73 Hiking Trails in LA

Get those iconic photos and breathtaking panoramic views of the city by hiking to the legendary Hollywood Sign. This trail offers a rewarding experience with a clear sense of accomplishment.

Tip: Start early to catch the golden hour light and avoid crowds.

Wander through a lush, shaded canyon filled with diverse plant life. This peaceful trail is perfect for a serene nature walk and a refreshing escape from the city bustle.

Tip: This trail is known for being wheelchair-friendly, making it accessible for many.

Challenge yourself with this intense stair climb, often called LA's outdoor Stairmaster. It's a great workout with a rewarding view at the top.

Tip: Be prepared for a serious burn; your legs will definitely feel it!

Hike to a beautiful waterfall in a serene natural setting. This dog-friendly trail is a local favorite for its scenic beauty and refreshing destination.

Tip: Check trail conditions before you go, especially after rain.

Embark on an adventurous hike through the Angeles National Forest, crossing rivers and enjoying stunning mountain vistas. It's a true escape from the urban landscape.

Tip: Water shoes and neoprene socks are recommended for the river crossings.

Venture into a vast natural playground offering diverse trails with unparalleled natural settings. From coastal views to rugged canyons, there's a hike for everyone.

Tip: Many trails here offer stunning ocean views, especially at sunset.

Enjoy incredible views of Hollywood and the surrounding city from this less-crowded, dog-friendly trail. It's a short but rewarding hike.

Tip: This is a great option if you're looking for a less strenuous hike with great rewards.

Take a leisurely stroll around the reservoir for lovely views of the Hollywood Sign and the city skyline. It's a popular spot for a relaxed outdoor experience.

Tip: Ample parking is available on weekdays, and the loop is about 3.5 miles.

Discover historical significance and stunning 360-degree views of Los Angeles on this popular trail. It's a great way to combine a hike with a dose of local history.

Tip: This hike offers a great combination of views and historical interest.

Discover a variety of trails, including options to see the MASH site. This park offers a good mix of nature and accessible paths.

Tip: Be mindful of the heat and bring plenty of water.

Experience a popular LA hike known for its beautiful people, occasional celebrity sightings, and decent city views. It's a vibrant spot for a workout and people-watching.

Tip: The Vista Entrance offers a challenging route with amazing views.

Ascend to the Mount Wilson Observatory for incredible mountain views and a refreshing change of scenery. It's more of a walk than a strenuous hike.

Tip: This is a great option for those who want amazing views without a demanding hike.

Enjoy a shaded, partially paved trail that leads to historical ruins and a serene natural setting. It's a peaceful and accessible hike in Malibu.

Tip: This is a great option for a less strenuous hike with natural beauty.

Tackle this rewarding hike for stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. It's a great option for those seeking a solid day hike.

Tip: Combine this with other nearby trails for a longer adventure.

Experience a beautiful mountain loop trail offering scenic vistas. It's a great option for a moderate day hike with rewarding views.

Tip: Check for seasonal closures, as it can be affected by ski season.

Discover a beautiful waterfall tucked away in a canyon. This hike offers a refreshing natural escape and a picturesque destination.

Tip: This is a classic LA hike that's great for a refreshing outing.

Explore rolling green hills that can appear otherworldly, especially when in bloom. This park offers extensive trails for longer hikes.

Tip: You can extend your hike by connecting various trails within the park.

Opt for this more interesting hike in the area, offering good views and a more engaging trail experience than some alternatives.

Tip: This is a great alternative to Los Leones for a more varied hike.

Trek to a unique, solitary tree perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond. It's a challenging but rewarding climb.

Tip: This hike is known for its steepness, so be prepared for a workout.

Experience one of the best hikes with stunning ocean views. This trail offers a beautiful coastal perspective of the LA area.

Tip: This hike is a bit further out but offers exceptional ocean vistas.

Embark on a challenging, all-day hike to Cucamonga Peak for breathtaking views. This trail is a classic for serious hikers seeking a strenuous adventure.

Tip: Check snow conditions, especially during winter months.

Challenge yourself with a strenuous hike to Mt. Boney Peak. This trail is known for its difficulty and rewarding summit views.

Tip: This is a demanding hike, so ensure you're well-prepared.

Hike to Mt. Islip for a rewarding mountain experience. This trail offers beautiful scenery and a good workout.

Tip: Consider starting from Crystal Lake for a potentially better experience.

Embark on a longer hike to a fire lookout tower, offering expansive views. Be prepared for the extra distance due to parking limitations.

