Los Angeles Hikes
Hiking isn't what comes to mind when you think of LA, but there are many incredible LA hikes. You have city trails and parks like Runyon Canyon, nestled in the middle of Hollywood. There's also the iconic hike to the Hollywood Sign. And within an hour of downtown LA, you'll find many mountain hikes that are among the best in the world.
Best LA Hikes
How to Hike To Eaton Canyon Falls
The hike to Eaton Canyon Falls is one of those LA classics you have to do at least once. Eaton...
Mt Baldy Hike
This 11 mile Mt Baldy hike brings you to the highest point in LA at 10,064 feet. With almost 4000...
Runyon Canyon Hike Guide
Runyon Canyon is a fun hike tucked right into the middle of Hollywood. It's a great place to see celebrities,...
The Easy Hollywood Sign Hike Guide
Hiking to the Hollywood Sign not only gets you to the iconic sign but also provides a fun and safe...
LA Waterfall Hikes
Escondido Falls Hike
The Escondido Falls hike is an easy way to see one of the most unique and spectacular waterfalls in Southern...
Switzer Falls Hike
The Switzer Falls hike is so much more than just a waterfall. In about 2 miles the trail to Switzer...
How to Hike To Eaton Canyon Falls
The hike to Eaton Canyon Falls is one of those LA classics you have to do at least once. Eaton...
Millard Canyon Falls Hike
Close to civilization but a world away, the short and shady Millard Canyon Falls hike follows a lush riparian habitat...
Easy Hikes in LA
Solstice Canyon Hike
The Solstice Canyon hike in Malibu is one of the most beautiful (and popular) hikes you can find. Within the...
Hike Brown Mountain Dam (Arroyo Seco)
Hiking to the Brown Mountain Dam waterfall hike quickly transports you from suburban LA to a natural wonderland. You'll start...
Lake Hollywood Reservoir Hike
The Lake Hollywood Reservoir hike feels more like a stroll around a mountain lake than a hike in the middle...
Big Horn Mine Trail & Vincent's Cabin
The hike to Big Horn Mine is a fun and relatively easy way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Angeles...
Dog-Friendly Hikes
Runyon Canyon Hike Guide
Runyon Canyon is a fun hike tucked right into the middle of Hollywood. It's a great place to see celebrities,...
Hike Brown Mountain Dam (Arroyo Seco)
Hiking to the Brown Mountain Dam waterfall hike quickly transports you from suburban LA to a natural wonderland. You'll start...
Mt Wilson Hike From Chantry Flat
Mt Wilson, at 5,712 feet, is the peak with all the radio towers that sits behind the LA skyline. It's...
Hike Jones Peak on the Bailey Canyon Trail
Don't let the shorter distance fool you; the hike to Jones Peak from the Bailey Canyon Trail is a tough...
LA Hiking Tips
- Mornings are often cloudy, afternoons hot. June gloom and marine layer fog can make morning hikes in places like Malibu or Griffith Park cool and overcast. But by mid-afternoon, sun exposure can be brutal.
- Water and shade are rare. Bring more water than you think, even on short hikes. Many trails have no reliable shade.
- City hikes are different from mountain hikes. For trails like Runyon or Lake Hollywood, fitness clothes and a water bottle are usually enough. But mountain hikes like Mt Baldy are high elevation backcountry adventures. Bring the ten essentials and check conditions.
- Trail conditions are all over the place. Fires, snow, and closures are common in Southern California. Always check the park website, weather, and road conditions before heading out.
LA Hiking Trail Map
All Guides
Mt Baden-Powell Hike
Hiking Mount Baden-Powell gives you a spectacular taste of the Angeles National Forest's high peaks without that much effort. You...
Big Horn Mine Trail & Vincent's Cabin
The hike to Big Horn Mine is a fun and relatively easy way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Angeles...
Echo Mountain & Inspiration Point Hike
The Echo Mountain hike packs a lot of bang for the buck. You'll hike up the Sam Merrill Trail, which follows...
