Cotton Candy Skies
Tag: naturelover
Sunset at Laguna Beach, CA
Night sky
California Sunset
Shabarum Park Walk — Sandals, Trails, and SoCal Energy
Shabarum Park in Rowland Heights isn’t just another hillside trail — it’s a slice of SoCal life. I went in sandals, expecting a quiet walk, but the park had its own rhythm.
The trails give you clean views and that warm sun that makes every step feel lighter. But what really stood out? The people. Walkers looping the paths, families out together, and even dance classes happening. Music, choreography, laughter — it turned a simple hike into a community scene.
This short video captures the vibe: sandals on dirt, ridge lines, and the unexpected energy of Shabarum Park.
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Sunset
California Sunset
Sunrise Hike at Long Canyon & Sunrise Trail Loop – Simi Valley, CA
There’s something different about starting a hike before the world wakes up.
This weekend I tackled the Long Canyon & Sunrise Trail Loop in Simi Valley, California — and caught golden hour lighting up Ventura County from the ridgeline. No crowds. No noise. Just quiet steps in the dark and a sunrise that made the early alarm worth it.
Trail Overview
Trail: Long Canyon & Sunrise Trail Loop Location: Simi Valley, Ventura County, CA Distance: ~3.7 miles Elevation Gain: ~800 feet Difficulty: Moderate Best Time: Sunrise (especially spring & fall for cooler temps)
AllTrails link:
This loop climbs steadily but never feels overwhelming. It’s a great “win the morning” type of hike — enough incline to earn the views without being brutal.
The first stretch through Long Canyon is calm and wide open. As you gain elevation toward Sunrise Trail, the horizon slowly begins to glow. That transition from deep blue to orange is the reason to wake up early.
If you’re planning this as a sunrise hike:
Arrive 30–40 minutes before official sunrise Bring a headlamp Check weather for marine layer or fog
The Views at the Top
As the sun cleared the hills, the entire valley lit up in layers of gold and shadow.
From the ridge, you get sweeping views of:
Rolling Ventura County hills Rocky outcrops and canyon folds Open sky that feels endless at golden hour
It’s one of those simple but powerful Southern California hikes — not flashy, just peaceful and expansive.
Why This Hike Is Worth It
What makes this loop special isn’t extreme elevation or famous landmarks — it’s the timing.
Catching sunrise here transforms a moderate local trail into something cinematic. The soft light, long shadows, and quiet atmosphere create a completely different experience compared to mid-day hiking.
If you’re looking for:
A peaceful morning reset A moderate workout Golden hour photography An underrated Ventura County trail
This one checks the boxes.
Watch the Full Sunrise Hiking Video
I filmed the entire hike in cinematic style — no talking, just nature and sunrise energy.
👉 Watch the full video here:
Short Sunrise Reel
For a quick highlight version of the hike:
📍 Instagram Reel:
Photo Highlights
Tips for Hiking Long Canyon & Sunrise Trail Loop
Go early to avoid heat Bring water (very exposed trail) Wear good traction shoes — some loose gravel sections Check conditions on AllTrails before heading out
Final Thoughts
There’s something powerful about earning a sunrise.
No crowds. No distractions. Just movement, elevation, and light breaking over the hills.
Long Canyon & Sunrise Trail Loop in Simi Valley might not be the most famous hike in Southern California — but at sunrise, it feels like it should be.
More sunrise hikes coming soon.
Trail Canyon Falls Hike
This waterfall hike involved rope descents, water crossings, steep climbs, and careful footing just to reach the waterfall tucked deep along the route.
The hike started with several water crossings and an uneven trail that immediately set the tone. As the path narrowed, ropes were required to safely descend toward the waterfall. The combination of loose terrain, wet rocks, and exposure made this section more technical than expected.
Reaching the waterfall was worth every step. After spending time at the base, the route continued upward and around the rocks to reach the top of the waterfall, offering impressive views and a different perspective of the surrounding landscape. The climb back up required focus and patience, especially on slick surfaces.
The return hike looped back through additional water crossings and rugged terrain, making this a full-body adventure rather than a casual walk. This hike is best suited for experienced hikers who are comfortable with uneven ground, ropes, and changing trail conditions.
The entire hike was filmed on GoPro to capture the real trail experience from start to finish, including the more technical sections that don’t always show up in photos. If you enjoy hidden waterfall hikes, rugged trails, and true outdoor adventure, this route delivers.
Sunset/ Timelapse
