Hiking in Los Angeles: LA's Best Trails
Getting acquainted with the variety of hiking in Los Angeles is the perfect way to discover why LA is the ideal place to get outside. Most of the hikes listed here are easy to moderate, so it’s not necessary to be an experienced hiker to enjoy them. However, it’s always wise to keep a few things in mind when you’re planning an excursion. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, carry plenty of drinking water, use sunscreen and wear sunglasses. Take along a camera, make sure you stay on the trails and have fun.
Heart-of-Hollywood Hike
Trail: Runyon Canyon Loop
Distance: About 3 miles round-trip
Special Feature: The views at Cloud’s Rest, the off-leash policy for dogs and the occasional celebrity sighting
Getting There: From Hollywood Boulevard, head north on Fuller Avenue. Park at the end of Fuller and enter the well-marked park. Take the trail to the right and complete the loop counterclockwise.
By no means is this hike a wilderness experience, so if you’re looking for solitude, you might want to try other trails. On the other hand, this is a great hike for people-watching, and it gives beginning hikers a chance to check out the Hollywood Hills and the amazing views at the trail summit, known as Cloud’s Rest. Whether you’re wearing the latest hiking gear or just sneakers and sun hats, this is a fun hike highlighted by million dollar mansions and priceless views of the Hollywood sign, the Sunset Strip and the LA Basin.
Topanga State Park Trek
Trail: Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook
Distance: About 7 miles round-trip
Special Feature: The magnificent views at Parker Mesa Overlook
Getting There: The hike begins in Pacific Palisades at the end of Los Liones Drive, just north of Sunset Boulevard. Leave the car in the parking lot at the end of the street. From there, follow the trail up to East Topanga Fire Road and follow that to the turnoff for the Parker Mesa Overlook.
Switchbacks and steep hill climbs characterize the first two miles of this hike. With an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet, it's definitely a tougher climb. But you can find your reward as you gaze out from a vantage point atop the bluff. Enjoy a picnic lunch or relax on a bench while taking in the overlook.
Griffith Park Trails
Trail: Griffith Observatory West Trail Loop
Distance: About 2.5 miles
Special Feature: Views of Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign and the LA Basin
Getting There: The hike starts at the Fern Dell picnic area near Los Feliz Boulevard. You can pick up the trail near the creek past the restrooms. Stay to the right and head uphill toward the Griffith Observatory. You’ll be able to stop and enjoy views of the city along the way. As the path flattens out, you’ll see a trail to the right leading up to the observatory. On the way back, stay right all the way down the hill. The trail will curve around a bit and then take you back to the Fern Dell picnic area.
Trail: Brush Canyon Trail
Distance: About 2 miles
Special Feature: Peace and quiet, as well as spectacular views near Mount Hollywood Drive
Getting There: You can park in the lot on Canyon Drive, located just past Bronson Park. From there, head uphill past the gate and pick up the trail on the fire road heading toward the Pacific Electric quarry. You’ll pass a park and a picnic area and then climb out of the canyon. After about 3/4 of a mile, the trail intersects with the Mulholland Trail. Follow the trail to the right and continue another 1/4 mile to Mount Hollywood Drive. To get back, follow the same route, taking a left at the Mulholland Trail junction.
Will Rogers State Park Trek
Trail: Rustic Canyon Loop/Inspiration Point Trail
Distance: About 6 miles round-trip
Special Feature: Exploring what was once the private ranch of a Hollywood star
Getting There: Head to Will Rogers State Park in Santa Monica. The main road to the park is just off Sunset Boulevard about a half mile east of Chataqua Boulevard. You can park the car near the visitor’s center. The hike begins just behind the main ranch house at the park, next to the sign for Inspiration Point Trail.
After about a mile, you’ll see the turnoff for Inspiration Point. It’s a quick detour and worth the effort to head up this side route for some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the LA Basin and the Santa Monica Mountains. Follow Backbone Trail to the junction with Rustic Canyon. Follow that trail back to Will Rogers Park. After the hike, explore the park and enjoy a picnic on the massive lawn in front of the house.
Santa Monica Mountains Waterfall Trek
Trail: Escondido Canyon and Falls
Distance: 4.2 miles round-trip
Special Feature: The waterfall at the end of the trail
Getting There: Head northwest on the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) from Santa Monica for about 17 miles. Just past Latigo Canyon Road, you’ll see the turnoff for East Winding Way where you can park in the well-marked lot. Follow the paved road toward the mountains. It’s a little less than a mile to the end of East Winding Way. You’ll see the entrance of Escondido Canyon Park clearly marked at the end of the pavement.
From the trailhead, it’s about a mile-long trek to the falls. The trail crosses Escondido Canyon Creek several times, so prepare to get your feet wet if you’re hiking in the rainy season. This is a gradual climb that drifts in and out of tree covering, alongside canyon walls. Soon, you’ll be standing at the base of the 50-foot-high Escondido Falls, admiring the multi-tiered cataract flowing over moss-covered rocks.
In the springtime, the waterfall is usually quite active, but the amount of water varies depending on the time of year. Scramble up the rocks to see the upper level and even more of the falls — the upper tier is about 100 feet high. Wading in the pool beneath the falls is a great way to cool off before heading back along the same route.
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