Los Angeles isn’t just freeways and film sets but it’s also miles of trails winding through chaparral hills and coastal bluffs. Angelenos of all stripes hit the trails before work or on weekend mornings, trading traffic for trail therapy.

This article spotlights the best hikes in Los Angeles, from easy city walks to rewarding mountain climbs that capture the city’s wild side.

TL;DR

  • Iconic: Runyon Canyon (city views), Griffith Observatory Trail (landmark + skyline), Wisdom Tree → Cahuenga Peak (Hollywood Sign back view).
  • Waterfalls: Eaton Canyon (family-friendly), Escondido Falls (seasonal flow), Solstice Canyon (ruins + creek).
  • Ocean ridges: Temescal Loop (dual ocean/canyon views), Los Liones → Parker Mesa (big bay panorama), Point Dume add-on views.
  • Peaks: Sandstone Peak (3,111 ft—highest Santa Monicas), Eagle Rock Loop (Topanga sandstone summit).
  • Urban oases: Franklin Canyon (lake loop), Kenneth Hahn (postcard skyline).
  • Pro tips: Start early, carry 1–2 L water (more for long/heat), sun protection, check parking/tide/closure notices.

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Overview

Los Angeles boasts an incredible mix of landscapes packed into one region. In a single day, you could trek a beachside bluff, meander under shady canyon sycamores, and summit a rocky peak – all within the LA area.

The Santa Monica Mountains cut across the city’s west side, offering mountain and canyon trails, while coastal paths in Malibu deliver ocean panoramas. To the east, the San Gabriel Mountains loom large, supplying forested escapes and waterfalls just outside the city.

This variety means hiking in LA feels both accessible and spectacular, with options for every age and fitness level. Beginners and families find welcoming, gentle paths (some even paved or stroller-friendly), while avid hikers challenge themselves on steep fire roads and peaks.

Photographers revel in the golden light at sunset and sweeping viewpoints over the city skyline or crashing waves. Thanks to the region’s mild climate, you can hike nearly year-round – winter brings cool, crisp days ideal for clear views, and even summer mornings are pleasant if you beat the midday heat.

In Los Angeles, nature is never far away; whether you’re seeking a casual walk or a heart-pumping ascent, the city’s trails invite you to step off the pavement and into an outdoor paradise.

Runyon Canyon Park

Runyon Canyon is the definitive Hollywood hike – equal parts scenic trail and social scene. Tucked just above Hollywood Boulevard, this 160-acre urban park offers a quick escape into the hills with unbeatable views of the LA Basin. The main loop is about 3 miles round-trip, a mix of paved path and dirt fire roads, with a few steep sections that get your heart rate up.

As you climb, you’ll pass through scrubby chaparral dotted with the occasional palm tree and catch your first glimpse of the city spreading out below. Runyon’s summit point, nicknamed Cloud’s Rest, treats hikers to a panoramic tableau – downtown’s skyscrapers, the Hollywood Sign off to the east, and on clear days even a glint of the Pacific on the horizon.

But don’t expect solitude here. Runyon Canyon is known as much for people-watching and dog-walking as for nature. Locals (and a few celebrities) come here to see and be seen, often accompanied by their off-leash pups.

The vibe is friendly and energetic – think trail runners weaving through selfie-takers, and outdoor yoga classes on the grassy lawn at the canyon’s base. It’s a wonderful introduction to LA’s hiking culture: accessible, lively, and with a payoff view that reminds you why so many dream of this city.

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Insider Tip: The earlier the better – street parking is scarce and the trail gets crowded by mid-morning, so plan a sunrise or early morning hike to beat the rush.

Griffith Observatory Trail

Griffith Park is one of the nation’s largest urban parks, and hiking up to its crown jewel, the Griffith Observatory, is a must-do LA experience. Several routes lead to the Observatory, but one beloved option starts near Fern Dell Drive in Los Feliz. This West Observatory Trail winds about 2 miles round-trip from the fern-filled canyons of Griffith Park up to the iconic white Observatory domes.

