Barry PhilipsLos Angeles is often associated with Hollywood, palm-lined streets, luxury shopping, beautiful beaches, and a fast-paced urban lifestyle. But beyond the city’s famous attractions is a surprisingly wild landscape filled with mountains, canyons, ridges, waterfalls, and coastal trails.
For outdoor lovers, Los Angeles is one of the most exciting cities in California for hiking.
You don’t have to travel several hours away from the city to find beautiful scenery. In many cases, a short drive can take you from a busy neighborhood to a quiet mountain trail overlooking the Pacific Ocean or the Los Angeles skyline.
The hiking options are remarkably diverse. You can take a relatively easy morning walk through Franklin Canyon, climb through the Hollywood Hills toward the famous Hollywood Sign, explore the waterfalls of the Santa Monica Mountains, or challenge yourself on a demanding mountain route such as Sandstone Peak.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a Los Angeles resident looking for a weekend adventure, a fitness enthusiast, a nature photographer, or an experienced hiker, there is a trail that can match your interests.
Here are some of the top hiking trails in Los Angeles worth putting on your outdoor adventure list.
Best Hiking Trails in Los Angeles
1. Runyon Canyon Park
If you’re looking for a hike that combines exercise, Hollywood atmosphere, and spectacular city views, Runyon Canyon Park is one of the most obvious places to begin.
Located in the Hollywood Hills, Runyon Canyon is particularly popular because it is close to some of Los Angeles’ most famous attractions. The trails provide an opportunity to get some exercise while looking out over the sprawling city.
The route includes uphill sections, so don’t assume that its popularity with casual visitors means it is effortless. Some parts can provide a surprisingly demanding workout.
Another attraction is the atmosphere. You are likely to encounter local fitness enthusiasts, walkers, tourists, and runners sharing the trail.
For visitors with limited time in Los Angeles, Runyon Canyon can be an especially convenient choice because it allows you to experience hiking without leaving the Hollywood area.
Difficulty: Moderate
Ideal for: Fitness enthusiasts, tourists and short outdoor adventures
Main attraction: Hollywood Hills and panoramic Los Angeles views
2. Griffith Park and Mount Hollywood
Griffith Park is one of the defining outdoor spaces of Los Angeles and contains a large network of trails rather than one single hiking route.
Its appeal comes partly from its location. You can hike through the hills while remaining close to some of the city’s best-known landmarks.
Routes around Mount Hollywood provide elevated views across Los Angeles, while the famous Griffith Observatory offers another reason to visit the area.
The park also provides options for different fitness levels. Some paths are relatively relaxed, while others involve significant uphill walking.
For first-time visitors, Griffith Park is one of the best places to combine hiking and sightseeing in Los Angeles.
Difficulty: Easy to challenging
Ideal for: Families, tourists, photographers and hikers of different abilities
Main attraction: Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Sign views and Los Angeles skyline
3. Hollywood Sign Hiking Trails
Few outdoor experiences in Los Angeles are more recognizable than hiking through the Hollywood Hills with the famous Hollywood Sign as your destination.
There are several routes offering different perspectives of the landmark. Some involve substantial uphill walking, making the journey itself an important part of the experience.
As you climb higher, the views across Los Angeles become increasingly impressive. On clear days, the combination of the Hollywood Sign, mountains, neighborhoods, and distant skyline creates excellent photography opportunities.
The popularity of these trails also means they can become busy. Starting earlier in the day can make the experience more comfortable.
If your goal is to experience one of the city’s most famous landmarks while getting some exercise, a Hollywood Sign hike is difficult to beat.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Ideal for: Visitors, photographers and landmark lovers
Main attraction: Hollywood Sign and Hollywood Hills views
4. Temescal Canyon Trail
For hikers who would rather look toward the Pacific Ocean than downtown Los Angeles, Temescal Canyon Trail is an excellent option.
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains near the Pacific Palisades area, the trail combines canyon scenery, hills, vegetation, and coastal views.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the hike is the changing landscape. Instead of walking through one uniform environment, hikers experience different perspectives as the trail climbs through the canyon.
The elevated sections can provide beautiful views toward the ocean and surrounding mountains.
Temescal Canyon is particularly appealing for people who want a hike that feels removed from the city while still being accessible from Los Angeles.
