Los Angeles is a hiking city disguised as a driving city. Within an hour or so of Downtown, you can be on a shaded canyon walk with toddlers, a ridge run with ocean views, or a big-mountain sufferfest in the San Gabriels. The trick is matching the trail to what you actually want today: easy mileage, a waterfall that is flowing, a place you can bring the dog, or a summit that earns your post-hike burrito.
This guide is built for that kind of decision. Below you’ll find 15 of the best hikes in the Los Angeles area, spanning Griffith Park and the Hollywood Hills, the Santa Monica Mountains, the foothills of the San Gabriels, and day-trip worthy adventures beyond the basin. Each entry includes a practical detail like a trailhead address, typical parking and fees, and what to expect on the ground.
Before you go, check trail conditions and closures, especially during wildfire season. The U.S. Forest Service posts alerts for Angeles National Forest, and it’s worth a quick look before you commit to a long drive or a big climb. Bring more water than you think you need, sun protection, and a layer for windy ridges. Cell reception is unreliable in many canyons.
How to choose a hiking trail in Los Angeles by difficulty, location, or feature
If you’re searching “best hike near me” in LA, you’re really searching for a bundle of constraints. Start with three filters, then pick a trail that satisfies them.
- Difficulty and time: For a casual morning, aim for 2 to 5 miles. For a half-day, 6 to 10 miles. Anything longer in the heat can turn serious fast.
- Location and traffic reality: A “10-mile drive” can be 45 minutes. If you’re coming from the Westside, stay in the Santa Monica Mountains on weekdays, head to the San Gabriels early on weekends.
- Feature: Waterfalls are seasonal, ocean views are usually reliable, wildflowers peak in spring, shaded canyons are best in summer.
Also think about parking and permits. Many Angeles National Forest trailheads require an Adventure Pass, while LA city parks and Santa Monica Mountains trailheads may have paid lots or limited street parking. And if you’re hiking with kids, choose routes with restrooms near the trailhead.
For official closure updates in the San Gabriels, consult the U.S. Forest Service Angeles National Forest alerts page: fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles.
Best easy hikes in Los Angeles (great for beginners and families)
These are the trails you can squeeze in before brunch, take an out-of-town visitor on, or tackle when you’re easing back into hiking. They’re also the hikes where arriving early matters most, because easy trails get crowded.
1) Bronson Caves (Bronson Canyon), Griffith Park
Distance: about 0.7 to 1 mile return, depending on the exact start. Feature: the famous “Batcave” tunnels from old Hollywood. Dog-friendly: yes, on leash.
Trailhead parking: near 3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 (park at the end of Canyon Drive by the gate). Cost: free street parking when available. Hours: Griffith Park is generally open daily, sunrise to sunset.
2) Ferndell to Griffith Park trails (kid-friendly nature walk)
Feature: shaded creekside path, ferns, and a gentle start point for longer Griffith options. Start at Ferndell Nature Museum area near 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Cost: free parking lots, can fill on weekends. Good for: toddlers and strollers for the first section.
3) Franklin Canyon Park, Beverly Hills area
Feature: lake, ducks, easy loop options, and a nature centre vibe that feels far from the city. Address: 2600 Franklin Canyon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Cost: free entry. Hours: typically daylight hours, check posted gates. Practical tip: go after a rain for greener hills.
4) Lake Hollywood Reservoir loop, Hollywood Hills
Distance: about 3.3 miles loop. Feature: calm reservoir walk with excellent Hollywood Sign views. Trailhead: Lake Hollywood Park, 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068. Cost: free street parking. Dog-friendly: yes, on leash. Great for: sunset walks, but bring a headlamp just in case.
5) Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, Culver City area
Distance: choose your own, the stairs plus loop options make it flexible. Feature: city and ocean views from a surprisingly central hill. Address: 6300 Hetzler Rd, Culver City, CA 90232. Parking: paid lot (often around $2 per hour, subject to change). Hours: daylight, check the gate.
Best moderate hikes in Los Angeles for views and a solid workout
Moderate in LA usually means you’ll feel the climb, but you won’t need mountaineering experience. These trails are popular for a reason: steady elevation gains, big payoffs, and manageable logistics.
6) Runyon Canyon Park, Hollywood
Distance: about 2.5 to 3.5 miles depending on route. Feature: iconic LA people-watching plus skyline views. Address (main access): 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046. Cost: free. Hours: posted daily hours, generally early morning to evening. Dog-friendly: yes, with on-leash and off-leash areas. Practical tip: weekday mornings are the calmest.
7) Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon
Distance: roughly 6 to 7 miles return. Feature: a classic “I’m in LA” hike with panoramic views. Start near Griffith Park’s Brush Canyon Trail access, often approached from the Griffith Observatory area or Canyon Drive routes. Cost: free, but parking is the challenge. For another classic hike, check out Tacoma’s best trails. Tip: use a designated lot and hike in, rather than hunting for illegal neighbourhood parking.
