Embarking on a hiking adventure in the city and its surrounding areas, offers a perfect blend of nature exploration and urban escapades. With a plethora of trails scattered throughout the city and its environs, outdoor enthusiasts have no shortage of options to break a sweat while soaking in breathtaking vistas.
From cascading waterfalls to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, these 10 hikes in Los Angeles promise diverse rewards for those seeking to connect with nature and explore the city’s stunning landscapes.
Table Of Contents
Easy hiking trails in L.A.
Perfect for beginners and casual hikers, these trails offer scenic views without the strenuous effort. Enjoy a relaxing walk through nature while taking in L.A.’s beauty.
Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood hike isn’t just about this iconic spot, it’s a chance to explore the cool hills of Griffith Park and soak up stunning views of the city.
As you trek up, you’ll see the sign peeking out against the backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s like getting a dose of Hollywood magic while getting your hike on.
📍Location: Griffith Park parking lot
🚗 How to get there: Go to Griffith Observatory and find Mt. Hollywood Trail. From the observatory, follow signs for the Mt. Hollywood Trailhead.
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
🥾 Distance: 6 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Partially paved, rocks
🐶 Dogs allowed: On a leash.
⚠️ Be aware of: Can get very busy, there’s no shade
Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon is by far, the most popular hiking trail in the city. Located in the Hollywood Hills area, it offers stunning views of the city skyline, the Hollywood Sign, and the surrounding mountains.
The trail is known for its accessibility, as it’s located close to residential areas and is easily accessible from Hollywood and West Hollywood, providing the best views of the Hollywood sign. Runyon Canyon features a network of trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
📍Location: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
🚗 How to get there: From Hollywood Boulevard, go west on La Brea Ave. for 0.2 miles, then turn north onto North Fuller Ave. The entrance to Runyon Canyon Park is at the top of Fuller Ave.
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
🥾 Distance: 2.6 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Partially paved, dirt
🐶 Dogs allowed: On a leash with some off-leash areas
⚠️ Be aware of: Street parking may be limited, there’s almost no shade and no bathrooms. Crowded on weekends.
Seascape Trail
If you want to escape the city buzz without getting too far from home, then this is one of the best hikes innear Los Angeles that you can find.
Only 30 minutes from DTLA, the sound of the ocean and the smell of the salty air await to make you feel refreshed as you look at the beautiful views from the cliffs in Palos Verdes. The Seascape Trail in Rancho Palos Verdes is a peaceful walk along the edge of the cliffs with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
📍Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
🚗 How to get there: start your hike from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center for convenient amenities and parking.
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
🥾 Distance: 2 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Paved
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Steep drops and dangerous flora and fauna like rattlesnakes, scorpions, and poison oak.
Franklin Canyon Site Trail
Tucked into a canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains in Beverly Hills, this 605-acre park is home to a is a 3-acre lake (reservoir) and has a few trails that will let you leave the city buzz behind and connect with nature.
Beyond the plethora of wildflowers that grow here, you’ll be surrounded by shady grassland meadows, oak woodlands are found in the park, and sycamore, redwood and walnut trees, along the boundaries.
📍Location: Lake Drive & Franklin Canyon Drive, Franklin Canyon Park, CA 90210
🚗 How to get there: Take the I-10 West, then merge onto the I-405 North. Exit Mulholland Drive, turn left onto Coldwater Canyon Drive, continue onto Franklin Canyon Drive, and turn left onto Lake Drive.
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
🥾 Distance: 2 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Mostly dirt
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Uneven terrain, some sections have no shade
Eaton Canyon Falls (temporarily closed)
This is one of the best hiking trails near Los Angeles, without a doubt. The Eaton Canyon trail gives you a great outdoor getaway close to the city and a major reward at the end of the road: the Eaton Canyon Falls. But that’s not all, along the way you’ll also enjoy green trees, peaceful streams, and big cliffs, making it a scenic hike for everyone.