Tip: You'll need to park about 2 miles from the trailhead, adding to the total distance.

This hike requires two cars but offers a rewarding coastal experience. It's a great option for exploring the scenic Malibu coastline.

Tip: Coordinate with a friend to leave a car at the end point.

Ascend San Jacinto Peak for classic mountain views and beautiful forests. You can access it via the tramway for a shorter hike or from Idyllwild for a longer trek.

Tip: Check tramway schedules and weather conditions before planning your trip.

Combine the beauty of Icehouse Canyon with the challenge of reaching Cucamonga Peak. This route offers a stunning mountain adventure.

Tip: This is a strenuous hike, best suited for experienced hikers.

Tackle the '3 Ts' hike for a challenging trek through the mountains, offering rewarding views and a sense of accomplishment.

Tip: This is a strenuous hike that requires good physical condition.

Discover the natural beauty of Placerita Canyon, offering accessible trails and a chance to connect with nature.

Tip: This is a good option for a less strenuous nature walk.

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Charmlee Park, offering lovely trails and ocean views. It's a great spot for a relaxing hike.

Tip: This park provides a beautiful setting for a leisurely outdoor activity.

Enjoy a flat, paved path perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. It's a great option for those seeking an easy, accessible outdoor experience.

Tip: This is a good choice for a relaxed stroll without significant elevation gain.

Explore sections of the LA River Path for a unique urban nature experience. It offers a different perspective of the city.

Tip: Check specific access points and trail conditions.

Discover the beauty of Millard Canyon Falls, a lovely spot for a refreshing hike. It's a great option for a nature escape.

Tip: This is a popular spot, so consider going during off-peak hours.

Visit Franklin Canyon Park for a peaceful nature experience. The south entrance from the Beverly Hills side is currently open.

Tip: Check the current status of park entrances before your visit.

Enjoy a pleasant walk along Arroyo Seco, with flat paths and opportunities to explore habitat restoration areas. It's a great option for a relaxed nature walk.

Tip: Filter for hikes with less than 100ft of elevation gain on AllTrails for the easiest routes.

Explore the grounds of Will Rogers' former ranch, featuring flat areas, a polo field, and historical buildings. It's a lovely spot for a gentle exploration.

Tip: You can also tour the ranch house museum on certain days.

Take a famously flat and shady hike to the Brown Mountain Dam. It's an easy and pleasant walk in a natural setting.

Tip: This is a great option for a low-impact outdoor activity.

Enjoy a generally chill hike from the nature center towards the bridge, offering nice trees and river views depending on rainfall.

Tip: You won't see the main waterfall from this section, but it's a pleasant walk.

This moderate hike offers beautiful ocean views and is a popular choice for a 2-3 hour outing. It's relatively easy to navigate.

Tip: While good, some find the latter part a bit less interesting than the start.

Explore a vast network of trails in Griffith Park, offering diverse lengths, difficulty levels, and stunning 360-degree views of the city and ocean.

Tip: Parking can be challenging; consider taking a shuttle or visiting on a weekday.

Start your hike from Sierra Madre towards Mount Wilson, with options to explore 'First Water' or go further to Orchard Camp for a longer adventure.

Tip: This trail offers flexibility for different hiking durations.

Discover easily accessible trails with great city views at Kenneth Hahn Park. Drive to the top for convenient access to relatively flat terrain.

Tip: This park is ideal for those seeking great views with minimal uphill effort.

Escape to Fryman Canyon for a refreshing morning hike amidst soft sunlight and quiet trails. It's a perfect spot for a mental reset.

Tip: This canyon offers a peaceful start to your day.

Discover hidden hikes near Santa Monica and Brentwood that offer consistently stunning sunset views. It's a perfect way to end your day.

Tip: These trails are ideal for catching the vibrant colors of an LA sunset.

Experience a breathtaking sunrise on this 3.1-mile round trip hike. It's a magical way to start your day with incredible views.

Tip: Aim to start the hike 40-50 minutes before sunrise for the best experience.

Witness a vibrant display of wildflowers blooming along the trails. This area offers a beautiful and colorful natural spectacle.

Tip: Check bloom status before visiting, as it's seasonal.

Discover a hidden gem within the Santa Monica Mountains, offering a unique hiking experience with natural beauty.

Tip: This trail is part of the larger Santa Monica Mountains, offering diverse exploration.

Explore trails in the Santa Monica Mountains that lead to beautiful waterfalls, offering a refreshing and picturesque hiking destination.