8) Caballero Canyon to Mulholland, Tarzana
Distance: about 3.4 miles return. Feature: a straightforward canyon climb with Valley views at Mulholland. Trailhead address: 4040 Reseda Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356 (per Discover Los Angeles). Parking: street. Practical tip: expect sun exposure, carry extra water.
9) Parker Mesa Overlook via Los Liones, Pacific Palisades
Distance: about 7 miles return. Feature: sweeping basin, coastline, and Catalina views. Trailhead: Los Liones Trailhead, 590 Los Liones Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90272. Cost: free street parking. Dog-friendly: yes, on leash. Tip: bring sun protection, this route is exposed.
10) Solstice Canyon, Malibu
Distance: about 3 miles return for the main loop to the ruins, longer if you add side trails. Feature: creek crossings in season, canyon shade, and the Roberts Ranch House ruins. Trailhead: 3455 Solstice Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265. Cost: free. Dog-friendly: yes, on leash on many routes. Tip: after rain, the creek can be flowing and the canyon feels lush.
Best waterfall hikes near Los Angeles (seasonal but worth chasing)
Waterfall hikes in Southern California are a choose-your-timing situation. Late winter through spring is your best bet. In dry months, some falls become a trickle or disappear entirely. Always respect closure signs and avoid climbing around wet rock.
11) Eaton Canyon Falls, Altadena
Distance: about 3.5 to 4 miles return. Feature: a reliable, crowd-pleasing waterfall in a narrow canyon. Trailhead: Eaton Canyon Natural Area, 1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107. Cost: free. Hours: daylight. Practical tip: expect stream crossings, bring shoes you can get wet.
12) Escondido Falls, Malibu
Distance: about 3.7 miles return (lower falls), longer if you continue. Feature: one of the most famous Malibu waterfalls when flowing. Trail access: from Winding Way and nearby pullouts, Malibu, CA 90265 (parking is limited, follow signs). Cost: usually free, but be mindful of private property boundaries. Tip: go early and after recent rains.
13) Switzer Falls, Angeles National Forest (near Pasadena)
Distance: about 4 miles return. Feature: shaded canyon hiking and a seasonal waterfall. Trailhead: Switzer Picnic Area, Angeles Crest Hwy (CA-2), Pasadena, CA 91107 vicinity. Fee: Adventure Pass required for parking. Practical tip: check Angeles National Forest closures and heat advisories first.
Best dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles (where pups are actually welcome)
Dogs are allowed on many LA-area trails, but not all. Some sensitive habitat areas and many national park sites restrict dogs. Even where they’re allowed, leash rules are usually enforced. Pack water for your dog, and keep them off hot pavement and exposed midday routes.
14) Griffith Park’s easy-to-moderate network (including Bronson and Observatory area)
Why it works: lots of route options, you can tailor distance, and there are many trailheads. Address for a classic start: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (near Ferndell) or 3200 Canyon Dr (Bronson). Cost: free. Tip: keep dogs leashed near horses and wildlife.
15) Malibu Creek State Park, Calabasas area
Feature: wide fire roads, creekside sections, and film-history scenery. Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302. Parking: day-use fee (often around $12, confirm on arrival). Hours: generally 8 a.m. to sunset. Dog-friendly: yes, on leash on designated trails. Practical tip: it gets hot, start early and avoid peak midday in summer.
Best hard hikes near Los Angeles for experienced hikers
If you want a full-day adventure, you’ll find it in the San Gabriels. These hikes demand early starts, solid fitness, and attention to weather. In summer, heat can be dangerous. In winter, high peaks can hold snow and ice. Always check conditions and carry the essentials.
Mount Wilson via Chantry Flat (big day hike)
Distance: roughly 14 miles return, depending on exact route. Feature: a classic endurance climb to a historic summit area. Trailhead: Chantry Flat Recreation Area, 301 N Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006 (access and parking can change, confirm before you go). Fee: Adventure Pass or applicable permit. Tip: water sources can be seasonal, do not rely on them.
Mount Baldy (Mount San Antonio) summit hike
Feature: the most iconic big peak close to LA, with serious elevation gain. Trailheads vary (Manker Flat and others). Fees and permits vary by parking area, often requiring an Adventure Pass. Tip: treat this like a mountain objective, not a casual hike, especially in shoulder seasons.
Practical tips for hiking Los Angeles safely (heat, wildlife, and trail etiquette)
- Plan around heat. Start early, and aim to finish before the hottest hours.
- Carry more water. Many LA trails are exposed with little shade.
- Respect closures. Fire recovery areas can be unstable and dangerous.
- Watch for rattlesnakes. Give them space, stay on trail.
- Be a good neighbour. Park legally, keep noise down near trailheads.
If you’re building hiking into a healthier routine, pair it with the broader conversations happening in LA about access to care and community wellbeing. We’ve been tracking how local institutions are training the next wave of mental health workers in Universities receive $110M to train mental health workers. And if you’re thinking about the bigger picture of health coverage in the county, read Federal cuts strip Medi-Cal from over 200,000 LA County residents.
Want another California outdoors-inspired day? Our sister outlet has a useful statewide planning resource in The ultimate guide to California’s best farmers markets, an easy add-on for a post-hike lunch stop.