📍Location: Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107
🚗 How to get there: Drive northeast on the I-210 E freeway, take the Altadena Dr exit, turn left onto N Altadena Dr, and continue for about 1.5 miles until you reach the Center.
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
🥾 Distance: 3.5 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Dirt, gravel, rocks
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Large boulders near the waterfall. Crowded on weekends.
Bronson Cave
The hike to Bronson Cave, another trail in Griffith Park, is a pleasant journey through oak woodlands. Suitable for hikers of all levels, the trail offers picturesque views of Los Angeles. Fun fact? The cave is famous for being a Hollywood location in films such as Friday the 13th or Star Trek.
📍Location: 3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
🚗 How to get there: Head north on Canyon Drive from Franklin Avenue until you reach the end of the road, where vehicular traffic stops at the parking lot for “Camp Hollywoodland”.
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
🥾 Distance: 0.7 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Gravel, rocks
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Rocky sections and narrow passages. Crowded on weekends
Intermediate hiking trails in L.A.
A step up in difficulty, these trails provide a bit more challenge while still being accessible. Expect rewarding views and a good workout without being too demanding.
Sturtvenant Falls trail
The 5.3-km Chantry Flat to Sturtevant Falls trail near Sierra Madre, California, is a moderately challenging hike that takes about 1 hour and 41 minutes to complete.
Popular since the early 1900s, it offers a forested escape from Los Angeles with Santa Anita Creek alongside the path. The trailhead is easily reached from the 210 freeway, but due to its convenience and beauty, it can get very busy, best visited in the morning or on weekdays.
🟢 Difficulty: Moderate
🥾 Distance: 5.3 km
🛣️ Terrain: Forested trail with some elevation changes
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Trail can get very busy durint the weekends
Bee Rock Loop
Bee Rock is a unique Griffith Park hike trail, with some seriously stunning views of Los Angeles. The trail features mostly dirt paths with some steep sections. You might spot some animals along the way and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the city.
📍Location: Bee Rock TrlLos Angeles, CA 90027
🚗 How to get there: Start at the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round parking lot, then follow the dirt path uphill to Bee Rock.
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
🥾 Distance: Long rode 4 miles, short rode 1.3 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Dirt
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Steep sections, uneven terrain. Crowded on weekends
Switzer Falls
If you’re up for a chill day out hiking near Los Angeles, Switzer Falls Trail is the spot to hit. It’s not too difficult and the nature views are amazing. Picture yourself strolling through cool forests and crossing streams while also finding remnants of the historic Switzer-land Resort, a popular mountain retreat in the early 20th century.
The big moment? Switzer Falls, of course: an incredible waterfall that will reward your hiking efforts with refreshing views.
📍Location: 701 Angeles Crest Scenic Bywy, Tujunga, CA 91042
🚗 How to get there: Go east on the CA-2 for 10 miles from the 210 in La Cañada Flintridge. After passing Clear Creek Information Center, turn righ into the Switzer Campground and Picnic Area. You’ll reach the parking area down the road.
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
🥾 Distance: 4 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Gravel, dirt
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Slippery surfaces, water levels on the creek after heavy rain
Temescal Canyon Trail (temporarily closed)
Located in Temescal Gateway Park, this is one of the best hiking trails in Los Angeles, perfect to break a sweat and leave the city buzz behind. Your journey begins in the valley, which is the drier and more shaded side, and then ascends along the mountainside, bringing you to the side closest to the ocean.
These diverse microclimates create a varied landscape as you hike, getting amazing views of the Santa Monica mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
📍Location: Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
🚗 How to get there: drive to Temescal Gateway Park at 15601 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, and park in the designated area. Follow signs to the well-marked trailhead.
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
🥾 Distance: 3 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Dirt, rocks, gravel
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Uneven terrain, some sections have no shade
Peanut Lake Trail
This beautiful intercity hike near the Arroyo Seco will take you up a winding mountain – as you rise above the city you’ll see breathtaking views of Hollywood and DTLA!