The lower trail meanders alongside a shaded stream in Fern Dell, an area lush with tropical plants and little ponds – an oasis you wouldn’t expect in arid Los Angeles. As you gain elevation, city views peek through the trees, and soon the grandeur of the Observatory comes into sight, perched on its hill like something out of a movie.

Reaching the top, you’re rewarded with a panorama that truly “rivals any in the whole city” – the entire Los Angeles basin lies before you, from downtown’s towers to the Hollywood Hills, and on clear days, the Pacific glittering in the distance. The Observatory itself provides a dramatic backdrop for photos, and you might spot the Hollywood Sign on a distant ridge behind you.

This hike is popular but feels quintessentially LA: a mix of natural beauty, famous landmarks, and families, tourists, and locals all coming together on the trail. It’s short, not too strenuous (about 500 feet of gain), and perfect for a morning adventure that ends with exploring the Observatory grounds.

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Skip the hassle of Observatory parking by starting at Fern Dell. Street parking down on Fern Dell Drive is free, and hiking up through the lush canyon is far more enjoyable than sitting in traffic on the hill.

Eaton Canyon Falls Trail

Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena, Eaton Canyon offers a family-friendly hike to a year-round waterfall – a rare treat in Southern California. This trail is about 3.5 miles round-trip with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible to novice hikers and kids. Don’t let the easy start fool you, though; Eaton Canyon packs in plenty of scenery.

The path begins at a nature center and heads into a broad, gravelly wash surrounded by sagebrush. This first stretch is exposed (so wear a hat on sunny days), but soon the trail narrows into the canyon and shade from sycamores and oak trees brings relief.

You’ll cross a lively creek several times – hopping stones or getting your boots wet depending on the season – which adds a bit of adventure for little ones (and the young at heart). After the final bend, Eaton Canyon Falls appears: a beautiful 40-foot cascade spilling down a rock face into a shallow pool. In winter and spring, especially after rains, the waterfall gushes dramatically, and you might feel its cool mist from a distance.

During drier months, it’s a gentler flow but still a picturesque reward. Weekends can be very busy here, with hikers often lining up for a photo at the falls, but the joyful atmosphere is infectious. Eaton Canyon perfectly illustrates why hiking is woven into LA life – it’s outdoor fun accessible to all, just minutes from city streets.

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This is a very popular trail, so try to visit on a weekday or early in the morning on weekends. Parking at the nature center is free and plentiful if you arrive before the crowds.

Escondido Falls Trail (Malibu)

A favorite Malibu getaway, the Escondido Canyon and Falls trail leads you through a coastal canyon to one of Southern California’s tallest waterfalls. The hike is approximately 4 miles round-trip and relatively gentle, with most of the route following a shaded, wooded canyon floor.

The adventure begins just off the Pacific Coast Highway on Winding Way – you’ll actually walk a paved private road for the first half mile, passing luxury homes and enjoying peekaboo ocean views. Once you enter Escondido Canyon Park, a dirt trail carries you under sycamores and across the creek several times (prepare to rock-hop or get your shoes wet in wetter months).

The sound of trickling water grows louder as you approach the falls. Escondido Falls is a multi-tiered cascade tumbling over mossy rocks, about 50 feet high at the lower tier. In spring, it’s a stunning curtain of water and wild greenery; by late summer, it can slow to a delicate sprinkle, but the grotto-like setting remains magical.

Adventurous hikers can scramble up a steep, sketchy path to reach the upper tiers (the highest is around 100 feet), though it’s not officially maintained – proceed with caution if you go up.

For most, the base of the lower falls is the perfect spot to relax, snap photos, and cool off before heading back. The mix of canyon scenery and the payoff of a waterfall make this trail feel like an escape to nature’s playground, just a short drive from the beach.

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Parking for Escondido Falls is only allowed in the signed lot off Pacific Coast Highway at Winding Way. Don’t be tempted to park along the residential road or you’ll be towed.

