Adventure

13 Best Hikes in Los Angeles

In this town, juice and a hike is the weekend plan. Here's how to do it like a local.

March 16, 2021

They say that nobody walks in L.A., but this city sure does love to hit the trails. Angelenos are just as likely to cut a deal over a hike at Bronson as they are over cocktails downtown. Between the hills, beaches, and iconic concrete infrastructure (hey, Griffith Observatory), this is one of the best cities for getting outdoors. The Bobcat Fire has temporarily shut down a few key hikes in the Angeles National Forest (not to mention that the pandemic has caused some stringent distancing rules on the trails), but nothing keeps Southlanders from their recreation. Here are some of our favorite urban adventures, as well our preferred stops along the way, in the surrounding mountains and forests. With once-in-a-lifetime climbs, easy-to-reach ocean views, and everything in between, here are our picks for the best hikes in Los Angeles.

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Runyon Canyon Park
The vibe is oh-so-Hollywood, with shirtless model bros and blondes in yoga pants with tiny dogs. There are two hiking routes, the longer of which is a real workout. Those guys definitely earned their abs. Runyon is beyond simple to navigate. You may need to take a few breathers on the ascent, to catch your breath and to take selfies at the vantage points throughout (both are necessary). This is perfect for the traveler who doesn't want to stray far from the city for beautiful views or for a quick workout.
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Paseo Miramar
Paseo Miramar is more of a locals-only trail in the early mornings, where Westsiders come for ocean views and well-maintained fire roads, plus a serious booty burn, considering the heavy climb on the way up to the summit. The reward is one of the city’s most spectacular seaside vistas—Parker Mesa Overlook—making this 5.5-mile loop through the Pacific Palisades parkland one of L.A.’s not-to-be-missed hikes.

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Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park & Nature Center
This 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve at the base of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains has miles of trails and a 40-foot waterfall that cascades into a wide pool, which is particularly refreshing on a warm spring day. While Angelenos are known to flock to some of the more photogenic, highly trafficked hikes (looking at you Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park), this hike is a real treat, especially after a rain when the waterfalls are running. Take note: due to the pandemic, this trail currently requires a reservation.
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Castle Peak
If you're the kind of person that enjoys scrambling and bouldering, this hike just north of Calabasas is not to be missed. This land was a sacred place for the Chumash Native Americans—you'll see why once you see the interior of Castle Rock, which gives the hike its name. Inside, you'll find yourself in an upward-facing cave with crags and crevices perfect for gripping as you scale the interior. Even before you're at the top, though, you'll get great views of the rollings hills of the San Fernando Valley. Note that this one is for a relatively confident climber—getting up the chimney requires steady footing.

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Mount Baldy
This mountain trail (the highest point in L.A. County) is for the seasoned SoCal hiker who wants to challenge themselves. At 10,068 feet, Mount Baldy is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains. The hike itself is about 6.5 miles long and climbs 2,300 feet, but you can also shave off four miles by doing a "cheat" and taking a chair lift. Even if you don't take it up you'll probably want to take the lift down, unless you're feeling particularly ambitious. The mountain gets its name from the absence of trees at the top—it's a surreal sub-alpine sight. You'll want to soak it all in at Devil's Backbone, where you'll feel like you're hiking atop a stegosaurus' spine, with sheer drops on each side.
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Switzer Falls
This is definitely one of the more popular waterfall hikes in L.A., so don't expect isolation. But what it lacks in solitude it makes up for in beautiful scenery—stream crossings of the Arroyo Seco, chaparral forest, and of course the lower falls. If you can, avoid the weekends and the thick crowds. On the trail, don’t miss the ruins of Switzer Trail Camp, started in 1884 by Commodore Perry Switzer, a Pasadena carpenter. It was a camping resort that was part of a network of mountain resorts throughout Angeles National Forest, and hikers would often through-hike from one to another. Think of it as California’s Camino de Santiago.

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Bridge To Nowhere
This 10-mile hike across rivers and canyons offers spectacular sightseeing and adventuring, as well as river crossings that can be a welcome refresher in the summer heat. If you're an adrenaline junkie, you can hike up with an outfitter to go bungee jumping off the bridge at the summit. You'll need to pay for a wilderness pass to hike the trails, and hikers should take note that during winter months, they are prone to flash flooding, which can be quite dangerous. Just be sure to take stock of weather, and consider your options. If you're hiking in the summer be sure to carry plenty of water, as the hike is long and remote.
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Griffith Observatory
This is actually a network of little trails in Griffith Park around the iconic observatory, including one three-mile hike (the Mt. Hollywood Trail) that takes you as close to the Hollywood sign as you can get. The locals love the observatory-adjacent trails just as much as the tourists do: You'll see lots of families, dogs, and people going to check out the caves, canyons, and vistas along the way. It's always worth it to take a post-hike visit to the Griffith Observatory, an Art Deco marvel that is one of the most visited observatories in the world for a reason. Its exhibit halls (one of which houses a rare, electricity-pulsing Tesla coil), photogenic views of the Hollywood sign, planetarium, and 12-inch Zeiss telescope bring visitors in droves.

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Inspiration Point Trail
This cruisey hike in Will Rogers State Historic Park is easy enough for all ages, and at just two miles long with minimal climbs, it's a great way to dip in for a bit of exercise no matter your fitness level. Don't miss Will Rogers' ranch home, a 31-room abode complete with stables, corrals, a riding ring, roping arena, a polo field, and a small golf course where his Hollywood friends would pal around back in the day. Tours are available; just make sure you check on availability before you go. Do note: If you are looking for complete solitude this is not the place, as it can get crowded often.
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Rock Pool & Century Lake Trails
There are lots of hikes in the mountains above Malibu, and this 4.4-mile jaunt is perfect for an adventurous hiker eager to get back to nature without having to load up the SUV for a weekend out in backcountry. Don't miss out on what was the former M*A*S*H set at around the 2.5 mile marker. Also, don't turn back early. You'll miss out on a dip at the Rock Pool, which also has some decent holds for climbing (the Rock Pool was also a location in the 1968 Planet of the Apes film). There are a few turns to take throughout this hike, so we recommend downloading GPS track points to avoid adding too much to your trail time.

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Bronson Caves
The hike to the Hollywood sign is one of the most iconic walks in L.A. It's a gradual 6.5 miles of moderate, dog-friendly trails with a couple of fun detours and a photogenic payoff. A quick turn near the beginning of the hike will also take you to the Bronson Cave, a.k.a. the Batcave, where Adam West's Batmobile drove out during the opening credits of his campy version of the show. Besides being a famous hike in town, it's also incredibly easy to access, just off a wide residential street, which means if you're looking for a solo experience with peace, quiet, and unadulterated views this may not be for you.
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Escondido Falls
This mellow Malibu hike meanders through sage, chaparral, and ancient oaks that lead to a waterfall. The falls are a must-see in the winter if there's been a decent rain, but even if it hasn't rained in a while and the falls aren't flowing, it's a lovely four-mile walk. There's a single track, making it easy to navigate. Budget about two hours for an easy, scenic walk at a constant but moderate pace.

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Temescal Canyon
Temescal Canyon inside Topanga State Park is a wooded canyon with spectacular views of the ocean, all within a quick loop that doesn't require an entire day of hiking. It is also the route to Skull Rock, an appropriately named formation worth exploring for geology geeks. If you're the kind of person that's bothered by hikers wearing yoga pants and tapping on cell phones, the beginning of the hike might turn you off. But push on and you'll be handsomely rewarded with epic views.