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Los Angeles Guided Hikes

All of my guided hiking tours are personally crafted to your needs, but if you need some inspiration, here are some popular Los Angeles guided hikes that most clients really enjoy.

Unfortunately, I'm no longer offering in-person guided hikes. A combination of increased insurance costs, difficulty obtaining permits promptly, and logistical hurdles mean that it's just not possible for me to offer this service anymore.

Runyon Canyon, Home to the Stars

Runyon Canyon Hike trails

If you want a fun hike right in the middle of LA that also offers great opportunities for star-spotting, then Runyon Canyon is your move.  There are a few hike options between 1.5 and 3.5 miles (1 to 2.5 hours) that all offer great views and fun trails. The hike includes some history including a bandit hideout, a mansion that was never lived in, and a vintage Frank Lloyd Wright house. And of course there are the views. Expect to see the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and on a clear day, Catalina Island.

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The Hollywood Sign

Hollywood Sign Hike

There's not a more iconic LA hike than the one to the Hollywood sign, also known as Mt Lee. The 3-4 hour hike is 6 miles and takes you up along the trails of Griffith Park to the sign, with lots of vista points to see the sign in between. At the summit you'll be above and behind the Hollywood sign which allows you to get an iconic shot of sprawling LA from behind the iconic letters. You'll also get incredible views of all of the LA area.

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Wisdom Tree

Wisdom Tree Hike

A short but challenging hike to the iconic Wisdom Tree, the lone pine sitting on top of Burbank Peak. The hike is only 2 miles but packs in lots of incredible views and a visit to the famous tree. We can also make this a 3.2 mile hike and visit the Hollywood Sign.

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Echo Mountain

echo phone on echo mountain

If you're looking for more of a mountain hike without going deep into the wilderness, Echo Mountain is the perfect choice. The 5.4 mile, 4 hour hike gently climbs the mountains outside of Pasadena. Although the trail is only a short drive from central LA, once you start the hike you'll feel like you are in the mountains. At the top of Echo Mountain you'll see the ruins of the Mt Lowe Railway and resort, opened in the 1890s during LA's first hiking boom. And of course you can yell out the speaker and see if you can get an echo off the mountain.

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Switzer Falls

Switzer Falls Hike

Tucked into the heart of Angeles National Forest yet less than an hour from LA on the spectacular Angeles Crest Highway, the 4 mile, 3 hour Switzer Falls hike has something for everyone. You'll get beautiful wilderness as you descend to the falls along the Arroyo Seco, you'll pass historic ruins from a remote mountain resort, you'll see spectacular Bear Canyon unfold in front of you from high atop a ridge, and then you have the famous falls. It's a world away from LA for those seeking something different.

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Mt Baldy

Mt Baldy Hike New

One of the most popular hikes around, the 7 hour, 11 mile Mt Baldy hike take you to the highest point in LA County at 10,064 feet. You don't need any mountaineering experience, it's just a hike on trails, but it's a long day and a challenging climb. The hike takes you from the valleys around Mt Baldy Village, up to the ski area, and then above it to the peak. Hiking to the peak of Mt Baldy is truly something you can be proud of and will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

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