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Hiking in Los Angeles: L.A.'s BestTrailsAugust 22, 2014

Updated on February 12, 2015

Hiking in Griffith Park | Photo courtesy of Renee Silverman, Flickr

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Getting acquainted with the numerous hiking trails in Los Angeles is the perfect way to discoverwhy L.A. is the ideal place to get outside. Most of the hikes listed here are easy to moderate, soit’s not necessary to be an experienced hiker to enjoy them. However, it’s always wise to keep afew things in mind when you’re planning an excursion. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, carry plenty ofdrinking water, use sunscreen and wear sunglasses. Take along a camera, make sure you stayon the trails and have fun.

RUNYON CANYON

Runyon Canyon at sunset | Photo courtesy of artem.aleksenko, Flickr

Trail: Runyon Canyon Loop

Distance: About 3 miles round­trip

Special Feature: The views at Cloud’s Rest, the off­leash policy for dogs and the occasionalcelebrity sighting

Getting There: From Hollywood Blvd., head north on Fuller Ave. Park at the end of Fuller (freeparking) and enter the well­marked park. Take the trail to the right and complete the loopcounterclockwise. (VIEW MAP)

By no means is this hike a wilderness experience, so if you’re looking for solitude, you might want

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to try other trails. On the other hand, this is a great hike for people­watching, and it givesbeginning hikers a chance to check out the Hollywood Hills and the amazing views at the trailsummit, known as Cloud’s Rest. Whether you’re wearing the latest hiking gear or just sneakersand sun hats, this is a fun hike highlighted by million dollar mansions and priceless views of theHollywood Sign, the Sunset Strip and the L.A. Basin.

Go off the beaten path and explore Tinseltown like never before. From unique museums to asecret nightclub, get the inside scoop on Hollywood's hidden gems. Read More

GRIFFITH PARK TRAILS

Bronson Cave | Photo courtesy of Shawn Park, Flickr

Trail: Bronson Canyon

Distance: Less than a mile roundtrip

Special Feature: “To the Batcave!”

Getting There: From Franklin Ave. in Hollywood, go north on Canyon Dr. until the road ends,at the "Camp Hollywoodland" parking lot. Cross the small, red concrete bridge on the right(east) side of the road. Walk around the vehicle barrier, keep left and follow the unpaved roadfor the short walk into Bronson Canyon. (VIEW MAP)

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Located in the southwest section of Griffith Park and easily accessible from Hollywood, BronsonCanyon has been a popular location for generations of filmmakers who make use of its remote­looking, somewhat alien setting. Bronson Canyon has been featured in classics like TheSearchers and Invasion of the Body Snatchers, as well as more recent films like Star Trek VI andArmy of Darkness. “Bronson Cave” is actually a 50­foot long tunnel, the remnants of a quarry thatwas founded in 1903 and originally called Brush Canyon. The tunnel entrance is best known asthe mouth of the Batcave from the 1960s Batman TV series.

Trail: Griffith Observatory West Trail Loop

Distance: About 2.5 miles

Special Feature: Views of Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign and the LA Basin

Getting There: The hike starts at the Fern Dell picnic area near Los Feliz Blvd. You can pickup the trail near the creek past the restrooms. Stay to the right and head uphill toward theGriffith Observatory. You’ll be able to stop and enjoy views of the city along the way. As thepath flattens out, you’ll see a trail to the right leading up to the observatory. On the way back,stay right all the way down the hill. The trail will curve around a bit and then take you back tothe Fern Dell picnic area. (VIEW MAP)

Trail: Brush Canyon Trail

Distance: About 2 miles

Special Feature: Peace and quiet, as well as spectacular views near Mount Hollywood Dr.