Difficulty: Moderate
Ideal for: Nature lovers, coastal hikers and weekend explorers
Main attraction: Canyon scenery and Pacific Ocean views
5. Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
A hike with a waterfall at the end is naturally appealing, and Eaton Canyon Falls is one of the better-known waterfall destinations in the Los Angeles area.
The route takes hikers through Eaton Canyon toward the waterfall, with rocky surroundings and changing terrain along the way.
The waterfall provides a clear destination, which makes this trail particularly attractive to families and casual hikers who prefer having a specific natural feature to explore.
Conditions can vary, particularly after changes in weather, so hikers should be prepared for uneven surfaces and potentially wet areas.
If you’re searching for waterfall hikes near Los Angeles, Eaton Canyon deserves consideration.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Ideal for: Families, beginners and waterfall enthusiasts
Main attraction: Canyon scenery and waterfall
6. Escondido Falls Trail
Located near Malibu, Escondido Falls offers another beautiful waterfall hiking experience in the Santa Monica Mountains.
The route takes hikers through a natural landscape before reaching the waterfall area. The surroundings can feel surprisingly peaceful considering how close the trail is to one of Southern California’s busiest coastal regions.
The condition of the trail can change with weather and seasons, and some sections may become slippery or muddy.
Escondido Falls is a particularly attractive choice for anyone who wants to combine a relatively manageable hike with the reward of reaching a natural landmark.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Ideal for: Casual hikers, families and nature lovers
Main attraction: Waterfall and Malibu mountain scenery
7. Los Liones Trail
Los Liones Trail is another excellent choice for anyone interested in hiking with ocean views in Los Angeles.
The trail climbs through the Santa Monica Mountains and eventually opens up to impressive views toward the Pacific.
Unlike some of the city’s more famous urban hiking destinations, Los Liones can offer a more natural and tranquil experience.
The uphill sections provide a worthwhile challenge without requiring the commitment of a full-day mountain expedition.
Clear weather can make the coastal views especially rewarding, making this a popular choice for hikers who enjoy combining physical activity with scenery.
Difficulty: Moderate
Ideal for: Coastal hikers, couples and nature enthusiasts
Main attraction: Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains
8. Wisdom Tree Trail
The Wisdom Tree is one of the more unusual destinations on the Los Angeles hiking scene.
A distinctive lone tree stands on a hill in the Hollywood Hills, creating a memorable destination and a popular photography subject.
Reaching it requires navigating a relatively steep route, so the hike can be more demanding than its short distance might suggest.
The reward is not simply the tree itself. The surrounding elevated landscape provides attractive views across the Hollywood Hills and the city.
For hikers who enjoy unusual landmarks and photography, this is one of the more interesting hikes in Los Angeles.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Ideal for: Photographers and adventurous hikers
Main attraction: Wisdom Tree and panoramic Hollywood Hills views
9. Sandstone Peak
For hikers ready to move beyond relatively easy urban trails, Sandstone Peak offers a significantly more demanding adventure.
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, the route involves elevation gain and rocky terrain before reaching the summit area.
The effort is rewarded with expansive views across the surrounding mountains and, in suitable conditions, toward the coastline.
Sandstone Peak is particularly appealing to experienced hikers who want to feel as though they have genuinely conquered a mountain rather than simply completed a short recreational walk.
Proper preparation is important, especially in warm weather.
Difficulty: Challenging
Ideal for: Experienced hikers and mountain enthusiasts
Main attraction: Summit views and rugged mountain terrain
10. Solstice Canyon Trail
Solstice Canyon stands out because it combines hiking, nature, and history.
Located near Malibu, the canyon contains scenic trails surrounded by vegetation and mountain landscapes. One of the area’s notable features is the remains of the Roberts House, giving hikers something historical to discover along the route.
The combination of natural scenery and historical interest makes Solstice Canyon suitable for visitors who want a more varied experience than simply climbing a hill.
It can also be a good option for families and casual hikers looking for a scenic outdoor outing.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Ideal for: Families, history enthusiasts and casual hikers
Main attraction: Canyon scenery and historic remains
11. Franklin Canyon Park
Not every great hike in Los Angeles needs to be difficult.
