There's no better place to enjoy the season's subtle winter landscape than the Santa Monica Mountains. Throughout December, Mountains Restoration Trust offers guided hikes through the tranquil and lush Cold Creek Preserve:

(Saturday, December 8, 9:00 a.m.) Second Saturday Walk in Cold Creek Preserve. Enjoy a leisurely interpretive 2-mile walk through the winter landscape. Bring water and a snack. Meet at the lower gate to the Preserve located 1.2 miles up Stunt Road from Mulholland Highway in Calabasas. Approximately 3 hours. Reservations required. For more information and reservations, call (818) 591-1701.

(Sunday, December 16, 10:00 a.m.) Cold Creek Canyon Preserve, Easing into Winter. Savor subtle landscape changes as winter moves into chaparral canyon woodlands in the pristine preserve. Meet at the lower gate to the Preserve located 1.2 miles up Stunt Road from Mulholland Highway in Calabasas. Approximately 2.5 hours. Tour is led by Cold Creek Docents. Reservations required. For more information and reservations, call (818) 591-1701.

(Sunday, December 23, 3:15 p.m.) Cold Creek Preserve,Moonrise/ Sunset Stroll. Enjoy views of distant mountain ranges, rugged sandstone outcroppings, the sweep of Santa Monica Bay and the unspoiled beauty of Cold Creek Preserve from the Topanga Lookout site. Bring supper, water and a 'goodie' to share. Meet at the top of Stunt Road. Approximately three hours.

( Tuesday, December 25, 10:00 am) Annual Holiday Toyon Trek Join the Sierra Club on a Christmas Day hike through Cold Creek Canyon Preserve. The Toyon Trek is an easy-paced 6-mile, 1200' gain loop. Bring water, lunch, goodies to share. Rain cancels. Meet at Lower Stunt High Trailhead. For more information, please call (310) 822-6848

The Mountains Restoration Trust preserves, protects and enhances public enjoyment of the Santa Monica Mountains through land acquisition, restoration, research, education and recreation. Headwater Corners Interpretive Center offers youth and adult recreational, educational and volunteer programs. MRT is located at 3815 Old Topanga Canyon Road, Calabasas. Call (818) 591-1701 or visit www.mountainstrust.org.