December is a great time to visit Southern California, a time of year where the temperature is mild and you can still enjoy numerous outdoor activities when you can't in many other parts of the country. You can also enjoy cold-weather sports such as skiing in the mountains during the morning before heading to the beach in the afternoon.
If you are interested in getting out on the slopes, visit Big Bear Lake, a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. There are two resorts in the complex: the family-friendly Snow Summit for skiing and boarding and "The Park," which features an "All Mountain Terrain Freestyle Park" with pipes, ledges and jumps. Big Bear isn't limited to skiers and snowboarders. People interested in snowshoeing, sledding, downhill tubing and horseback riding can also enjoy the area. There are numerous trails for cross country skiers and people with off-road vehicles. Big Bear is about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles with altitudes that reach 9,000 feet.
If you are a hiking enthusiast, there are numerous trails in the region where you can take advantage of the weather. If you are looking for a long hike, consider doing part of the 70-mile Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains. It gets its name because the knobby volcanic ridges look like vertebrate. The trail offers views of the ocean as well as taking you through areas of scrub land and oak woodland. For shorter hikes, consider Bear Canyon Trail and Red Rock Canyon, both in Orange County. These trails will take you through some of the unique canyons in the area.
If you are a runner, the Over The Hill Track Club 50K Ultra and 30K races are held in Ridgecrest in early December. The races go over the California desert, allowing you to see areas that may be too hot during other parts of the year. According to the race's website, even those afraid of snakes can participate because all of the rattlesnakes are hiding for the season. The race takes you over jeep trails where you get views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The race begins at 7 a.m., but there is an earlier start for those who may need extra time.