Franklin Canyon Park is an excellent example of a quieter outdoor destination where the emphasis is on nature and relaxation rather than conquering a steep mountain.
Located within the Los Angeles urban area, the park features trails, greenery, and a reservoir. The setting provides a peaceful contrast to the surrounding city.
Because of its relatively accessible routes, Franklin Canyon can be particularly suitable for beginners and families.
It is also a good choice when you simply want somewhere to walk, breathe fresh air, enjoy nature, and temporarily escape the city’s noise.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Ideal for: Beginners, families and relaxed nature walks
Main attraction: Reservoir, vegetation and peaceful surroundings
12. Malibu Creek State Park Trails
Malibu Creek State Park provides a much larger and more varied hiking experience.
The park contains mountains, open landscapes, oak woodlands, streams, and rocky terrain. Multiple routes allow visitors to choose how much of the area they want to explore.
The scenery is one of the park’s biggest attractions. Its distinctive landscapes have also been used as locations for film and television productions.
For people who want to spend several hours exploring rather than completing a short urban hike, Malibu Creek State Park is an excellent choice.
Difficulty: Easy to challenging depending on route
Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts, families, photographers and experienced hikers
Main attraction: Mountains, creeks and diverse landscapes
13. Backbone Trail
The Backbone Trail is for people who want to experience the Santa Monica Mountains on a much larger scale.
This long-distance trail passes through a variety of landscapes, providing hikers with opportunities to experience mountain terrain, ridges, vegetation, and coastal scenery.
You do not necessarily have to tackle the entire trail in one trip. Individual sections can be explored as separate hiking adventures.
The trail is best suited to people who are comfortable spending several hours outdoors and preparing properly for changing terrain and conditions.
For serious hikers, it represents one of the more substantial hiking experiences in the Los Angeles region.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Ideal for: Experienced hikers and long-distance trekkers
Main attraction: Santa Monica Mountains and coastal scenery
14. Los Angeles River Trail
The Los Angeles River offers a completely different type of outdoor experience.
Rather than climbing steep mountain trails, visitors can explore sections of the river corridor and experience the city’s urban environment from a different perspective.
This type of route can be particularly appealing to beginners, walkers, and people who prefer relatively flat outdoor activities.
It may not provide the dramatic mountain views associated with Sandstone Peak or the Hollywood Hills, but it demonstrates that enjoying nature in Los Angeles does not always require a difficult climb.
Difficulty: Easy
Ideal for: Beginners, walkers and casual outdoor enthusiasts
Main attraction: Urban nature and river scenery
15. San Vicente Mountain Trail
San Vicente Mountain provides another opportunity to explore the Santa Monica Mountains while enjoying elevated views of the Los Angeles area.
The trail is a good alternative for hikers who have already experienced some of the city’s most famous routes and want to explore a different part of the mountain landscape.
Its combination of open terrain, mountain scenery, and historical interest gives the hike additional character.
As with many LA mountain trails, hikers should prepare for sun exposure and changing conditions.
Difficulty: Moderate
Ideal for: Intermediate hikers and people seeking quieter mountain trails
Main attraction: Mountain scenery and panoramic views
Best Hiking Trails in Los Angeles for Beginners
If you’re new to hiking, don’t feel pressured to begin with a challenging mountain route.
Start with an easier trail where you can become comfortable with hiking shoes, elevation, hydration, navigation, and walking on uneven surfaces.
Franklin Canyon Park is a good choice for a relaxed introduction to nature. Los Angeles River trails can also suit people looking for relatively easy walking routes.
Parts of Griffith Park offer another option because the park contains routes with different levels of difficulty.
Once you’re comfortable, you can progress to moderate trails such as Temescal Canyon or Los Liones.
Best Los Angeles Hikes for Ocean Views
If your priority is scenery, coastal hiking should be near the top of your list.
Temescal Canyon and Los Liones are particularly attractive because they combine elevation with views toward the Pacific Ocean.
Parts of the Santa Monica Mountains also provide opportunities to see the coastline from above.
For photographers, clear mornings can produce especially impressive views.
Best Los Angeles Hikes for Families
Families should consider both distance and terrain when choosing a trail.
Franklin Canyon Park, Solstice Canyon, and easier waterfall routes can provide enjoyable outdoor experiences without requiring the physical endurance needed for a major mountain climb.
