Although Los Angeles is a paradise for nature lovers, this doesn’t mean our options are limited to the beach, tide pools, and waterfalls. For those who love shade in the summer and autumn landscapes with orange leaves during the colder months, these spots offer the perfect opportunity for camping and watching meteor showers. Let’s explore the best forests around Los Angeles perfect for hiking and soak in the views!
1. Griffith Observatory
No, this is not a forest per se, but it’s actually IN the city. Griffith Park, a lush haven tucked in the heart of Los Angeles, is home to shaded redwood oases. The Fern Dell Nature Trail, less than a mile long, follows a babbling stream surrounded by tall coast redwoods and vibrant greenery.
Just a short distance away, Cedar Grove offers a quieter, hidden gem with picnic tables, benches, and an optional hike up to Vista View Point. From there, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of DTLA, Hollywood, and the Griffith Observatory.
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 6 miles
⛰️ Elevation: 384-1,821 feet
2. Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Enjoy a refreshing forest bath under the towering redwoods on a 2-mile loop in Orange County. Brea’s Carbon Canyon Regional Park is home to Southern California’s largest coastal redwood grove, with 241 trees reaching nearly 100 feet tall. Planted in the 1970s, this peaceful forest offers a cooling escape and a serene sensory experience.
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 35 miles
⛰️ Elevation: 59-1,269 feet
3. Elysian Park
Once again, no: this isn’t exactly a forest, but its location more than makes up for it. Elysian Park is not only an iconic spot in the city, but also the perfect place for a picnic afternoon or an outdoor date. The 2.5-mile West Loop features eucalyptus trees, towering palms, the hidden succulent gems of Marian Harlow Memorial Grove, and the Elysian Park Arboretum.
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 3.5 miles
4. Descanso Gardens Ancient Forest
Descanso Gardens’ Ancient Forest offers a lush escape filled with prehistoric plants that date back to the age of dinosaurs. Home to some of the oldest plant species on Earth, like cycads, this hidden gem lets visitors glimpse flora that has remained unchanged for millions of years. It’s the perfect spot to stroll, meditate, or simply take a break from the city noise while immersing yourself in a slice of ancient natural history.
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 13 miles
5. Angeles National Forest
Just a short drive from Los Angeles, Angeles National Forest offers over 700,000 acres of stunning natural landscapes perfect for hiking, camping, and exploring. With diverse wildlife, peaceful streams, and panoramic mountain views, this forest is an ideal escape for outdoor lovers!
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 15 miles
⛰️ Elevation: 1,200–10,064 feet
6. Santa Anita Canyon
Santa Anita Canyon is a favorite outdoor destination near Los Angeles, known for its shaded trails, flowing creeks, and lush scenery. It’s also home to Sturtevant Falls, a stunning 50-foot waterfall that rewards hikers with its tranquil beauty. The canyon’s well-maintained paths make it perfect for a relaxing walk, with plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 20 miles
⛰️ Elevation: 1,400 feet
7. Wildwood Canyon State Park
Coast live oaks are a true symbol of Southern California’s landscape. While they’re abundant in popular spots like the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park, and Angeles National Forest, you can enjoy a quieter stroll through a lesser-known forest on the 2.25-mile trail at Yucaipa’s Wildwood Canyon State Park. If you’re lucky, you might also get the chance to see wild animals in their natural habitat!
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 75 miles
⛰️ Elevation: 347-1,742 feet
8. Heaps Peak Arboretum
Located just a short drive from Lake Arrowhead, this 1-mile loop trail offers big restorative rewards in a compact space. The trail features the Ann Henck Stewart Memorial Sequoia Grove, a rare sight in Southern California, planted in the 1930s.
Along the way, you’ll encounter Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, white fir, black oak, incense cedars, and Coulter pines, known for having the largest cones in the world (check out the educational display for a closer look). It’s also a perfect running trail, with breathtaking views to enjoy throughout.
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 84 miles
⛰️ Elevation: 62 feet
9. Escondido Falls
The Malibu section of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers plenty of beautiful bark, and Escondido Falls is a standout. This 3.75-mile out-and-back trail starts with a scenic drive along PCH and a paved ascent through beach-view homes. Once you reach the canyon, you’ll walk among sycamores, willows, and oaks, ending at a stunning woodland grotto with 50-foot falls.
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 48 miles
⛰️ Elevation: 550 feet
10. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers a lush escape just outside Los Angeles, featuring oak woodlands, sycamore groves, and coastal sage scrub. Hikers can spot vibrant wildflowers like California poppies in spring, while mule deer and red-tailed hawks are common year-round. The park is also home to coyotes, bobcats, and even mountain lions, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 18 miles
⛰️ Elevation: 3,111 feet