.

The quiet route offers a relaxed pace at the beginning and ends with a strenuous 30-40 percent grade to the peak of Jacob Hamblin Road in the middle. This can be especially appealing for those who want a contrasting experience of a flat trail to enjoy while pushing themselves physically to the top of an incline. One courtesy to keep in mind when hiking on a horse path is to be respectful of other animals and their riders. Be sure to yield to horses on the trail and give them plenty of space to pass. Additionally, be mindful of mud and horse manure on the trails as it can cause anything from a minor inconvenience to a large injury.

Picking up after your dog is an important responsibility for pet owners whether on the streets or trails. Failing to do so breaks Los Angeles County Code 10.40.066 Waste Removal in addition to having negative impacts on the environment. Dog waste can harbor harmful bacteria and parasites that spread illness to humans and other animals. To prevent these issues, it is important to always carry a bag when walking your dogs and dispose of the waste in conveniently placed trash cans on corners and at trail openings throughout the city. It is just as important to properly throw away dog poop as it is to pick it up. This simple act helps keep our community clean and healthy for everyone to enjoy.