Families should always consider children’s ages, weather conditions, available shade, and how much water they will need.
Best Time to Go Hiking in Los Angeles
There isn’t one perfect hiking time for every trail, but early morning is often the safest and most comfortable choice, particularly during warmer months.
Morning temperatures tend to be lower, trails can be less crowded, and hikers have plenty of daylight ahead of them.
Spring and fall can offer particularly pleasant conditions. Winter can also be comfortable for hiking because temperatures are generally cooler.
Summer requires greater caution. Some exposed trails can become extremely hot, and dehydration can become a serious concern.
Always consider the day’s weather and current trail conditions before setting out.
What to Bring When Hiking in Los Angeles
A short hike still deserves basic preparation.
Bring:
- Plenty of drinking water
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Sunscreen
- A hat or other sun protection
- A fully charged phone
- Snacks for longer hikes
- Basic first-aid supplies
- A small backpack
- Extra water for particularly hot days
For longer or more challenging hikes, additional navigation and emergency equipment may also be appropriate.
Hiking Safety Tips
Los Angeles hiking trails can look deceptively easy from photographs. Some routes include steep slopes, loose rocks, limited shade, and significant elevation gain.
Stay on established trails and avoid taking unnecessary shortcuts.
Don’t underestimate the heat. If temperatures are high, consider hiking early in the morning or choosing a shorter, shaded route.
Also pay attention to local conditions. Wildfires, extreme weather, maintenance work, and other circumstances can affect access to hiking areas.
Most importantly, choose a trail that matches your experience and physical ability.
Los Angeles Hiking Trails Comparison Table
| Hiking Trail | Difficulty | Approx. Experience | Best Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runyon Canyon | Moderate | Short urban hike | City views | Fitness & tourists |
| Griffith Park | Easy–Challenging | Flexible | Observatory & skyline | All skill levels |
| Hollywood Sign Trails | Moderate–Challenging | Landmark hike | Hollywood Sign | Visitors & photographers |
| Temescal Canyon | Moderate | Coastal mountain hike | Ocean views | Nature lovers |
| Eaton Canyon Falls | Easy–Moderate | Waterfall hike | Waterfall | Beginners & families |
| Escondido Falls | Easy–Moderate | Scenic hike | Waterfall | Casual hikers |
| Los Liones | Moderate | Coastal climb | Pacific views | Ocean lovers |
| Wisdom Tree | Moderate–Challenging | Steep hill hike | Lone tree | Photographers |
| Sandstone Peak | Challenging | Mountain adventure | Summit | Experienced hikers |
| Solstice Canyon | Easy–Moderate | Scenic canyon walk | Historic ruins | Families & history lovers |
| Franklin Canyon | Easy–Moderate | Relaxed nature walk | Reservoir | Beginners |
| Malibu Creek | Easy–Challenging | Flexible outdoor adventure | Mountains & creek | Outdoor enthusiasts |
| Backbone Trail | Moderate–Challenging | Long-distance hike | Mountain scenery | Experienced hikers |
| Los Angeles River Trail | Easy | Flat outdoor walk | River corridor | Walkers & beginners |
| San Vicente Mountain | Moderate | Mountain hike | Panoramic scenery | Intermediate hikers |
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Conclusion
The best hiking trails in Los Angeles prove that the city has far more to offer than Hollywood attractions and urban entertainment.
From the instantly recognizable Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park to the coastal beauty of Temescal Canyon, the waterfalls of the Santa Monica Mountains, and the challenging summit of Sandstone Peak, LA provides hiking opportunities for almost every type of outdoor enthusiast.
The right trail ultimately depends on what you want from your adventure. Beginners may prefer a peaceful walk through Franklin Canyon, while visitors looking for iconic Los Angeles scenery may choose Runyon Canyon or the Hollywood Sign. Experienced hikers can take on more demanding routes in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Whatever trail you choose, preparation matters. Carry enough water, protect yourself from the sun, wear appropriate footwear, check conditions before leaving, and know your physical limits.
With its combination of mountains, canyons, waterfalls, ocean views, famous landmarks, and urban wilderness, Los Angeles is an exceptional destination for hiking.
If you’re planning an outdoor adventure in Southern California, these top hiking trails in Los Angeles are an excellent place to begin.