Solstice Canyon Trail

Malibu’s Solstice Canyon offers a blend of history, nature, and ocean vistas all in one hike. This can be an easy 2.6-mile out-and-back to the main sights, or a roughly 3-mile loop if you include the Rising Sun Trail for a bit of elevation.

Starting from the parking area, the trail follows a gentle paved path then a dirt road into the canyon alongside a creek. Towering oak and sycamore trees provide ample shade as you stroll, accompanied by the soothing sound of a babbling brook in the canyon bottom.

Solstice Canyon is famous for the ruins of Tropical Terrace – the remains of a mid-century modern house designed by architect Paul R. Williams. You’ll find crumbling stone walls, old fireplaces, and even rusted appliances, all slowly being reclaimed by nature. It’s a surreal and beautiful spot to explore and imagine glamorous 1950s pool parties that once took place there.

Tucked behind the house’s foundation is a small waterfall cascading into a pretty pool (flow varies with season). If you’re up for more, you can loop back via the Rising Sun Trail, which climbs up the sunny side of the canyon. It’s a steeper route with zero shade but rewards you with fantastic ocean and coastline views once you crest the ridge.

From that vantage, the Pacific spreads out like a blue canvas below. Whether you stick to the shaded canyon floor or take on the sunny switchbacks, Solstice Canyon’s mix of lush refuge and Pacific panoramas makes it one of LA’s most memorable hikes.

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Keep an eye out near the Tropical Terrace ruins – there’s a small statue of the Virgin Mary hidden in a mossy grotto nearby , a quirky relic that many hikers overlook.

Temescal Canyon Loop

For a classic Santa Monica Mountains experience without leaving city limits, Temescal Canyon delivers. Set at the edge of Pacific Palisades just off Sunset Boulevard, Temescal Gateway Park’s loop trail combines canyon ambiance with ridge-top ocean views.

The popular loop is about 2.5 to 3 miles long (depending on shortcuts) and gains roughly 800–900 feet in elevation – enough to get your legs working, but manageable within a couple of hours. The hike begins in a wooded canyon, passing a picnic area and a seasonal creek. In winter or after rain, look for a small waterfall cascading near a wooden footbridge about midway up the canyon. In dry months it may be just a trickle, but the shady glen is still a pleasant resting spot.

Soon, the trail ascends out of the canyon and onto Temescal Ridge. As you climb, chaparral shrubs line the path and views open up dramatically – turn around for an eye-popping panorama of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island on clear days. The ridge gets warm under the sun, but the sight of ocean waves and the Santa Monica coastline keeps you motivated.

At the loop’s high point, you’re treated to a dual view: one side overlooks the ocean and Palisades, the other peers deeper into the folded green canyons of the Santa Monicas. From there, the trail winds back down into Temescal Canyon, completing a satisfying circuit. With its proximity to town and variety of scenery, Temescal Canyon is an LA favorite for a quick nature fix that still feels wild.

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Parking inside Temescal Gateway Park costs around $10 (credit cards accepted), but you can often find free street parking on Sunset Blvd just outside the park entrance – just read posted signs carefully.

Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook

If you’re craving a big vista over the ocean, the trek from Los Liones trailhead up to Parker Mesa Overlook in Topanga State Park is tough to beat. This hike is about 7 miles round-trip and definitely earns its “moderate-to-strenuous” label, climbing roughly 1,300 feet.

The adventure starts at Los Liones Drive in Pacific Palisades, where a leafy tunnel of vegetation immediately swallows you up. The lower trail is a pleasantly shaded single-track, winding through dense shrubs and vines – it almost feels tropical in the spring. After about 1.5 miles, you’ll emerge onto a fire road (East Topanga Fire Road) and the hard work begins.

The next mile or two is a steady uphill grind of switchbacks and hill climbs. Take your time and enjoy intermittent viewpoints of the Pacific that peek through as you ascend higher and higher. Just when your legs start to protest, you’ll reach Parker Mesa Overlook, a broad bluff top with front-row seats to the entire Santa Monica Bay.

