Los Angeles

Overview

Exploring one of Los Angeles' many parks, open spaces, or surrounding National Forests continues to be one of the best ways to escape the most populous county in the U.S. Ranging from the coastal trails above Malibu stretching out toward Point Mugu State Park, to the city vistas above the Hollywood Hills in Griffith Park and the Griffith Observatory, there are lots of opportunities for easy and moderate hikes.

For the more experienced hiker or exercise fiend, the Santa Monica Mountains to the west or San Gabriel Mountains to the northeast are home to many challenging hikes like up and around Mount Wilson, along the Verdugo Crest Trail, or to the summit of Sandstone Peak. There's no shortage of elevation to gain with expansive, rewarding views along the way.

For hikes with historical or cultural significance, the Hollywood Sign has become a rite of passage, but the M*A*S*H relics at Malibu Creek State Park or ruins at Murphy Ranch are also worth the visit.

Easy hikes:

Intermediate hikes:

Difficult hikes:

Local Info

One of the beauties of trail running around L.A. is the ability to get beyond the crowds. Popular trails see visitors any day of the week, but many turn back after a few miles. With a little more mileage, you can find solitude. Not to mention, out in the winding, undulating hills, there is an extensive network of fire roads that can be combined with singletrack trails for epic outings or quick weeknight hits. But you should always expect some up and down along the way.

Visiting Tips

It should come as no surprise that running in L.A. can be hot and dry. With that in mind, always bring some water and sun protection, but also consider the non-summer months, like Spring and Fall, for some of the best times to get out, with summer warmth lasting into October, especially on the Eastside. February-April can be a great time for nice temps, blooming wildflowers, and spotting gray whales as they return north from their calving grounds off Baja and coastal western Mexico.

Camping & Lodging

You'll find lots of hike-in camping options throughout the San Gabriel Mountains. The Forest Service maintains most of these first-come, first-served sites like the Gould Mesa Trail Camp off the Gabrielino Trail (NRT) 11W14 or the Bear Canyon Campsite on the Bear Canyon Trail Camp hike from the Switzer Picnic Area.

For drive-up campgrounds, check out the Manker Flats Campground near San Antonio Falls or the Chilao Campground near Big Tujunga Canyon and the Silver Moccasin Trail.

Along the Malibu coastline in the Santa Monica Mountains, you can find established camping in one of these four state parks:

• Leo Carrillo State Park: Hike and Bike ($10/person), Canyon Family ($45/night), Group Walk-In ($225/night)
• Point Mugu State Park: Big Sycamore Canyon Hike/Bike ($10/person), Big Sycamore Canyon Family Camp ($45/night), and much more.
• Malibu Creek State Park: Malibu Creek Family Campground ($45/night), Malibu Creek Group Camp Walk-In ($200/night)
• Topanga State Park: Musch Camp Backcountry Hike-In ($7/person/night and $10/night parking fee)

Food & Drink

After a hike at Griffith Park, like the lesser-known Beacon Hill Loop, check out Proof Bakery for all your pastry and coffee needs. Or just down Eisenhurst Ave is The Village Bakery and Cafe for a casual lunch option. On the Westside, near Will Rogers State Park, the post-hike go-to is a Godmother sandwich from Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery.

Other Activities

Los Angeles is a cultural hub with endless arts, shopping, and food for the rare rainy day (February is the rainiest month) or, more likely, when the heat is just too much. After signing up with a TAP account, hop on a Metro Bike Share bike for a free 30-minute ride and find yourself in a new neighborhood with more to explore just around the corner.

Maps & Guidebooks

Check out onX Backcountry for the ultimate GPS navigation app.