Photo of Hiking Trails in Los Angeles, CA

The Best Hiking Trails in Los Angeles, CA

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Trail adventures from Santa Monica to San Clemente

Los Angeles is a great city for hikers of all skill levels. But what are the best hikes in LA? With the Angeles National Forest to the north and The Santa Monica Mountains to the northwest, there are so many great hiking trails and trail networks to explore.

If you’re looking for a classic LA hike adventure, you can’t go wrong with the Hollywood Sign Hike. For an easier hike for the whole family, consider the Griffith Observatory which has great views of the city. You can’t go wrong with any of these great hikes.

At Strava we use data from millions of hikes to make sure you have the most accurate and most up to date information before you head out on the trail.

Top 30 hiking trails in Los Angeles, CA

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Los Leones Canyon Trail

The Los Loenes Canyon Trail is a fun hike with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica, and the Pacific Palisades. On a clear day, you might even be able to see Catalina Island shimmering in the distance. This hike follows an out and back route. The hike is on the shorter side, but steep sections near the end ensure you’ll get a good workout. This is one of the most popular hikes with Strava members in the Los Angeles area.

Glendale Peak via Riverside Trail and Hogback Trail

Glendale Peak via Riverside Trail and Hogback trail is a great hike with interesting trailside landmarks in Griffith Park. On your way to the summit’s panoramic views, you’ll pass a memorial to a prominent Sierra Club member as well as a stone staircase etched into the mountainside. This trail follows an out and back route with a loop section at the end. Because of the steep grades towards the end, most consider this a moderate trail. There are many hiking options in Griffith Park. This combination of trails is the most popular among local Strava members.

Dana Point Preserve Trail

The headland of Dana Point, after which the surrounding community is named, is a tiny pocket of nature surrounded by urban development. More than 100 types of plants grow here, including many wildflowers, and it’s a haven for small birds, insects, and other wildlife that thrive in the coastal scrub environment....

Ocean Trails Reserve

Just a short distance from metro LA is this coastal nature reserve, set aside for hiking and conservation of rare species. It’s on a peninsula that juts toward Catalina Island, and the deep-water channel in between is a common route for dolphins and whales to swim through....

Middlecrest Trail Loop

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park is a great place to bring the family for a variety of activities. You’ll find grassy picnic areas with sun and shade, playgrounds, a lake with a swim beach and kayak rentals, a campground, and hiking trails....

Ferndell Trail to the Mount Hollywood Summit

The flanks of Mount Hollywood are riddled with trails and old road grades, providing innumerable options for reaching the summit. The route shown here is one of the easiest and most direct paths to the top of the mountain....

Griffith Park: Old Zoo Loop

This short, family-friendly hike tours the site of an abandoned zoo that was closed in 1966. On this short loop hike, you'll see the abandoned animal enclosures, towering trees, and other exhibits that have gone to seed....

Aliso Summit Trail

The Aliso Summit Trail traverses an elevated ridgeline, providing stunning views of Orange County and the Pacific Ocean. The hike culminates at Aliso Peak, which towers over the crashing surf and blue waters of the Pacific....

Elysian Park: West Loop

Elysian Park is a popular natural area located just a few miles from downtown Los Angeles. Due to this proximity to downtown, this park is extremely popular—yet that popularity is well-deserved....

Oso Creek Trail: Out-and-Back

If you are looking for a pleasant and accessible trail in Laguna Niguel, California, you might want to check out the Oso Creek Multi-Use Trail. The trail is designed for multiple uses, such as hiking, biking, and equestrian....

Jeffrey Open Space Trail

Jeffrey Open Space is a significant natural and recreational area located in Irvine, California. It encompasses a vast expanse of preserved land, providing residents and visitors with a unique outdoor experience....

Hollywood Reservoir

Nestled in amongst some of the most expensive real estate in America, the walk around Hollywood Reservoir is a great way to start your exploration of the Hollywood Hills. Park up at the Hollywood Reservoir Trailhead, and then follow the clear and straightforward trail which goes over the Mulholland Dam and then around the circumference of Hollywood Reservoir....

Los Angeles County Arboretum

Nestled on 127 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, the Los Angeles County Arboretum boasts a diverse collection of plant species from around the world, as well as carefully curated themed gardens and habitats....

Backbone Trail to The Bridge

This hike in Will Rogers State Park takes you along the famous Backbone trail to a man made bridge with great views of the Santa Monica Mountains. The Backbone Trail is 68 miles long and covers the entire Santa Monica Mountain Range. This hike follows an out and back route along the first few miles of that trail. Most consider this a moderate hike. There are many hiking trails in Will Rogers State Park, but this is the most popular route with Strava members.

Runyon Canyon Highpoint Loop

Runyon Canyon is a very popular urban park near Hollywood Hills. It’s loved by locals and visitors alike for its panoramic viewpoints over Hollywood and Central LA, as well as considerable elevation gain for aerobic workouts....

Kenneth Hahn Ridgeline

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is a surprisingly green and spacious park, especially considering its location in the middle of an urban area. It’s a popular place for outdoor activities, especially hiking....

Hollywood Sign via Innsdale Trail and Mt Lee Drive

If you want to get up close and personal with the iconic Hollywood Sign, this 4.3-mile out-and-back hike is a great option. You will start from the Innsdale Trailhead on a residential street near Lake Hollywood Reservoir and follow a dirt road called Innsdale Drive, which offers amazing views of the sign right from the beginning....

Crystal Cove Trail to Pelican Point

Easily accessed from much of southern Los Angeles, this is a fabulous stroll along a famous beach which is lined with some of the most valuable real estate in California. As you start your hike at Crystal Cove, you'll find yourself immersed in the beauty of Crystal Cove State Park, a coastal gem known for its pristine beaches, rugged canyons, and lush vegetation....

Quail Hill Open Space Loop

With barren terrain, no shade and a true desert feel, this is a hike which feels disproportionately wild given its proximity to Irvine. Pack plenty of water and be prepared to get plenty of sun during the course of this trip! The Quail Hill region is home to some interesting flora, and some even more interesting fauna - namely the many coyotes which roam the area....

Brush Canyon Trail to Mounts Hollywood and Bell

At the head of Canyon Drive is the trailhead for the Brush Canyon Trail, a classic trip in the Hollywood Hills. The trail is clear and well maintained, and the higher you get on it the better the vistas get....

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Top regions for hiking trails on Strava