GREAT HIKES: Valentine Hikes:

Want to celebrate with your Valentine in a really different way? Take a walk on the wild side.There are a slew of great trails right here in town with charming panoramic canyon overhangs, sweeping views and romantic bubbling streams.In fact, I met my wife on a hike. That is, I was hiking up Westridge’s obscure Wire Break Two and she was admiring the view when our group emerged from the out-of-nowhere trail. It was 8 p.m., she looked a little hungry and the rest is history. We’ll be taking our one-year old son up to the spot when he’s old enough to understand the story.With just a little help, you can discover your own romantic trek. Here’re a few special suggestions to stir the heart:•Rustic Canyon: The east end of Will Rogers Park, this little trail is the most dense and tropical canyon floor hike in all of Los Angeles. A year around stream babbles along and you can only see the sky when it peeks through the leafy canopy. This little hike is an escapist’s dream, about as close to Kauai as you can get a few minutes north of Sunset Boulevard. • Will Rogers Inspiration Point: It’s not much of a hike but what a view! In just a few minutes, you’ll be sitting on a wooden bench with all of Los Angeles at your feet, including a glorious coastline perspective. Ideal for any level of skill.•Temescal to Rivas Canyon: If you can handle 30 minutes of well groomed, uphill switchbacks, this fairyland hike traverses a beautiful view trail of the Pacific and then winds down into the verdant Rivas Canyon. This is one of my favorite hikes, and provides a terrific sense of how our trail system connects.•The Temescal Waterfall Loop: Probably one of the most popular hikes on the Westside, it’s easy to get to, difficult to get lost on and loaded with picturesque views. The little waterfall, about midway up is a treat, albeit a small one. The bridge is worth the effort alone.These are just a few of the great romantic adventures waiting for you. Feel free to let me know about your favorite.Fearless readers interested in free Monday and Wednesday night hikes should call Scott Regberg at (310) 475-5735.