Strawberry Peak Hike
This Strawberry Peak hike offers a ton of great scenery in a relatively short distance. You wind around a ridge...
The Easy Hollywood Sign Hike Guide
Hiking to the Hollywood Sign not only gets you to the iconic sign but also provides a fun and safe...
Bridge to Nowhere Hike
The Bridge to Nowhere is a classic hike for good reason. The route is rugged but doable by most beginners....
Hike Apache Peak (CA) on the Spilter Peak Trail
Apache Peak is not on most hiker's radars, but it should be. It offers a little bit of the best...
Register Ridge to Mount Hardwood & Baldy
Considered the steepest trail up to Mount Baldy, Register Ridge is a tough one. You'll hike straight up the spine...
Momyer Creek Trail to Dobbs Cabin
Located in some of the most pristine wilderness of Southern California, the hike up Momyer Creek Trail to Dobbs Cabin...
Middle Fork Trail (Lytle Creek)
The Middle Fork Trail along Lytle Creek takes you through the rugged heart of the Cucamonga Wilderness. You'll hike up...
Baldy Bowl Trail (Ski Hut Trail) to Mt Baldy
The Baldy Bowl Trail, also known as the Ski Hut Trail, is the shortest route to the summit of Mt...
Stone Canyon Trail to Mt Lukens Loop
If you'd like an off the beaten path adventure in Angeles National Forest, this hike is for you. We'll ascend...
Hike Brown Mountain Dam (Arroyo Seco)
Hiking to the Brown Mountain Dam waterfall hike quickly transports you from suburban LA to a natural wonderland. You'll start...
Condor Peak Trail
The Condor Peak Trail is an underrated gem. Sitting at 5,440 feet above the western section of Angeles National Forest,...
Hike Wright Mountain From Inspiration Point
While there are several ways to summit Wright Mountain in the San Gabriel Mountains, this route from Inspiration Point is...
Solstice Canyon Hike
The Solstice Canyon hike in Malibu is one of the most beautiful (and popular) hikes you can find. Within the...
Hike Sandstone Peak on the Mishe Mokwa Trail
The hike to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains at 3,111 feet, is a classic. If...
Escondido Falls Hike
The Escondido Falls hike is an easy way to see one of the most unique and spectacular waterfalls in Southern...
Hike Malibu Creek Rock Pool + MASH Site
There's a lot to see in Malibu Creek State Park, and in this guide, I'll take you on a 'best...
Hike Mugu Peak Trail
Don't let the short distance fool you; the hike up to Mugu Peak is challenging, climbing 1200 feet in about...
Slide Mountain Lookout Hike
The Slide Mountain Lookout Trail isn't near many other hikes and is a bit of a trek to get to,...
How to Hike To Eaton Canyon Falls
The hike to Eaton Canyon Falls is one of those LA classics you have to do at least once. Eaton...
Big Dalton Canyon Trail + Coulter Pine Trail
The Big Dalton Canyon Trail is just about the perfect family-friendly hike. It's short, shaded, has lots of twists and...
Hoyt Mountain Hike
The hike to Hoyt Mountain, often overshadowed by its more popular neighbors, is a great adventure packed into 4 miles....
Throop Peak + Mount Burnham + Baden-Powell From Dawson Saddle
This hike, which takes in Throop Peak, Mount Burnham, and Mount Baden-Powell from Dawson Saddle, has dramatic high-mountain scenery and...
Big Bear Wild Burro Territory Hike
A hike through the Big Bear Wild Burro Territory, Located in the eastern San Bernardino Mountains, offers an excellent chance...
Hike Grays Peak Trail (Big Bear)
Grays Peak Trail, one of the most popular hikes in the Big Bear Area, is not too tough, but plenty...
Hike Josephine Peak From Colby Canyon
Standing prominently in the western San Gabriels, Josephine Peak offers a cool summit with sweeping views. There are a few...
Sunset Peak Trail Hike (Angeles National Forest)
The Sunset Peak hike, with its gentle yet steady uphill, offers lots of beauty for all levels of hiker. For...
