The Ultimate Los Angeles Hiking Guide
If you are visiting Los Angeles for the first time or simply want the trails that feel unmistakably LA start here.
The quintessential Los Angeles hike. The trail climbs through Griffith Park before bringing you directly behind the Hollywood Sign, with sweeping views across the city, Downtown LA, and the surrounding mountains.
**Best for:** The classic LA experience
One of the best panoramic viewpoints in the city. From the summit area you can look down toward Griffith Observatory while taking in the Hollywood Sign, Downtown skyline, and San Gabriel Mountains.
**Best for:** Sunset views
Famous, busy, steep, and undeniably LA. Runyon combines a solid workout with Hollywood Hills scenery and huge views over the Los Angeles Basin.
**Best for:** City views and people-watching
Want cliffs, coastal breezes, waterfalls, and Pacific Ocean views? Head west toward Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Starting in a lush canyon, this trail gradually climbs into the Santa Monica Mountains before opening up to incredible views across Santa Monica Bay.
On a clear day, you may even be able to see Catalina Island.
**Best for:** Ocean + mountain views
One of Malibu's most popular adventures, combining shaded canyon scenery, flowing water during wetter periods, historic ruins, and beautiful coastal surroundings.
**Best for:** Waterfalls + coastal scenery
You don't need to hike for hours to get incredible scenery. Point Dume offers dramatic coastal cliffs, beaches, ocean overlooks, and one of Malibu's best places to catch the sunset.
**Best for:** Easy coastal adventure
If you want to escape the city completely and feel like you are deep in Southern California wilderness, these are the trails to tackle.
One of the best all-around hikes near Los Angeles. The loop passes enormous sandstone formations, rugged canyons, and panoramic viewpoints before reaching the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains.
**Best for:** The ultimate mountain hike
A scenic adventure through one of LA County's most impressive natural landscapes. Expect dramatic cliffs, creek crossings, open meadows, and the famous filming location from M*A*S*H.
**Best for:** Adventure + Hollywood history
Massive tilted sandstone formations make this landscape look almost extraterrestrial. The area is filled with short trails and opportunities to explore the formations up close.
**Best for:** Unique landscapes + photography
Don't have half a day? You can still get a serious workout and an incredible view without leaving the city.
A short but steep climb that rewards you with one of the best views of the Los Angeles Basin. From the top you can see Downtown LA, the mountains, surrounding neighborhoods, and on clear days the Pacific.
**Best for:** Quick workout + skyline views
1. Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Griffith Park
2. Sandstone Peak via Mishe Mokwa Santa Monica Mountains
3. Los Liones to Parker Mesa Overlook Pacific Palisades / Topanga
4. Solstice Canyon Malibu
5. Runyon Canyon Loop Hollywood
6. Mount Hollywood Trail Griffith Park
7. Malibu Creek to the M*A*S*H Site Malibu Creek State Park
8. Point Dume Cove Trail Malibu
9. Vasquez Rocks Agua Dulce
10. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Culver City
Don't see anyone hiking the trail you want to explore? Create your own hiking event in less than a minute:
Whether you are chasing waterfalls in Malibu, climbing above the Hollywood Sign, or exploring the mountains beyond the city, there is always another side of Los Angeles waiting to be discovered.