Tip: Many of these trails are within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Discover hiking trails that lead to serene lakes within the Santa Monica Mountains, providing a tranquil escape and beautiful scenery.

Tip: These trails offer a peaceful contrast to the urban environment.

Reach stunning mountain vistas that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. These hikes provide a sense of elevation and expansive scenery.

Tip: Many trails in the Santa Monica Mountains lead to incredible viewpoints.

Get a unique perspective by hiking to a spot directly behind the Hollywood Sign. This trail offers an up-close and personal view of the iconic landmark.

Tip: This trail is also dog-friendly.

Park at Lake Hollywood Park for a convenient starting point to hike towards the Hollywood Sign. It offers great views and photo opportunities.

Tip: This is a popular starting point for accessing the Hollywood Sign trails.

Embark on a roughly 6-mile round trip hike to the Hollywood Sign, offering incredible views of the city, Griffith Observatory, and even the ocean on clear days.

Tip: Starting early helps you catch the best light and avoid the midday heat.

Discover a quick and easy route to get close to the Hollywood Sign for amazing pictures and views in under 15 minutes.

Tip: This route is ideal if you're short on time but want iconic photos.

Hike to the Hollywood Sign, a classic LA experience. Going around 10 am offers a good balance of daylight and manageable crowds.

Tip: Consider the time of day for the best hiking experience.

Time your hike to the Hollywood Sign for sunset to witness the city bathed in golden light. It's a truly magical experience.

Tip: This is a highly recommended time to visit for stunning photo opportunities.

Take a hike from the Mount Wilson trailhead down to 'First Water,' a charming trail spur that leads into the river canyon.

Tip: This offers a shorter, scenic option from the Mount Wilson trailhead.

Continue past 'First Water' from the Mount Wilson trailhead to reach Orchard Camp, a rewarding destination for a longer day hike.

Tip: This is a good option if you're looking for a hike of moderate length.

Explore Carbon Canyon for a pleasant hiking experience. Note that there is a small parking fee for access.

Tip: Be prepared for the $3 parking fee.

For a more challenging route in Runyon Canyon, take the West Trail. It's a safe and open trail offering amazing city views.

Tip: This trail provides a good workout with rewarding vistas.

Explore the unique geological formations at Vasquez Rocks. The natural trails are fun, and the visitor center adds to the experience.

Tip: This is a fun spot for hiking and exploring unusual landscapes.

Hike up Mount Wilson for incredible mountain views and a refreshing escape into nature. It's a classic LA hike.

Tip: This trail offers a good workout with a significant elevation gain.

Ascend to the summit of Mount Wilson for expansive views and a chance to visit the historic observatory. It's a rewarding journey.

Tip: This is more of a walk than a strenuous hike, making it accessible.

Take the tramway up San Jacinto Peak for a not-so-bad all-day hike with amazing views and beautiful forests. It's a convenient way to access the mountain.

Tip: Check tramway operating hours and ticket prices in advance.

Embark on a very long, all-day hike from Idyllwild to San Jacinto Peak for a challenging and rewarding mountain adventure with classic views.

Tip: This is a serious undertaking, requiring significant preparation and endurance.

Conquer Josephine Peak for rewarding views and a solid hiking experience. It's a great option for a day trip into the mountains.

Tip: This trail offers a good challenge and beautiful scenery.

Ascend Mt. Waterman for scenic vistas and a refreshing mountain hike. The loop trail offers a beautiful outdoor experience.

Tip: Verify trail conditions, especially during winter months.

Reach the summit of Cucamonga Peak for spectacular views. This challenging hike is a favorite among experienced hikers.

Tip: Be prepared for a strenuous climb and bring plenty of water.

Challenge yourself with the hike to Ontario Peak, offering rewarding views and a sense of accomplishment. It's a great addition to a mountain adventure.

Tip: This hike is often combined with the trek to Cucamonga Peak.

Ascend Mt. Islip for a rewarding hike with beautiful mountain scenery. It's a great option for a moderate day trip.

Tip: Consider the starting point for the best trail experience.

Discover the picturesque Switzer Falls on this popular hike. It's a refreshing destination within a beautiful canyon setting.

Tip: This is a classic LA hike, perfect for a nature escape.

Embark on the iconic hike to the Hollywood Sign for unparalleled city views and a memorable LA experience. It's a must-do for visitors.

Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and the heat.

Challenge yourself with a strenuous hike to Mt. Boney Peak, known for its demanding terrain and rewarding summit views.

Tip: Ensure you are well-prepared for a physically demanding trek.