The view is nothing short of magnificent: a 180-degree sweep of coastline from Malibu down to Palos Verdes, with the ocean stretching to the horizon. On clear days, you can even spot Catalina Island floating offshore. A couple of well-placed benches invite you to sit and soak it all in – a perfect spot for a picnic or simply to catch your breath after the workout.

This hike really showcases LA’s coastal beauty and gives you a satisfying sense of accomplishment. The trail back is (mercifully) all downhill, with those same views leading you home.

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Bring a picnic or snacks to enjoy at Parker Mesa Overlook – there are a few benches where you can relax and savor the view after the steep climb.

Sandstone Peak (via Circle X Ranch)

For the ultimate summit experience in Los Angeles, head to Sandstone Peak – at 3,111 feet, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. This hike is a bit of a drive (out near Malibu’s western edge) and a bit of a challenge, but incredibly rewarding. The popular route is a 6-mile loop that starts from Circle X Ranch.

From the trailhead, you’ll gradually climb through chaparral and past interesting rock formations, including weathered sandstone outcrops that give the peak its name. About halfway, a side trail leads to a formation called Split Rock and a shaded picnic area – a nice rest stop before the real ascent begins.

As you continue onto the Backbone Trail and up toward the summit, views really open up. You’ll see layer upon layer of rolling green (or golden, depending on season) mountains, with the shimmer of the Pacific Ocean appearing to the south. Keep an eye out for Inspiration Point, a short spur trail that offers a stunning preview of the 360-degree views to come.

The final push to the top is steep but short. At the summit, you’ll find a plaque proclaiming “Mount Allen (Sandstone Peak), 3111 ft” and a register where you can sign your name. Take a moment to relish the accomplishment – you’re standing on the roof of the Santa Monicas! On a clear day, the panorama spans from the ocean and nearby Channel Islands, to the San Gabriel Mountains, and all of LA spread out far below.

It’s a perspective that truly puts the city in its place amid the greater landscape. Many hikers come up for sunrise or sunset to catch spectacular sky colors from the peak. Whether you tackle it in the soft morning light or golden afternoon, Sandstone Peak will show you a side of Los Angeles that few visitors imagine exists.

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Much of the Sandstone Peak loop is unshaded. Start early to beat the heat and bring plenty of water – hikers report that several miles of the trail offer “very little shade,” so hydration is a must.

Franklin Canyon Park

Tucked in the hills between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley, Franklin Canyon Park is a peaceful haven of meadowlands, oak woods, and a serene reservoir – right in the middle of the city. This 605-acre park features over five miles of trails, ranging from super easy to moderately strenuous.

A great intro is the Discovery Trail, a gentle one-mile loop around Franklin Canyon Lake (sometimes called Franklin Canyon Reservoir). This flat path circles a duck pond-like lake and is shaded by willows and pines – you’ll forget you’re in Los Angeles as turtles and ducks paddle by.

Birdwatchers love this area, and an adjacent nature center (the Sooky Goldman Nature Center) offers info on local wildlife. For those seeking a bit more exercise, the Hastain Trail climbs from the canyon up a ridge, delivering views from West L.A. all the way to the Pacific on clear days.

The contrast is striking: one moment you’re amid sycamores by a quiet pond, the next you’re gazing at the LA skyline in the distance. Franklin Canyon’s easy accessibility and mellow vibe have made it a favorite film and TV location over the years.

Walking around the upper reservoir, you might sense déjà vu – the classic opening credits of The Andy Griffith Show were filmed here, as the lake doubled as the fishing hole in the 1960s. All in all, this park is a laid-back spot to slow down, enjoy a slice of nature and maybe picnic under a tree, without straying far from city comforts.

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Movie and TV buffs, take note – the three-acre Franklin Lake was the “fishing hole” in the opening credits of The Andy Griffith Show, and the park has appeared in numerous other films and shows over the decades.

