Mountain, desert, and coastal environs are all only an hour or two's drive from almost any point in the Southland. Authors Jerry Schad and David Money Harris reveal 101 of the region's very best hikes, from 1-mile family strolls to challenging 20-mile treks.

This book takes the guesswork out of determining whether a particular trip is right for you. For each hike, you're given its total distance, elevation gain or loss, hiking time, highlights, difficulty rating, and whether dogs or mountain bikes are allowed, plus a full description of the route.

Here are just a few of the gems you'll discover:

• A spectacular geological showcase cradled between two faults (Hike 25)
• The ruins of a once grand Malibu mansion, now a peaceful natural park (Hike 9)
• A hidden waterfall in a desert oasis (Hike 94)
• A natural hot springs alongside a mountain stream (Hike 40)

From the Santa Monica and the San Gabriel Mountains to the Laguna Mountains and Anza-Borrego Desert, from the Torrey Pines beaches to the summit of San Jacinto Peak, it's easy to leave the urban world behind and discover the natural beauty of the Southland.