Getting There: You can park in the lot on Canyon Dr., located just past Bronson Park. Fromthere, head uphill past the gate and pick up the trail on the fire road heading toward the PacificElectric quarry. You’ll pass a park and a picnic area and then climb out of the canyon. Afterabout 3/4 of a mile, the trail intersects with the Mulholland Trail. Follow the trail to the right andcontinue another 1/4 mile to Mount Hollywood Dr. To get back, follow the same route, taking aleft at the Mulholland Trail junction. (VIEW MAP)

Griffith Park is the tenth­largest municipally owned park in the United States and one of thelargest urban parks in North America, spanning over 4,300 acres of land. Discover the bestattractions and activities in Griffith Park with our guide. Read More

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FRANKLIN CANYON PARK

Franklin Lake | Photo courtesy of Ken Shelton, Flickr

Trail: Discovery Trail

Distance: About 1 mile round­trip

Special Feature: Franklin Canyon Lake and the Sooky Goldman Nature Center

Getting There: From West Los Angeles, head north on Beverly Drive, following signs toColdwater Canyon. Turn left on Coldwater/Beverly Dr., and turn left again on Beverly Dr., atFire Station No. 2. The third right is Franklin Canyon Dr. Continue through the residential areato the park entrance. At the intersection of Franklin Canyon Dr. and Lake Dr. turn right to go toFranklin Canyon Ranch site, or turn left to go to the Sooky Goldman Nature Center andFranklin Canyon Lake. (VIEW MAP)

Located near Benedict Canyon at the geographical center of Los Angeles, Franklin Canyon Parkspans 605 acres and features over five miles of hiking trails. The park’s history dates to 1914,when William Mulholland built the Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir. In the 1930s, the family of oilbaron Edward Doheny used the canyon as a summer retreat. The easy stroll around the reservoiroffers plentiful views of birds and wildlife, as well as access to other, more difficult trails such asthe Hastain Trail, which rises to offer views from West LA to the Pacific.

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Pop culture fans will likely recognize Franklin Canyon Park, which is frequently used as a TV andfilm location, including the famous hitchhiking scene from It Happened One Night with ClarkGable and Claudette Colbert. The 3­acre Franklin Lake was the “fishing hole” in the openingcredits of The Andy Griffith Show, as well as the lagoon in the Universal Studios horror classicCreature from the Black Lagoon. The park was also the background for the cover photo of Simon& Garfunkel’s album Sounds of Silence.

WILACRE PARK

Studio City, viewed from TreePeople | Photo courtesy Kristen Neveu, Flickr

Trail: Betty B. Dearing Trail

Distance: About 2.5 miles round­trip

Special Feature: Panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley, TreePeople, “Rainforest”

Getting There: From Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, take Laurel Canyon Blvd. about a mile southto Fryman Road. Make a right and you’ll see the large parking lot (fee: $1­3), which featuresrestrooms, water fountains and picnic area. (VIEW MAP)

Because its parking lot entrance is located on Fryman Road, the 128­acre Wilacre Park is oftenmistakenly referred to as Fryman Canyon Park. In fact, this hike can take you through three

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parks: Wilacre, Fryman Canyon and Coldwater Canyon. The well­shaded, dog­friendly Betty B.Dearing Trail starts off steep before it begins to level off after a quarter mile. One mile into yourhike and you’ll be at Coldwater Canyon Park, home of TreePeople, a leading environmentalnonprofit organization. The cul­de­sac at Iredell Lane leads you to the hidden Rainforest Trailwithin Fryman Canyon.

EATON CANYON

Eaton Canyon waterfall | Photo courtesy of Robert Cross, Flickr

Trail: Eaton Canyon Trail

Distance: Just under 4 miles

Special Feature: 40­foot waterfall, Eaton Canyon Nature Center

Getting There: From the 210 Freeway, head north on Altadena Drive about 1.5 miles to thepark entrance. Eaton Canyon Natural Area is located at 1750 North Altadena Drive, one blocknorth of New York Drive in Pasadena. (VIEW MAP)

Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the Eaton Canyon Natural Area is a 190­acre zoological,botanical, and geological nature preserve situated at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Inaddition to hiking, visitors can enjoy equestrian trails with a staging area, picnic areas, a seasonal

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stream, and native flora and fauna in their natural habitats. The Eaton Canyon Nature Centerfeatures a wonderful variety of live animals on display, fascinating exhibits and useful visitorinformation.

