The 15 Best Places to Hike Near L.A.

Only have one day in L.A.? Few things are more of a cultural icon or have been featured in such an incredible number of movies and television shows than the Hollywood Sign. So it should come as no surprise that the Hollywood Sign via Canyon Drive is a wildly popular hike among all who visit Los Angeles as well as silver-screen-loving locals. This 6-mile heavily trafficked out-and-back trail in the Hollywood Hills wows. Do yourself a favor and figure out the iPhone photo timer in advance. You don’t want to be that person fumbling around for 30 minutes to get the perfect picture. Oh, and because of such a beloved route, it’s best to go early to avoid crowds.

For a hike in the middle of the city, turn your attention to Griffith Park, which is five times the size of Central Park. Schreiner—who literally wrote the book on Griffith Park—recommends tackling Mount Hollywood. Not to be confused with the Hollywood Sign via Canyon Drive, this prominent peak, which rises 1,625 feet, is easy and accessible. Plus, it boasts beautiful views of the legendary Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, DTLA and San Gabriel Mountains.

The Rock Pool and Century Lake Trails in Malibu Creek State Park is the sort of hike that people do and time again. That’s because it’s beautiful, accessible and not too challenging. First-timers just need to follow the sounds of happy hikers and splashing. Continue on to Century Lake, a scenic spot that you might recognize from the 1968 Planet of the Apes movie. And just like that you’d completed 5.7 miles (aka crushed your daily recommended steps).

Have two and a half hours in between yoga and brunch? (That sentence just sounds so L.A., doesn’t it?) Embark on the 3.9-mile Wisdom Tree, Cahuenga Peak and Mount Lee Summit Loop in the Hollywood Hills. The route goes to Wisdom Tree, reported to have been the lone survivor of a 2007 wildfire and the only tree we know that has its own Instagram account (@the_wisdom_tree_of_la) before continuing on to Cahuenga Peak and Mount Lee and ending behind the Hollywood Sign. (Is it just us or do all roads lead to the Hollywood Sign?) Be sure to stop and smell the wildflowers along the way.

Introducing Brentwood, an affluent neighborhood on the Westside that many celebs call home and apparently also has fantastic hikes. The Mandeville Canyon Trail in Sullivan Canyon Park, for example, it’s a 7.1-mile heavily trafficked path that meanders through and ultimately leads to stunning views of the coast and Greater Los Angeles. Don’t be surprised if you glimpse a few incognito A-listers (baseball caps and dark shades are a giveaway) along the way. BTW it’s a great hike to bring along your pups. Just maybe steer clear of mid-day when the sun really beats down on the trail as it can be a bit hot for some furry friends at that time.

Bronson Cave, a man-made rock tunnel in Griffith Park, is truly one of Hollywood’s go-to filming locations for TV and film. It’s most famous for having been used as the entrance of the Batcave in the 1960s “Batman” television series. The landmark itself is extremely dramatic, but the path to get there...well, it’s short, flat and, by any standards, easy. So feel free to bring kiddos or any cinephiles who typically prefer to watch the big screen rather than break a sweat.

Malibu is synonymous with multi-million-dollar homes and sun-splashed beaches. But we’d argue that hiking should be added to that list. Insert the Solstice Canyon Loop in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. A must-do when in Malibu (and, honestly, a path that's worth contending with LA traffic for the waterfall alone), this 3-mile trail flaunts interesting ruins, a cascade and great opportunities for birdwatching.

At the south end of Topanga State Park, the 1.3-mile Los Liones Trail is an easy hike up a leafy canyon. The short distance, mild 550 feet of elevation gain and cool ocean breeze make it appealing for really anyone looking to get out into nature for a couple of hours. You won’t get too sweaty, so no need to rule out a post-trek brunch or lunch.

Keen to keep going? “One of my favorites hikes is Los Liones Trail up to Parker Mesa, which will take you from Pacific Palisades into Topanga State Park,” says Schreiner. It offers incredible vistas of Santa Monica Bay. And you can usually see Catalina Island. Don’t let the 7.1-mile distance dissuade you from striking out on Los Liones Trail up to Parker Mesa, it’s a doable afternoon activity for anyone who’s relatively active.

Calling serious trekkers only! Want to conquer the highest point in L.A. County and the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains? Towering over 10,000 feet, Mount Baldy—formally called Mount San Antonio—demands a full day to climb, is very tough (that’s straight from Schreiner) and requires technical know-how as well as extra gear. The payoff for all that planning and effort? The most unbeatable views of anywhere in the entire metro area.

Schreiner’s fave aspects of the Community Loop Trail in Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area near Baldwin Hills? The manicured gardens, kid-friendly playground and some of the best views of downtown Los Angeles out towards the San Gabriel Mountains. “If you’ve ever seen a picture of DTLA with snow-capped mountains behind it, this is where that photo was taken.” Pro tip: go after a winter rainstorm when the mountains get some frosting and the air is clear.

At this point, snapping a pic from the top of the Runyon Canyon Trail could easily be called a right of passage for visitors and L.A. transplants. It’s not hard to understand why this 2.7-mile route attracts so many locals and out-of-towners alike. A moderate trail, it doesn’t require a ton of energy expenditure or hiking gear (most folks do it in sneakers and spandex pants), but still provides the glute-torching workout and Instagram-worthy views that, if we’re really being honest, most people really want at the end of a hike.

Schreiner is also a fan of Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail, in the San Gabriel Mountains. “It’s a very popular neighborhood hike that’s approximately 6 miles roundtrip and takes you to the ruins of a turn-of-the-century resort complex.” Visually, it’s pretty unique to be able to see the foundations of a former hotel, an old railroad and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

Before heading to the beach, carve out a couple of hours to do the Grotto Trail in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It’s only 2.5 miles but packed with gorgeous scenery—from giant boulders, verdant vegetation and plenty of shaded areas. It’s not terribly difficult, but you will break a sweat between the scrambling (wear appropriate shoes and something that you can toss in the washing machine when you get home) and the most uphill slog on the way back.

Sometimes you just have to "make a cameo at the Val party" (who got the Clueless reference?) and other times it's all about soaking in the panoramic Valley views. The best place to do just that? Fryman Canyon Trail in Studio City's Wilacre Park. Hit the 2.6-mile heavily trafficked, well-maintained, particularly paved loop for wildflowers and epic panoramas. It’s also manageable for most people and pups. Plus, there are some shaded spots if you need a moment out of the sun and benches to take a break.