There’s a man-made lake at the top of the mountain, as well as several seating areas surrounding the area giving you time to sit down, relax, and enjoy your surroundings. Stop by the pound for a quick fishing sesh or a picnic with a view as the air around you fills with bird sounds.
📍Location: 4235 Monterey Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90032
🚗 How to get there: Take I-10 East, then merge onto the CA-110 North. Exit at Via Marisol, turn right onto Monterey Rd, and continue straight to 4235 Monterey Rd.
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
🥾 Distance: 5.2 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Dirt and gravel
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Wildlife such as snakes or small animals, uneven terrain
Sandstone Peak Trail
This is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains at 3,111 feet, making it a classic for hiking enthusiasts in Los Angeles.
Opt for the scenic loop via the Mishe Mokwa Trail to get the best views. This route allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains, including highlights like the iconic Balanced Rock, Echo Cliffs, Split Rock, and Tri-Peaks. It’s also less steep, offering a gentler ascent compared to the direct route, providing your legs a welcome break.
📍Location: 12860-, 12896 Yerba Buena Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
🚗 How to get there: Take PCH north, turn onto Yerba Buena Road, and drive 6.5 miles to the Sandstone Peak trailhead.
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
🥾 Distance: 6 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Rocks, gravel, dirt
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Loose gravel, uneven terrain, some sections have no shade
Difficult hiking trails in L.A.
For experienced hikers, these trails feature steep climbs and rugged terrain. Get ready for an adventure with breathtaking panoramas as your reward.
Echo Mountain
If you’re looking for one of the best hikes in Los Angeles that’s also a challenging one, head to Echo Mountain Trail near Altadena. This scenic trail leads to the historic ruins of the Echo Mountain House and the famous Echo Phone, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a favorite among hikers for its combination of natural beauty and fascinating history.
📍Location: Sam Merrill Trail, Altadena, CA 91001
🚗 How to get there: Drive to the intersection of Lake Avenue and Loma Alta Drive in Altadena and park your vehicle along the nearby streets. From there, find the Sam Merrill Trailhead.
🔴 Difficulty: Difficult
🥾 Distance: 5.5 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Gravel, rocks
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Uneven terrain, steep inclines.
Cave of Munits
To reach the Cave of Munits, the El Escorpion Trail offers one of the best routes available. Initially, the trail consists mainly of dirt and remains relatively flat. However, as you ascend, you’ll gradually draw nearer to the magnificent Cave of Munits.
Renowned for both its beauty and historical significance, this cave is said to have served as the dwelling place of a highly influential shaman. According to oral tradition, the shaman’s story ends tragically, with his demise following the fateful event of slaying the son of a chief of significant political importance.
📍Location: 24501 Vanowen St, West Hills, CA 91307
🚗 How to get there: Take the 101 Freeway to exit 29 for Valley Circle Boulevard. Drive north for 3 miles to Vanowen Street, then turn left. After a short distance, you’ll see the trailhead marked by a Los Angeles City Parks sign for El Scorpion Canyon Park beside a gated dirt road.
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate – difficult
🥾 Distance: 3.2 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Dirt, rocks
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Uneven terrain, narrow passages, steep sections
Bridge to Nowhere
To hike the Bridge to Nowhere, start by getting a USDA Forest Service Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead on Camp Bonita Road in the San Gabriel Mountains above Azusa. The trail follows the San Gabriel River, requiring multiple crossings that can be tricky after rain. Originally built in 1936 to connect San Gabriel Valley with Wrightwood, the bridge was left stranded when a 1938 flood washed away the road.
📍Location: San Gabriel Mountains, near Azusa, CA
🚗 How to get there: Drive along Highway 39 (San Gabriel Canyon Road) and turn onto East Fork Road. Follow it to Camp Bonita Road, where the trailhead is located. A USDA Forest Service Adventure Pass is required for parking.
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate – challenging
🥾 Distance: 10 miles
🛣️ Terrain: Dirt trails, rocky paths, multiple river crossings
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash
⚠️ Be aware of: Strong river currents after rain, high temperatures in summer, and limited cell service