All-Time Best
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park
LA's most popular urban hike offers stunning views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown skyline, and Pacific Ocean. Multiple trail options cater to all fitness levels, and dogs are welcome off-leash.
Highlights
- Hollywood Sign views
- Off-leash dog area
- Multiple trail options
- Celebrity sightings
Griffith Park Trails
Griffith Park Trails
The largest urban wilderness in the US features over 50 miles of trails through chaparral-covered hills. Highlights include the iconic Hollywood Sign approach and Griffith Observatory views.
Highlights
- Hollywood Sign trail
- Griffith Observatory
- 50+ miles of trails
- Free parking areas
Mount Hollywood Trail
Mount Hollywood Trail
A moderate 5-mile round trip hike to the summit of Mount Hollywood, offering 360-degree views of LA, the Hollywood Sign, and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.
Highlights
- 360-degree views
- Hollywood Sign close-up
- Griffith Observatory start
- Sunrise/sunset popular
Temescal Gateway Park
Temescal Gateway Park
A shaded canyon trail leading to Temescal Peak with ocean views. The 4-mile loop passes through oak woodlands, waterfall areas (seasonal), and offers respite from LA's urban heat.
Highlights
- Ocean views
- Shaded canyon trail
- Seasonal waterfall
- Conference center start
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
A family-friendly 3.5-mile round trip hike to a beautiful 40-foot waterfall in the San Gabriel Mountains foothills. The trail follows a seasonal stream through a scenic canyon.
Highlights
- 40-foot waterfall
- Nature center
- Family-friendly
- Stream crossings
Mount Wilson Trail
Mount Wilson Trail
A challenging 14-mile round trip climb to Mount Wilson Observatory at 5,710 feet. Historic trail used since the early 1900s, offering incredible views and access to the famous astronomical observatory.
Highlights
- Mount Wilson Observatory
- Historic trail
- 5,710 ft summit
- LA basin views
Escondido Falls Trail
Escondido Falls Trail
Hike to the tallest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains at 150 feet (seasonal). The 3.8-mile round trip trail passes through Malibu's beautiful canyons and coastal sage scrub.
Highlights
- 150-foot waterfall
- Santa Monica Mountains
- Scenic canyon
- Best after rain
Solstice Canyon Trail
Solstice Canyon Trail
An easy 3-mile loop through Malibu's lush Solstice Canyon to historic ruins and a small waterfall. Excellent for families and those seeking a more relaxed nature experience.
Highlights
- Historic ruins
- Tropical vegetation
- Small waterfall
- Easy terrain
Bridge to Nowhere
Bridge to Nowhere
An adventurous 10-mile round trip hike through the San Gabriel Mountains to a 120-foot concrete bridge stranded in the wilderness. Multiple stream crossings add to the adventure.
Highlights
- Historic abandoned bridge
- Bungee jumping option
- Stream crossings
- Wilderness experience
Topanga State Park Loop
Topanga State Park Loop
Explore 36 miles of trails in the world's largest wildland within city limits. The park offers ocean views, oak woodlands, and connections to the backbone of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Highlights
- Largest urban wildland
- Ocean views
- 36 miles of trails
- Oak woodlands
Best of 2026
Griffith Park Trails
Griffith Park Trails
The largest urban wilderness in the US features over 50 miles of trails through chaparral-covered hills. Highlights include the iconic Hollywood Sign approach and Griffith Observatory views.
Highlights
- Hollywood Sign trail
- Griffith Observatory
- 50+ miles of trails
- Free parking areas
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park
LA's most popular urban hike offers stunning views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown skyline, and Pacific Ocean. Multiple trail options cater to all fitness levels, and dogs are welcome off-leash.
Highlights
- Hollywood Sign views
- Off-leash dog area
- Multiple trail options
- Celebrity sightings
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
A family-friendly 3.5-mile round trip hike to a beautiful 40-foot waterfall in the San Gabriel Mountains foothills. The trail follows a seasonal stream through a scenic canyon.
