Every journey has to start somewhere, and for me, it began with Eagle Rock Trail — one of the most beautiful hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains.
If you’ve ever hiked it in the spring, you know exactly what I mean. The rolling green hills, the wildflowers in bloom, and the sweeping views make it feel almost otherworldly.
But what made this hike truly unforgettable? A little serendipity, a dead phone battery, and an unexpected discovery.
Hiking the Same Trail Twice (By Accident 😂)
I actually ended up hiking Eagle Rock Trail twice in a row—not because I planned to, but because my phone died halfway through the first attempt as I was filming the hike.
Classic rookie move.
So, a day later, I laced up my boots again and set out to retrace my steps — this time, making sure I had enough battery to capture the full experience. Looking back, I’m so glad it happened that way. Sometimes, a second chance lets you notice things you might have missed the first time around.
A Hidden Labyrinth & A Moment of Stillness
One of the most unexpected moments on this hike was stumbling upon a labyrinth—a carefully arranged circle of stones on top of a hill.
I didn’t mention it in my video, but finding this labyrinth felt almost magical. It was as if I was meant to see it at exactly that moment — a reminder to slow down, breathe, and trust the path I was on.
And maybe that’s one of the greatest lessons from hiking: When you take the path less traveled, you open yourself up to unexpected discoveries.
What’s Next?
Eagle Rock was just the first step in my Couch to Peaks transformation. There are many more trails ahead, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Have you ever had a hike (or an experience) that led to an unexpected discovery? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about it!
This post was adapted from a past newsletter. Want to stay updated? Subscribe to the Couch to Peaks newsletter today!
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