Hike Pacifico Mountain on the PCT
If you want to get off the beaten path in Angeles National Forest, head over to the Pacifico Mountain hike....
Hike the Teepee Trail (La Cañada Flintridge)
The Teepee Trail is a great hike, but probably not for the reason that you think. Yea, the teepee is...
Hike Jones Peak on the Bailey Canyon Trail
Don't let the shorter distance fool you; the hike to Jones Peak from the Bailey Canyon Trail is a tough...
Stoddard Peak Hike
Stoddard Peak stands guard over the front range of the San Gabriels, with a unique view stretching from Mt Baldy...
South Fork Trail to San Gorgonio Mountain
The South Fork Trail is one of the more popular routes to the San Gorgonio Mountain summit, and for a...
Fish Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Mountain
Offering solitude and the easiest (but not easy) climb to San Gorgonio Mountain, the Fish Creek Trail is a great...
San Gorgonio Hike on the Vivian Creek Trail
Easily the most popular San Gorgonio hike route, the Vivian Creek Trail is an iconic adventure up to the highest...
Hike Keller Peak on the Exploration Trail
Off the radar of most hikers, the Exploration Trail to Keller Peak is a scenic adventure that's not too hard...
Sugarloaf Mountain Trail Guide - Big Bear
Although Sugarloaf Mountain, at 9952 feet, is the highest point in Big Bear Valley, this mountain peak is often overlooked...
Hike the Castle Rock Trail (Big Bear) + Bluff Lake
Hiking up the Castle Rock Trail to the viewpoint is tough, but thankfully short. Once you get to Castle Rock,...
Pineknot Trail to Grand View Point (Big Bear)
While it isn't a hike to a high mountain summit, taking the serene and scenic Pineknot Trail up to Grand...
Trans Catalina Trail (TCT) Hike Guide
The Trans Catalina Trail, a mini, 38.5-mile thru-hike across the rugged island of Catalina, is a very doable adventure for...
Hike the Mt Rubidoux Trail (Riverside)
Although not a wilderness hike, the Mt Rubidoux Trail, nestled right in the middle of Riverside, CA, still has lots...
Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak Hike Guide
The Cougar Crest Trail, one of the most popular in Big Bear, CA, offers excellent views and beautiful wilderness for...
Big Bear Aspen Grove Trail Hike
Hidden in a remote valley in the mountains around Big Bear, the Aspen Grove Trail offers a rare glimpse into...
Terri Peak Hike at Lake Perris
The hike to Terri Peak, which towers over Lake Perris and offers panoramic views, is a hidden gem. It's located...
Dawn Mine Trail Hike
The Dawn Mine Trail hike takes you on a loop through history and beauty. You'll see the old abandoned Dawn...
Mt Hillyer Trail Hike
The Mt Hillyer Trail hike takes you on a mellow summit loop through a little-hiked area of Angeles National Forest....
Mount Pinos Trail and Sawmill Mountain Hike Guide
This two-peak hike is incredibly beautiful. First, you bag Mount Pinos, the highest point in Ventura County at 8847 ft....
Mt Zion Loop Hike From Chantry Flat
The Mt Zion loop hike is a great option for those that have hiked from Chantry Flat before, maybe to...
Mt Hawkins Loop Hike (Hawkins, Middle, and South Mount Hawkins)
This challenging and lightly-trodden loop hike offers three summits along the route: Mt Hawkins, Middle Hawkins, and South Mount Hawkins....
Dry Lake (San Gorgonio) From The South Fork Trail
Dry Lake, nestled in the shadow of San Gorgonio Mountain, is a beautiful day hike or overnight camping destination. This...
Vital Link Trail to Verdugo Peak Hike
The Verdugo Mountains, often overshadowed by their bigger neighbors, offer great hiking and trails right in the middle of LA....
Millard Canyon Falls Hike
Close to civilization but a world away, the short and shady Millard Canyon Falls hike follows a lush riparian habitat...
