Los Angeles has a lot more hiking than most people realize. Within an hour or two of the city, you can hike to views of the Hollywood Sign, walk along Malibu cliffs, climb through the Santa Monica Mountains, or explore unusual rock formations in the high desert.
Some trails are quick enough for a morning workout. Others can easily take up half the day.
Here are 10 Los Angeles hikes worth putting on your list.
Classic LA Hikes
1. Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon
Brush Canyon is one of the most popular ways to hike to the Hollywood Sign. The trail starts in Griffith Park and climbs steadily through the hills before reaching the area behind the sign.
- Best for: The classic Los Angeles hike
- What to expect: A steady climb with views across Griffith Park and the city
- Good to know: Much of the route is exposed, so mornings are usually more comfortable on hot days
2. Mount Hollywood Trail
Mount Hollywood gives you one of the best views in Griffith Park without having to leave the middle of the city. From the upper sections of the trail, you can see Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, Downtown Los Angeles, and the San Gabriel Mountains.
- Best for: City views and sunset
- What to expect: A moderate climb on wide trails and fire roads
- Good to know: Griffith Park gets busy on weekends, especially around the Observatory
3. Runyon Canyon Loop
Runyon Canyon is one of LA's best-known workout hikes. It is short enough to fit into a morning or afternoon but steep enough to feel like a real workout.
- Best for: A quick workout and city views
- What to expect: Steep sections, exposed terrain, and views over Hollywood
- Good to know: Bring water and avoid the hottest part of the day during summer
Malibu and Ocean Views
4. Los Leones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook
Los Leones starts in a shaded canyon near Pacific Palisades before climbing into Topanga State Park. Parker Mesa Overlook has wide views across Santa Monica Bay and the coastline.
- Best for: Ocean and mountain views
- What to expect: A longer climb with a mix of shaded and exposed sections
- Good to know: Give yourself plenty of time for the return trip if you are heading all the way to Parker Mesa Overlook
5. Solstice Canyon
Solstice Canyon is one of Malibu's most popular hiking areas. The trail follows the canyon through vegetation, creekside sections, and the remains of historic structures.
- Best for: An easier Malibu hike with plenty to see
- What to expect: Canyon scenery, historic ruins, and seasonal water
- Good to know: Water flow changes throughout the year and is usually better after winter and spring rain
6. Point Dume Cove Trail
Point Dume is a good choice when you want coastal scenery without committing to a long hike. Short trails lead around the bluff with views of the Pacific, beaches, cliffs, and the Malibu coastline.
- Best for: Ocean views and sunset
- What to expect: Short trails with some stairs and blufftop viewpoints
- Good to know: Stay on designated trails and away from cliff edges
Mountain Hikes
7. Sandstone Peak via Mishe Mokwa Trail
Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains and one of the best mountain hikes within reach of Los Angeles. The route passes sandstone formations, canyons, ridgelines, and several viewpoints.
- Best for: A longer mountain hike
- What to expect: Climbing, rocky terrain, exposed sections, and wide mountain views
- Good to know: Shade is limited, so bring plenty of water and start early during warmer months
8. Malibu Creek to the M*A*S*H Site
Malibu Creek State Park has a very different feel from the coastal side of Malibu. The hike to the M*A*S*H filming site passes open meadows, rocky hillsides, creek scenery, and sections of the former movie set.
- Best for: Nature and Hollywood history
- What to expect: A relatively gradual hike through Malibu Creek State Park
- Good to know: Dogs are not allowed on the park's hiking trails
9. Vasquez Rocks
Vasquez Rocks is one of the most unusual hiking areas in Los Angeles County. Large tilted rock formations rise above the surrounding desert landscape, with several trails allowing you to explore the park.
- Best for: Rock formations and photography
- What to expect: Short and longer trail options through exposed desert terrain
- Good to know: There is very little shade, so bring water and sun protection
Quick City Hike
10. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Baldwin Hills is one of the easiest places to get a big view without driving far outside central Los Angeles. The climb is short but steep, and the overlook gives you a wide view across the LA Basin.
- Best for: A quick workout and skyline views
- What to expect: A steep staircase or a more gradual trail to the overlook
- Good to know: This hike is very exposed and can get hot quickly during the middle of the day
Hiking Conditions & Timing
- Trail Conditions: Conditions around Los Angeles can change because of wildfires, storms, erosion, landslides, and temporary closures. Check the official park or trail website before you leave, especially when hiking in Malibu, Topanga, or the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Summer Hiking: Start early. Runyon Canyon, Baldwin Hills, Vasquez Rocks, and many Santa Monica Mountains trails have very little shade.
- After Rain: Trails can become muddy or damaged after storms. Creek crossings can also become more difficult.
- Sunset Hikes: Mount Hollywood, Point Dume, Parker Mesa Overlook, and Baldwin Hills are good sunset options. Give yourself enough daylight to get back safely.
- Bring: Water, sun protection, good hiking shoes, and an offline trail map when heading into the mountains.
Want to Find Hiking Groups & Events Near You?
- Head to the Events Tab: Open SportyMatch or visit the website and go to the Events section.
- Filter by Location & Sport: Set your location to Los Angeles and select Hiking to find local hikes, walking groups, weekend outings, and outdoor meetups.
- Join Other Local Hikers: Find people planning hikes around Griffith Park, Malibu, Topanga, the Santa Monica Mountains, and other parts of Los Angeles, then RSVP to join.
Want to Organize Your Own Hike?
- Tap Create Event: Start a new event in SportyMatch.
- Select Hiking: Choose Hiking as the activity.
- Add the Meeting Location: Pin the trailhead or another clear meeting point.
- Name the Hike: Use a simple title such as Sandstone Peak Saturday Morning Hike.
- Set the Time: Add the date and meeting time.
- Invite Other Hikers: Invite friends or other local hikers to join.
Los Angeles has everything from short city climbs to full-day mountain hikes. Pick a trail that matches your experience level, check the conditions before you go, and bring enough water for the route.
