Hikes in Los Angeles

The Top of the World via Canyon Acres Drive is a fantastic hiking adventure in Laguna Beach that offers some wonderful views of the ocean. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through scenic canyon terrain, before arriving at a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the surrounding area. Hikers should take note that there is no parking at the trailhead, so make use of any available parking nearby.

The Lake Perris Area Trail is a beautiful hiking route in Southern California that climbs over some rugged terrain for views of the lake. While out on the trail, you will steadily gain elevation to the top of Terri Peak for a stunning sightline overlooking Lake Perris, before descending to the road and backtracking along the trail once again. Make sure to arrive early for this hike, especially in the summer months, as the recreational areas surrounding the lake can make it an extremely busy place.

The Paradise Falls Hike is a short, but beautifully scenic, hiking route in Southern California that will take you to a cascading waterfall. While out on the trail, you will meander along a well-maintained network of paths, before meeting up with the banks of Arroyo Conejo and following its banks to reach Paradise Falls. Be sure to arrive early for this adventure, as parking at the trailhead can fill up quickly.

Walking the trails of the South Coast Botanic Garden is a lovely experience near Los Angeles that is perfectly suited for the whole family. While out on the trail, you will meander along winding paths that intersect within the 87-acre garden, allowing the opportunity to view a beautiful variety of plantlife. Anyone looking to walk this trail should take note that there is a $15 entry fee.

Hiking the Runyon Canyon Trail is a fun experience in Los Angeles that will take you through a rugged canyon landscape with views of the city. While out on the trail, you will navigate an undulating stretch of terrain within Runyon Canyon Park, stopping at several vistas to appreciate the views overlooking L.A. While this hike isn’t overly difficult, there are some stretches of rugged terrain that make it unsuitable for younger children.

The Point Dume Cove Trail is a quick and easy hiking route in Malibu that features sandy beaches and beautiful ocean views. Along the trail you will enjoy stunning views from atop coastal bluffs that extend out across the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. While the pathways here are well-maintained and fairly easy to navigate, there are some rugged areas that will likely be difficult for younger children to traverse.

The Thousand Steps Beach Walk is a charming outdoor adventure in Laguna Beach, California for anyone who loves strolling along the sandy beach. While out on this hike, you will be able to take in the natural beauty of SoCal and its Pacific coast, as you wander aimlessly to your heart’s content. Walkers should take note that this area is only accessible during low tide, so be sure to check tide times before setting out on your walk.

The Lake Skinner Loop Trail is a great family-friendly adventure in Southern California that features beautiful lakeside views. While out on the trail, you will loop around the perimeter of Lake Skinner County Park, before finishing with a scenic walk along the water’s edge with views that extend out across the surface of the water. Hikers should take note that there is a $6 fee to enter the park.

Hiking the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail is a great family-friendly outing near Los Angeles that features beautiful views of the water and local wildlife. While out on the trail, you will skirt along the edge of a wetland and have plenty of chances to spot local bird species, before visiting several vistas overlooking the water. This route is fairly level and is accessible for people in wheelchairs or families with strollers; however, there are a few steeper sections where some visitors may need assistance.

The Inspiration Point Trail is a beautifully scenic hiking route in Los Angeles that features far reaching views across the entire L.A. area. While out on the trail, you will traverse the undulating terrain of Will Rogers State Historic Park, stopping off at several scenic vistas for incredible views. This trail can become extremely busy and congested during peak hours, so make sure to arrive early or on a weekday in order to secure parking at the trailhead.

The Escondido Falls Trail is a fun hiking adventure in Southern California that will take you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. While out on the trail, you will traverse the terrain of the Escondido Canyon, eventually arriving at the 3-tiered cascade. Hikers should take note that the upper level of the falls are located on private property and should not be climbed by the public in order to preserve the fragile habitat.

Hiking the Sycamore Canyon Trail is a family-friendly adventure in the Los Angeles area that will take you through a scenic canyon landscape. While out on the trail, you will traverse a fairly level and easy-going path that is surrounded with natural beauty and plenty of wildlife, including insects, birds, and reptiles. While this is a great hike for the entire family, you will need to leave your dogs at home, as they are not permitted on the trail.

The Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area Hike is a quick and easy adventure in Los Angeles that features scenic terrain and is suitable for the entire family. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill across mildly undulating terrain to reach several vantage points that feature some of the best views in Los Angeles. Hikers should take note that the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area does charge a fee on weekends and holidays, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly.

The Carbon Canyon Nature Trail is a beautifully scenic adventure near Los Angeles that features over 200 redwood trees. While out on the trail, you will meander through the park along the banks of Carbon Canyon Creek, taking in the lovely views of the trees and local wildlife. Hikers should take note that there is a fee to enter the park; check the Carbon Canyon Regional Park website for more information.

The Franklin Canyon Site Trail is a popular family-friendly hiking route outside of Los Angeles that circles around a reservoir and offers plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. While out hiking the trail, you will enjoy views across the Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir and Heavenly Pond, as you explore the canyon landscape along an easy to traverse path. Hikers can also check out the Sooky Goldman Nature Center near the trailhead to learn more about the local plant and animal life in the area.

The Bonelli Park Loop Trail is a quick and easy adventure in Los Angeles that will take you along the quiet shores of the Puddingstone Reservoir. While out walking the trail, you will pass by countless picnic areas while taking in the lovely scenery that stretches out across the calm surface of the water. Less of a true hike, this little adventure is still a great excursion if you are looking to head outdoors for some fresh air.

Hiking the Black Star Canyon Falls Trail is a fun, albeit challenging at times, adventure near Los Angeles that features some rugged terrain and beautiful scenery. While out on the trail, you will navigate the undulating terrain of the Black Star Canyon, traversing the riverbed and some rocky scramble sections to eventually arrive at the site of the Black Star Canyon Falls. Make sure to lock and avoid keeping valuables inside your vehicle when leaving it unattended, especially when setting out on longer hikes.

Hiking to the Hollywood Sign via Canyon Drive is a classic Los Angeles adventure that, as the name implies, will take you up to the iconic Hollywood sign. While out on the trail, you will steadily work your way uphill through the undulating terrain of Griffith Park, enjoying the sweeping views of both the world famous sign and the surrounding landscape, before arriving at the summit of Mount Lee. Make sure to arrive early to secure a parking space, as this is a very popular route with tourists visiting the area.

The Wisdom Tree, Cahuenga Peak, and Mount Lee Summit Loop is the ideal trail for those who want to take in some iconic L.A. landmarks while also getting a solid workout. While out hiking the trail, you will climb steeply uphill past the Wisdom Tree and Cahuenga Peak to reach the top of Mount Lee for views overlooking the famous Hollywood Sign. Make sure to arrive early, as this route is very popular and can be congested during peak hours.

The Bronson Caves Hike is a short and sweet adventure in Los Angeles that features a series of interesting caves and scenic canyon views. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way to the Bronson Caves that have been featured in countless films – including Batman – and experience views that stretch out to the iconic Hollywood Sign. While this trail itself is fairly short, there are a number of other trails in the area that can be utilized to extend your adventure.