Temescal Canyon Hike
The Temescal Canyon hike, tucked into the hills of LA's west side in the Pacific Palisades, is one of the...
Potato Mountain Hike (Angeles National Forest)
For a quick mountain fix without driving into the mountains, try the Potato Mountain hike, right at the beginning of...
Hike the Etiwanda Falls Trail
The Etiwanda Falls Trail hike feels like you're a world away from the nearby LA suburbs. Starting in North Etiwanda...
Lake Hollywood Reservoir Hike
The Lake Hollywood Reservoir hike feels more like a stroll around a mountain lake than a hike in the middle...
Wisdom Tree Hike (+ Cahuenga Peak and Hollywood Sign)
The Wisdom Tree hike, one of the most popular in Los Angeles, offers a lot of bang for your hiking...
Hike Mt Islip From Crystal Lake
Tucked into Angeles National Forest away from the crowds, this loop hike to Mt Islip from Crystal Lake offers a...
Gabrielino Trail (NRT) Guide
Stretching 28.8 miles through the heart of Angeles National Forest, the Gabrielino Trail covers not only some of the most...
Hike San Bernardino East Peak From Forsee Creek Trail
Get away from the crowds on this San Bernardino East Peak hike that climbs up the Forsee Creek Trail, meanders...
Hike Mt Waterman & Twin Peaks
A hike to Mt Waterman and the Twin Peaks offers rugged and remote beauty, well-groomed trails, panoramic views of the...
Switzer Falls Hike
The Switzer Falls hike is so much more than just a waterfall. In about 2 miles the trail to Switzer...
Deep Creek Hot Springs Hike
Unlike the route from Bowen Ranch, this Deep Creek Hot Springs hike takes you on the free and less-traveled Bradford...
Lake Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail Hike
Feeling more like Joshua Tree than Lake Arrowhead, this short but tough hike to the summit of The Pinnacles rewards...
Mt Wilson Trail Hike
The Mt Wilson Trail is the oldest route to the summit to Mt Wilson. Unlike the popular route to Mt...
Devil's Chair Hike (Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area)
The unique geology on the Devil's Chair hike make it one of the most beautiful hikes in the area. The hike...
Marshall Canyon Trail
Tucked into the suburban sprawl of Los Angeles, the Marshall Canyon Trail hike offers a shaded oasis along Marshall Creek....
Hike Mt Lukens From Deukmejian Wilderness Park
The hike to Mt Lukens, the highest point in the city of LA at 5,066 feet, is a fun one...
Hiking on Catalina Island to Parsons Landing Campsite
Hiking on Catalina Island offers some beautiful options, but I think the hike to and overnight at Parsons Landing campsite...
Hike the Pumpkin Rock Trail
The hike to Pumpkin Rock is one of those things you just have to do at least once. It's obviously...
Hike Mt Baldy on the Bear Canyon Trail
Everyone hikes Mt Baldy from Manker Flats, but have you done it on the Bear Canyon Trail? Also known as...
Hike the Three T's Trail
The Three T's Trail hike is one of the more peaceful hikes in the Mt Baldy area. This loop hike...
San Bernardino Peak Hike
The San Bernardino Peak (10,649 feet) hike is tough but rewarding. The San Bernardino Mountains were named after San Bernardino Peak, which...
Hike Ontario Peak and Bighorn Peak
If you want a great Angeles National Forest mountain hike without the crowds, hike Ontario Peak (8,696 ft) and Bighorn...
Cucamonga Peak Hike
Offering one of the coolest summits in the San Gabriel Mountains, the hike to Cucamonga Peak very popular. Cucamonga Peak,...
Mt Wilson Hike From Chantry Flat
Mt Wilson, at 5,712 feet, is the peak with all the radio towers that sits behind the LA skyline. It's...
Mt Baldy Hike
This 11 mile Mt Baldy hike brings you to the highest point in LA at 10,064 feet. With almost 4000...
Runyon Canyon Hike Guide
Runyon Canyon is a fun hike tucked right into the middle of Hollywood. It's a great place to see celebrities,...