Topanga State Park – Eagle Rock Loop

Topanga State Park, spanning the highlands between the San Fernando Valley and the Pacific, offers countless trails – but the Eagle Rock Loop stands out as a quintessential LA hike. Starting at Trippet Ranch (the main park entrance near Topanga Canyon Boulevard), this roughly 4.5 to 5-mile loop takes you to a giant sandstone outcrop called Eagle Rock and back, with about 800 feet of elevation gain.

The journey begins under the cover of live oaks and chaparral on the Musch Trail, a narrow path that winds upward with occasional wooden bench stops. After about 2 miles, you’ll connect with a wide fire road that leads to Eagle Rock itself – and your first jaw-dropping vistas.

Eagle Rock is a massive, sun-bleached boulder that juts out from the ridgeline, complete with wind-carved caves and hollows you can clamber into. Scramble up the gentle backside of the rock (an easy rock scramble) and you’ll find yourself on a broad plateau atop the formation.

The view is spectacular: layers of green mountains rolling toward the ocean on one side and the sprawl of the valley on the other. Many hikers take a long break here, exploring Eagle Rock’s nooks or enjoying a picnic in one of its natural rock “chairs.” When you’ve soaked it all in, continue the loop by descending via the Musch Trail or the fire road.

The trail back meanders through a pleasant mix of shaded woodland and open hillsides. Overall, this loop is “doable for almost anyone” at a leisurely pace , and it showcases the best of Topanga – solitude, scenery, and a touch of whimsy (thanks to that awesome rock formation).

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“From the top, you can see the Pacific and it feels like you’re on top of the world.”

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

An urban oasis in south Los Angeles, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area proves you don’t have to leave the city to find nature – or great views. This 400-acre park in the Baldwin Hills is a patchwork of landscaped lawns, picnic areas, and wild hilltop trails.

A network of paths allows you to create loops of various lengths (a popular loop is around 2 to 3 miles) with only moderate elevation changes. What makes Kenneth Hahn special is its vantage point: situated smack in the middle of LA’s basin, its ridges offer some of the most sweeping skyline views around.

On a clear day, you can stand on the park’s Community Loop Trail and see downtown Los Angeles framed perfectly, with the San Gabriel Mountains rising behind the skyscrapers and the Hollywood Hills off to the side. Many an iconic postcard or Instagram shot of LA has been taken from this very hilltop. But beyond the views, Kenneth Hahn has a gentle charm.

The trails wind through native coastal sage scrub and pocket groves of eucalyptus. There’s even a small pond where ducks paddle, and the park is known for excellent bird-watching (keep your eyes peeled for hawks overhead and hummingbirds zipping among wildflowers). Benches dot the trails for enjoying the panorama or listening to the birdsong.

Given its location, the park does have some urban background noise and sights – you might notice the outline of oil pumpjacks on a distant hill or an airliner approaching LAX – but it all blends into the unique tapestry of an LA city hike.

Kenneth Hahn is beloved by locals, and you’ll often find families barbecuing, kids flying kites, and joggers on the trails, especially on weekends. It’s the kind of place where city life and natural beauty converge, showcasing LA’s diversity in a truly refreshing way.

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Weekends at Kenneth Hahn draw big crowds for birthday parties and barbecues on the lawns, whereas weekdays let you enjoy the trails and skyline views with a bit more peace.

The Wisdom Tree and Cahuenga Peak

For a hike with a dash of legend and some of the best views of the Hollywood Sign, set your sights on the Wisdom Tree and Cahuenga Peak. Tucked at the west end of Griffith Park above Burbank, this short but steep trail is an Angeleno favorite when they want a quick escape and a stunning payoff.

The hike is about 3 miles round-trip if you go from the trailhead up to the Wisdom Tree, over to Cahuenga Peak, and onward to the Hollywood Sign (Mount Lee) overlook, with roughly 800–900 feet of elevation gain overall. The initial ascent to the Wisdom Tree is the toughest part – a rugged, sometimes slippery path that gains about 700–800 feet in under a mile, so expect a calf-burner.