From the trailhead at the north end of the parking lot, hike along the well­marked main path of theEaton Canyon Trail to the junction marked WATERFALL. Continue to the next junction and followthe trail under the concrete bridge and into Eaton Canyon. From here, the trail is less defined andmuch more rugged. There’s boulder­hopping and ­ depending on the season and rainfall ­ youcould be creek­crossing, so be prepared. Continue through the main canyon and you’ll arrive at a40­foot waterfall, an especially popular destination during the summer, thanks to its cooling mistand the small pool at its base.

WILL ROGERS STATE PARK

photo courtesy of Petunia21, Flickr

Trail: Rustic Canyon Loop/Inspiration Point Trail

Distance: About 6 miles round­trip

Special Feature: Exploring what was once the private ranch of a Hollywood star

Getting There: Head to Will Rogers State Park in Santa Monica. The main road to the park is

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just off Sunset Blvd. about a half mile east of Chataqua Blvd. You can park the car near thevisitor’s center (fee: $12, seniors $11). The hike begins just behind the main ranch house at thepark, next to the sign for Inspiration Point Trail. (VIEW MAP)

After about a mile, you’ll see the turnoff for Inspiration Point. It’s a quick detour and worth theeffort to head up this side route for some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the L.A. Basinand the Santa Monica Mountains. Follow Backbone Trail to the junction with Rustic Canyon.Follow that trail back to Will Rogers Park. After the hike, stroll around the park and enjoy a picnicon the massive lawn in front of the house.

There's much more of Santa Monica waiting to be explored. From the Museum of Flying to a1920s­era speakeasy, discover the hidden gems of Santa Monica with our guide. Read More

TOPANGA STATE PARK

photo courtesy of Rashomon, Flickr

Trail: Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook

Distance: About 7 miles round­trip

Special Feature: The magnificent views at Parker Mesa Overlook

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Getting There: The hike begins in Pacific Palisades at the end of Los Liones Drive, just northof Sunset BLvd. Leave the car in the parking lot at the end of the street (fee:$10). From there,follow the trail up to East Topanga Fire Rd. and follow that to the turnoff for the Parker MesaOverlook. (VIEW MAP)

Switchbacks and steep hill climbs characterize the first two miles of this hike. With an elevationgain of about 1,300 feet, it's definitely a tougher climb. But you can find your reward as you gazeout from a vantage point atop the bluff. Enjoy a picnic lunch or relax on a bench while taking in theoverlook.

MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK

Malibu Creek State Park | Photo courtesy of 45SURF, Flickr

Trail: Crags Road

Distance: About 4.75 miles round trip

Special Feature: World­famous M*A*S*H outdoor set

Getting There: Take Pacific Coast Highway north / west to Malibu Canyon Road and turn rightpast Pepperdine University. In the canyon, pass through the tunnel and go past the light atPiuma Road. Just before the next light at Mulholland Highway, turn left into Malibu Creek State

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Park. (VIEW MAP)

Malibu Creek State Park spans 7,000 acres of beautiful scenery and features 15 miles ofstreamside trails through oak and sycamore woodlands, as well as chaparral­covered slopes.After a good rain, the namesake Malibu Creek comes to life. Malibu Creek State Park is home tothe outdoor set of the legendary television program M*A*S*H. The site still draws visitors from allover the world decades after the show left the air. The park is the former location ranch of 20thCentury Fox studios, which owned the land from 1946 to 1974. Many films and TV programs wereshot in Malibu Creek State Park, including Robert Altman’s original 1970 “M*A*S*H” film, “ButchCassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “Planet of the Apes” (1968).

From the parking lot, hike west on Crags Road into the park. Stay on Crags Road and follow thesigns to the M*A*S*H set. The hike is easy with minimal elevation gain.

