By

Best Places to hike in Los Angeles, California

There’s no need to leave Los Angeles to enjoy a good hike! Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or an easy nature walk, the city has something to offer hikers of all levels. Los Angeles is home to a variety of hiking trails, from the well-known Griffith Park to lesser-known gems like Runyon Canyon. No matter where you hike, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful weather and stunning views that Los Angeles has to offer.

If you’re willing to go for a quick drive to find a good hiking spot, there are plenty of great trails to explore in the surrounding area. To make the most of your experience, make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and bring the necessary equipment and clothing. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to have a great hike in Los Angeles and ten good hiking trails to explore!

10 Hiking Trails in and around Los Angeles

1. Hollywood Sign Trail

Length of Trail: 6 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Phone: (323) 258-4338

The Hollywood sign trail is one of the most popular trails in Los Angeles. The trailhead begins at the end of Canyon Drive. The first part of the hike is a gradual incline as you make your way up to the Hollywood Sign. Once you reach the top, there are amazing views of downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding mountains. If you’re looking for a challenge, you can continue on the trail to the top of Mount Lee. The Hollywood sign trail is a great option for all levels of hikers because it can be as easy or difficult as you make it.

2. Glendale Peak

Length of Trail: 3.5 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 2715 N Vermont Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Glendale Peak is one of the most popular trails in Los Angeles. The trail has been used in movies and TV shows as a stand-in for other, more remote locations. The views from the top are stunning, and on a clear day, you can see downtown LA. The trail is relatively short and not too strenuous, making it a great choice for a quick hike or an afternoon stroll. However, you’ll still need to bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the sun can be quite intense.

3. Runyon Canyon

Length of Trail: 1.8 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Phone: (818) 243-1145

Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular hiking trails in Los Angeles. It is a moderate to difficult hike with an elevation gain of 400 feet. The trail is dog-friendly — as long as they are leashed — and there are several water fountains along the way. There are also amazing views of the Hollywood Sign and Downtown Los Angeles. If you want to spend your day hiking and then relaxing, there is a grassy area at the top of the trail where you can picnic or sunbathe. Make sure to bring sunscreen and water!

4. Mount Hollywood Trail

Length of Trail: 5 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 2800 E Observatory Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (323) 913-4688

Mount Hollywood trail is one of the most popular trails in Griffith Park. The trail provides a great workout with amazing views of Los Angeles. The hike is moderate to strenuous with some rocky and uneven terrain. There are also a few steep sections. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. However, you can spend the day with friends and family and make a day trip out of it! Mount Hollywood is a great place to hike and enjoy the views of Los Angeles.

5. Elysian Park West Loop Trail

Length of Trail: About 2.5 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 929 Academy Road, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 485-5054

The Elysian Park West Loop Trail is one of the most popular trails in Elysian Park. This is because the trail is one of the easiest to hike and has some of the most incredible views of Downtown Los Angeles. The trail is also great for bird watching as many different species can be seen along the way. Make sure to bring your camera!

6. Griffith Park

Length of Trail: 3 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (323) 644-2050

The Wisdom Tree, Cahuenga Peak, and Mount Lee Summit Loop are some of the most popular trails in Los Angeles. The Wisdom Tree is an old fire lookout tower that has been turned into a summit. There are some great views from the top of the hill. The Cahuenga Peak is also a great place to see the city. The Mount Lee Summit is the highest point in Los Angeles and has some of the best views of the city. Therefore, you won’t be disappointed with this hike. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks and don’t leave your trash behind.

7. Mandeville Canyon Trail

Length of Trail: 7.1 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 2660 N. Westridge Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 836-1040

The Mandeville Canyon Trail is located in the wealthy Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood. The trailhead begins at the end of Mandeville Canyon Road and there is a small parking lot. The first part of the hike is flat as you follow a fire road. After about a mile, you’ll come to a fork in the road. Take the left fork to continue on the fire road or take the right fork for a steeper single-track trail. The fire road is the easier option and both trails will lead you to a beautiful canyon with rock formations and a stream. There are several places to stop and rest along the way.

This is a popular trail, so it can be crowded on weekends. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. Remember to bring water and snacks for the hike. Also, don’t forget to take lots of pictures!

8. Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail

Length of Trail: 5 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 8401 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90046

The Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail is a great place to hike if you’re looking for stunning views of Los Angeles. The trail is located on Mulholland Drive, which is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It is about five miles long and takes about three hours to complete. The trail is free to use, and there is no need to make a reservation. You’ll want to bring your camera along, as the views from the trail are simply incredible.

If you’re looking for a challenging hike, the Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail is worth checking out. The trail is relatively steep in places, but the views are more than worth it. You’ll get to see some of Los Angeles’s most famous landmarks, including the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. The Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail is a great option for anyone looking to get some fresh air and exercise while taking in the sights of Los Angeles.

9. Innsdale Trail and Mt. Lee Drive

Length of Trail: 4.3 miles
Cost: Free
Location: Innsdale Trl, Los Angeles, CA 90068

This particular trail offers a different route to the famous Hollywood sign. The Innsdale Trail is a bit longer than some of the other trails on this list, but it’s still manageable for most people. There are some areas where inexperienced hikers might struggle, but overall it’s a pretty easy trail. You just have to be prepared for a bit of a workout.

The Innsdale Trail starts at the Innsdale Recreation Center and winds its way up to Mt. Lee Drive. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. You’ll be able to see the Hollywood Sign from various points along the trail, and there are also some great views of the cityscape. The Innsdale Trail is a great option for those who want to get a good workout and see some amazing views of Los Angeles.

10. Veterans Park Trail

Length of Trail: 2.2-mile loop
Cost: Free
Location: 13000 Sayre St. Sylmar, CA 91342
Phone: (818) 833-7550

The Veteran’s Park Trail is a great place to hike if you want to get away from the city for a little while. The trail is located in the San Fernando Valley and offers amazing views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The trail is also relatively easy, making it perfect for beginners or those who want to take a leisurely hike. Those who are looking for a challenge can extend their hike by taking one of the many side trails that branch off from the main path. Just make sure to stay on the marked trails and not venture into off-limits areas.

A Guide to Hiking in or Near Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a huge city with plenty to do and see, but sometimes you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle and surround yourself with nature. Hiking is the perfect way to do that, and there are plenty of great hiking trails in and around Los Angeles to explore. But before you venture out on any hikes, it’s important to be prepared with the proper clothing and equipment, as well as some basic knowledge of hiking safety. Here are a few things to keep in mind when hiking.

Wear Comfortable, Broken-in Shoes
Of course, hiking is going to involve a lot of walking, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes that won’t give you blisters or cause any other problems. It’s also important to make sure your shoes have good support and will protect your feet and ankles from rocks and other obstacles. Choose shoes that are specifically designed for hiking, rather than running shoes or other types of sneakers.

Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks
When you’re hiking, you’ll be exerting yourself and losing a lot of water through sweat, so it’s important to stay hydrated by bringing plenty of water with you. It’s also a good idea to bring some snacks with you in case you start to feel hungry. Make sure to pack light so you don’t get too tired carrying everything with you.

Dress in Layers
Even if it’s not cold out, it’s a good idea to dress in layers when hiking. This way, you can easily take off or put on layers as needed to keep yourself comfortable. Start with a base layer of moisture-wicking material, then add a middle layer for insulation, and finally a waterproof outer layer in case you run into any rain or snow.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the most important safety tips for hiking is to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means keeping an eye out for obstacles like rocks and tree roots, as well as being aware of any potentially dangerous animals that may be in the area. If you’re hiking in a group, make sure everyone is staying together so no one gets lost.

Know Your Limits
Hiking can be challenging, even for experienced hikers, so it’s important to know your limits and hike within your abilities. If you’re not used to hiking long distances, start with shorter trails and work your way up. If you start to feel tired or sore, take a break and rest before continuing.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable hike in Los Angeles. There are plenty of great trails to explore, so get out there and start adventuring!

Recap
Hiking in Los Angeles is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. There are many different trails to choose from, so you can find one that suits your level of fitness and interest. Hiking is also a great way to explore the city and see some of its beautiful scenery. If you want to hike in Los Angeles, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. You should also be aware of the city’s ordinances regarding dogs on trails. Hiking with a friend or family member is always a good idea, as it can make the experience more enjoyable and safe. Los Angeles has many great hiking trails, so get out there and explore!