As you crest the ridge, you’ll find the lone pine known as the Wisdom Tree standing proud on Burbank Peak. This gnarled tree is the sole survivor of a 2007 wildfire, and it has become a symbol of resilience. Beneath its branches, an ammo box holds a trail register where hikers leave behind notes and wishes – feel free to add your own bit of wisdom or read others’ musings.

The view here is already fantastic: the San Fernando Valley spreads out to your north and the downtown LA skyline peeks from behind the Hollywood Hills to the south. Many people consider this their turnaround point (making it ~1.6 miles round-trip) , but if you have the time and energy, continue east along the ridge trail (Aileen Getty Ridge Trail) to Cahuenga Peak.

It’s a rolling path with a few rock scrambles, leading to the 1,820-foot summit of Cahuenga Peak – the highest point in Griffith Park. From here, you’re tantalizingly close to the Hollywood Sign just ahead on the next hill (Mount Lee). In fact, pressing on a bit further will bring you to a clear viewpoint directly behind the Sign’s letters, a perspective few tourists see.

Whether you stop at the Wisdom Tree, Cahuenga Peak, or the Sign, this hike gives an exhilarating feeling of being above the city and in on a local secret. Sunset is an especially magical time here, with the city lights flickering on below as you hike down. Just be sure to bring a flashlight for the return if you linger late!

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There’s no parking lot for this trail. Park legally along Lake Hollywood Drive and walk about a quarter-mile up the residential Wonder View Drive to reach the trailhead by the yellow gate.

Trail Tips and Safety

Hiking in Los Angeles is generally beginner-friendly, but it’s important to be prepared – the sun and terrain can catch the unprepared off guard. Hydration and sun protection are key.

Many LA trails offer little to no shade (as you’ve probably gathered), so always carry plenty of water (at least 1–2 liters for a short hike, more for longer or strenuous hikes) and wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Even on cooler days, the sun at midday is strong. In warmer months, plan to hike in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat.

Footwear should be sturdy – lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip will serve you well on the dusty, and sometimes steep, paths. Sandals and smooth-soled fashion sneakers won’t cut it on rocky sections or when traversing streams.

Trail etiquette is simple but important: stay on designated trails to avoid damaging sensitive plants (and to prevent getting lost). Yield right-of-way to uphill hikers and be mindful of mountain bikers or horseback riders on multi-use trails. Wildlife encounters in LA are usually limited to lizards, birds, and maybe a deer, but rattlesnakes do live here – watch where you step or place your hands, especially in rocky or brushy areas.

If you’re hiking with a dog (allowed on many trails when leashed), keep them close and away from any wildlife or poison oak. Always pack out your trash, and if a trailhead provides no trash cans (common in more remote spots), be prepared to carry your waste back with you.

Finally, consider practical logistics: many trailheads have no restrooms or water faucets. Plan accordingly by using facilities beforehand and bringing all the water you’ll need. Parking can be a challenge at popular hikes – read signs carefully to avoid tickets and respect neighborhood parking rules. A little preparation goes a long way to ensuring your LA hiking adventure is safe and enjoyable.

Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the LA sun. Even locals carry extra water and wear hats, since many trails (like Sandstone Peak or Los Liones) are completely exposed. It’s better to have that extra bottle of water than to need it and not have it!

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Poison oak is present in many of LA’s canyons. Learn to recognize its “leaves of three” (shiny green or red leaves) and avoid brushing against trailside vegetation.

Planning Your Hiking Day

One of the joys of LA’s trail network is how you can mix and match hikes to create your perfect day outdoors. If you’re an early riser looking for an easy scenic morning, start with a sunrise hike up Runyon Canyon. The soft dawn light over the city is worth the early alarm. After your hike, you can grab breakfast at a nearby café in West Hollywood and still have the whole day ahead.

For a more low-key morning, pair a short nature walk like Franklin Canyon’s Discovery Trail with a picnic by the lake – a peaceful way to recharge before an afternoon in the city.