SOLSTICE CANYON

Rising Sun Trail | Photo by Daniel Djang

Trail: Solstice Canyon / Rising Sun Trail

Distance: About 3 miles round­trip

Special Feature: Tropical Terrace and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean

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Getting There: From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Central Malibu, take Solstice Canyon Rd.to the entrance, located at Corral Canyon Rd. (VIEW MAP)

Solstice Canyon is an easy hike along a shaded trail that is partially paved before it gives way to afire road. A babbling brook is the soundtrack as the trail leads you to Tropical Terrace and thefoundations of a house designed by renowned architect Paul Williams, who also designed homesfor Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, as well as the Theme Building at LAX. For space and sciencegeeks, Solstice Canyon is a must­see; it was one of only three sites in the world where TRWtested satellite equipment for space missions. Depending on the time of year, a waterfallcascades into a pool in the rocks behind the former home. Do some exploring and you’ll find astatue of the Virgin Mary in a nearby grotto. You can take Solstice Canyon back, or work up asweat on the switchbacks that take you to the Rising Sun Trail at the top of the hills. Panoramicviews of the Pacific Ocean are your reward for the huffing and puffing. Unlike the cooler SolsticeCanyon path, the aptly named Rising Sun Trail has zero shade, so plan accordingly.

ESCONDIDO CANYON

Photo courtesy of kagee219, Flickr

Trail: Escondido Canyon and Falls

Distance: 4.2 miles round­trip

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Special Feature: The waterfall at the end of the trail

Getting There: Head northwest on PCH from Santa Monica for about 17 miles. Not far fromSolstice Canyon and just past Latigo Canyon Rd., you’ll see the turnoff for East Winding Way,where you can park in the well­marked lot. Follow the paved road toward the mountains. It’s alittle less than a mile to the end of East Winding Way. You’ll see the entrance of EscondidoCanyon Park clearly marked at the end of the pavement. (VIEW MAP)

From the trailhead, it’s about a mile­long trek to the falls. The trail crosses Escondido CanyonCreek several times, so prepare to get your feet wet if you’re hiking in the rainy season. This is agradual climb that drifts in and out of tree covering, alongside canyon walls. Soon, you’ll bestanding at the base of the 50­foot­high Escondido Falls, admiring the multi­tiered cataract flowingover moss­covered rocks.

In the springtime, the waterfall is usually quite active, but the amount of water varies dependingon the time of year. Scramble up the rocks to see the upper level and even more of the falls —the upper tier is about 100 feet high. Wading in the pool beneath the falls is a great way to cool offbefore heading back along the same route.

VASQUEZ ROCKS

Photo courtesy of Derek Cross, Flickr

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Trail: Foot/Horse Trail, History Trail

Distance: About 3 miles

Special Feature: Otherworldly rock formations, Pacific Crest Trail

Getting There: From Santa Clarita in northern L.A. County, take the Golden State Freeway (I­5) north to the Antelope Valley Freeway (CA14) north toward Palmdale/Lancaster. Exit on AguaDulce Canyon Rd., turn left and follow the signs to the park entrance. (VIEW MAP)

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a 905­acre park located in Agua Dulce, about an hour northof Downtown L.A. The park’s striking, multi­colored rock formations reach heights of 150 feet andare the result of tens of millions of years of seismic activity and erosion. Vasquez Rocks takes itsname from the outlaw Tiburcio Vásquez, who used the area as one of his many hideouts. Aportion of the famed Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches 2,663 miles from Canada to the Mexicoborder, passes through Vasquez Rocks. The gentle incline and numerous trails provide plenty ofoptions for exploring the park. The excursion is especially memorable when combined with viewsfrom atop the famous rocks. Note that there is very little shade throughout the park, so planaccordingly.

Star Trek fans will instantly recognize Vasquez Rocks from Captain Kirk’s battle with the Gorn inthe Season 1 episode “Arena,” several other episodes, as well as the film series. Dozens ofclassic TV shows have filmed at Vasquez Rocks, including Bonanza, The Rifleman, Kung Fu,Mission: Impossible and The Twilight Zone. Vasquez Rocks was also featured in movies such asDracula (1931), Blazing Saddles (1974) and Little Miss Sunshine (2006). Because of itssignificance as a prehistoric site for the Shoshone and Tataviam peoples, Vasquez Rocks wasadded to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

You can walk in Oscar's footsteps and explore outdoor film locations from Malibu to the SouthBay with our guide. Read More

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