My trail runners dangle from my backpack, tied in a double-knot; I’m barefoot on my quest to hike 20 miles of the surprisingly rugged Southern California coastline from Laguna Beach to San Clemente.

An expansive view of San Diego County. A shaded and well-maintained trail. A rock shaped like a potato chip. All of this was found on this week’s hike to Mount Woodson. Located in Poway ...