If you want a half-day adventure, consider tackling one of the moderate loops or peaks. Temescal Canyon Loop or Eagle Rock in Topanga can each be done in 2–3 hours. Get on the trail by 8 a.m., enjoy the summit views and the ocean breeze, and you’ll be back by lunchtime.

You could even follow up with a second, easier hike if you’re feeling energetic – for example, after Eagle Rock, stop by Will Rogers State Park on your drive back and stroll the Inspiration Point trail for another dose of scenery.

Another great half-day combo is Griffith Park: hike to the Wisdom Tree and Hollywood Sign in the morning, then drive over to the Griffith Observatory for a more relaxed walk around the area (or take the short hike up Mount Hollywood for 360° views). This way you hit two iconic experiences in one go.

For a coastal weekend escape, head up to Malibu and immerse yourself in beachside trails. On Saturday, hike Solstice Canyon – its mix of shade and sun and the waterfall will ease you into the mood. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sand at nearby Zuma or Malibu Lagoon.

On Sunday, challenge yourself with Sandstone Peak. Start early, reach the highest summit by late morning, and on your way back down PCH, reward yourself with a seafood lunch overlooking the ocean.

If 6 miles at Sandstone Peak sounds like a lot, you could swap it for the shorter Escondido Falls hike to get your waterfall fix. The idea is to balance effort and relaxation: Malibu’s trails pair perfectly with beach downtime.

No matter your itinerary, always check drive times (LA traffic is real even on weekends) and trail conditions. Keep a flexible attitude – if one trailhead is full or closed, have a Plan B in mind. With so many great hikes in Los Angeles, an alternate option is never far away.

The Takeaway

Los Angeles is often defined by its glitz, grit, and endless urban landscape. Hiking here reveals an inspiring juxtaposition: creative, bustling metropolis on one side, quiet mountains and seas on the other. It’s a place where you might brainstorm a screenplay on your way up a canyon, or find serenity watching a hawk circle above the skyline.

Each trail, whether it’s a short stroll to a waterfall or a strenuous climb to a peak, offers a chance to step away from the rush and gain a new perspective. You’ll see why locals cherish these pockets of nature. It’s not just about burning calories (though your calves might remind you later); it’s about connecting with a side of Los Angeles that many visitors overlook.

The artist finds muse in a pastel sunset from Griffith Park, the stressed professional finds calm under the oaks of Franklin Canyon, and the newcomer finds a sense of home on a friendly neighborhood trail.

So next time you’re in LA, trade the Hollywood Walk of Fame for a dirt path in the hills. You’ll leave the noise behind, but bring back something far more memorable – a personal experience of Los Angeles’ great outdoors, and perhaps a bit of wisdom from that solitary tree overlooking the City of Angels.

FAQ

Q1: What’s the best beginner hike with a big payoff?
A: Griffith Observatory via Fern Dell—short, shaded start and sweeping city views at the top.

Q2: Which trail has the most reliable year-round waterfall?
A: Eaton Canyon usually flows year-round; spring after rains is strongest.

Q3: What’s the highest summit in coastal LA?
A: Sandstone Peak (3,111 ft) in the Santa Monica Mountains via Circle X Ranch.

Q4: I want ocean vistas—what should I pick?
A: Los Liones to Parker Mesa or Temescal Canyon Loop for wide Santa Monica Bay views.

Q5: Where can I avoid crowds near the city?
A: Will Rogers back trails, Franklin Canyon’s Hastain Trail on weekdays, or Topanga’s Eagle Rock early.

Q6: Are dogs allowed?
A: Many city parks allow leashed dogs (e.g., Runyon designated areas); state park rules vary—always check signage.

Q7: How much water should I bring?
A: Minimum 1–2 L for short hikes; 2–3 L for longer/exposed routes like Sandstone Peak or Los Liones.

Q8: Any safety basics?
A: Start early, wear grippy shoes, stay on trail, watch for rattlesnakes/poison oak, and respect heat advisories.