July 25--Lacing through the wooded hillside community of La Ca Flintridge, these equestrian trails make for serene, shaded summer walking. This one is called Flint Canyon Trail.
Start out from Woodleigh Lane, south of Foothill Boulevard, between Berkshire Avenue and Georgian Road, where the wide, dirt equestrian trail intersects the paved road. Begin walking uphill, with the concrete wash behind you.
Follow the horse path as it winds between gated estates -- some with horses stabled in their backyards -- under the shade of oak, sycamore, laurel and even redwood trees. Peeks between the shrubbery reveal tennis courts, swimming pools and elaborate playhouses.
Cross Oakwood Avenue, continue strolling and cross Commonwealth Avenue. The shade and the silence will deepen as you cross Beulah Drive and, a little farther on, Chevy Chase Drive. Watch for the horse droppings that indicate equestrian traffic, and give way to any riders you meet.
The trail narrows and begins to rise, topping out at Hampstead Road. Turn around here -- taking care down the steep section you've just climbed -- to return to the starting point.
Or if you feel like climbing on, extend this walk by including some of the Cherry Canyon trails, which begin across Hampstead.
Back at the starting point, for another extension, you may explore the eastern end of the Flint Canyon Trail by following the concrete wash downhill. The trail ends at a parking lot for the Hahamongna Watershed Park on Oak Grove Drive.
The stats
Distance: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: 2, on a scale of 1 to 5
Duration: 1 hour
Details: Ample street parking. Dogs on a leash are OK.
Fleming is the author of "Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles" and the just-published "Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles."
charles.fleming@latimes.com