Highlights
- 40-foot waterfall
- Nature center
- Family-friendly
- Stream crossings
Spring Hikes
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
Witness California's state flower in full bloom across rolling hillsides of orange poppies. The 8-mile trail system offers easy walking through one of nature's most spectacular spring displays.
Highlights
- California poppies
- Peak bloom March-May
- Easy trails
- Photography paradise
Eaton Canyon Falls Spring Flow
Eaton Canyon Falls Spring Flow
Visit Eaton Canyon when spring rains create a powerful waterfall cascade. The trail is at its greenest and the 40-foot falls are most impressive during this season.
Highlights
- Peak waterfall flow
- Lush vegetation
- Comfortable temperatures
- Wildflowers blooming
Summer Hikes
Mount San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) via Devil's Backbone
Mount San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) via Devil's Backbone
Tackle SoCal's highest peak at 10,064 feet where summer temperatures are pleasant. The Devil's Backbone trail offers dramatic ridge walking with spectacular views in all directions.
Highlights
- 10,064 ft summit
- Cool mountain air
- Dramatic ridgeline
- Ski lift shortcut option
Runyon Canyon Sunrise Hike
Runyon Canyon Sunrise Hike
Beat the summer heat with an early morning hike at Runyon Canyon. Watch the sunrise over LA while temperatures are still cool, and enjoy the park before crowds arrive.
Highlights
- Stunning sunrise
- Beat the heat
- Fewer crowds
- Cool morning air
Fall Hikes
Mount Wilson Fall Colors
Mount Wilson Fall Colors
Hike to Mount Wilson Observatory in fall when the trail is lined with golden big-leaf maples and black oaks. Cooler temperatures make this challenging climb more enjoyable.
Highlights
- Fall foliage
- Cooler temperatures
- Clear views
- Observatory visit
Temescal Canyon Fall Hike
Temescal Canyon Fall Hike
Enjoy ideal hiking weather in Temescal Canyon with comfortable temperatures and clear ocean views. Fall brings stunning golden light perfect for photography.
Highlights
- Perfect temperatures
- Golden hour light
- Clear views
- Less crowded
Winter Hikes
Griffith Park Winter Walks
Griffith Park Winter Walks
Winter brings snow-capped mountain backdrops and the clearest air of the year to Griffith Park. Enjoy comfortable hiking temperatures and dramatic views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Highlights
- Clearest air quality
- Snow-capped mountains
- Comfortable temperatures
- Fewer crowds
Escondido Falls After Rain
Escondido Falls After Rain
Winter rains transform Escondido Falls into a thundering 150-foot cascade. This is the best time to see Malibu's tallest waterfall at its most impressive.
Highlights
- Peak waterfall flow
- Dramatic scenery
- Green hillsides
- Best viewing season
Frequently Asked Questions
Runyon Canyon offers short, manageable loops with great views. Solstice Canyon in Malibu is flat and family-friendly. Eaton Canyon is an easy walk to a waterfall. Griffith Park has gentle trails near the observatory. These trails require no special equipment and have well-marked paths perfect for newcomers to hiking.
Most LA hiking trails don't require permits. However, some trailheads require Adventure Pass parking ($5/day or $30/year) in Angeles National Forest. The Bridge to Nowhere area needs a free wilderness permit. Some popular trails like Mount Baldy may require reservations on busy weekends. State parks charge day-use fees ($3-12).
Essential items include plenty of water (at least 1 liter per hour in summer), sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), snacks, and sturdy footwear. Cell phone for emergencies and trail apps are helpful. In summer, start early to avoid heat. Winter hikers should bring layers as temperatures vary. Always check trail conditions before heading out.
Late fall through spring (October-May) offers the best hiking weather with comfortable temperatures and clearer air. Spring brings wildflowers and flowing waterfalls. Summer hiking is possible but requires early starts to beat the heat. Winter offers the clearest views with snow-capped mountain backdrops, though some high-altitude trails may be snowy.
Runyon Canyon is famous for off-leash dog hiking. Griffith Park allows leashed dogs on most trails. However, many state and national park trails prohibit dogs entirely, including Eaton Canyon beyond the nature center and most Santa Monica Mountains trails. Always check specific trail regulations before bringing your pet.