Hiking Trails in Los Angeles

There are so many great hiking trails in Los Angeles and we all know how important it is to exercise so I won’t nag you. Hiking is a fantastic way to make sure your family is active because it’s low stress and you feel like you got a workout after – seriously though, grab a pedometer one of these days. Last time I hiked Griffith park I think I burned around 700 calories. Another perk of these hikes is that they’re absolutely beautiful, so pleantly of picture opportunities

So fill a couple water bottles, pack some snacks and explore the beauty that Los Angeles has to offer:

Griffith Park – Los Angeles
4730 Crystal Springs Parkway
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Park hours: 5:30am-10:30pm. Trails close at sunset.
Parking: Free
Dogs on leashes allowed on trails

Griffith Park has it all: a merry-go-round, an observatory, and an old train park and many, many trails to choose from.

Insiders recommend the Charlie Turner Trail. Park at the Observatory and begin your climb up Mt. Hollywood. On a clear day, there are views of the San Fernando Valley, Glendale, and the Westside, as well as a closer peek at the Hollywood Sign. The round-trip is less than three miles, with an elevation of roughly 1,000 feet. Griffith is quite busy on the weekends though, so go early.

The Observatory hike: Start the two-mile loop at Ferndell Gardens, continue along a dusty road through chaparral to the Observatory. The trail is another favorite and will be busy on the weekend, so beware of crowds. Morning or late afternoon hiking is best on hot days.

The easiest Griffith Park hike, is the Fern Canyon Trail. Park at the the first Merry-Go-Round parking lot, the trail goes uphill and passes the old zoo. You might even see people-friendly gophers, squirrels, and woodpeckers. The trail length varies depending on which way you choose to walk.

Franklin Canyon Park

2600 Franklin Canyon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.858.7272

Park Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Dogs on leashes allowed

Franklin features the Sooky Goldman Nature Center, duck pond, reservoir, and traditional kish (Tongva hut), 605 acres and has five miles of trails to explore. Trails vary from simple to moderately strenuous. There are a couple trails to choose from such as the two-mile Hastain Trail with elevations that often offer an ocean view on a clear day. You can reach the trail by entering the park from either Beverly Hills or the Valley, and heading south on Lake Drive.

Temescal Gateway Park
15601 Sunset Blvd.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
310.454.1395

Park Hours: Every day, dawn to dusk
Dogs on leashes allowed

One of the most popular trails includes the four-mile Temescal Canyon Loop complete with ocean views, seasonal waterfall, and rock “climbing.”

Topanga Canyon State Park
20829 Entrada Road
Topanga Canyon, CA 90290
310.455.2465

Park Hours: 8:00am – sunset
Parking: $4
Dogs not allowed on trails.

Topanga Canyon State Park has 14,000 acres to explore. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the four- to five-mile loop around Eagle Rock. The trailhead is at the southeast corner of the Trippet Ranch parking lot. There are several ways to access the Topanga Canyon trails, but, Trippet Ranch is a favorite as it provides picnic tables, information, and restrooms.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
4100 South La Cienega
Los Angeles, CA 90056
323.298.3660

Park Hours: Daily 6am – sunset
Parking: $6 on weekends and holidays, free on weekdays
Dogs on leashes allowed

Kenneth Hahn has trails, playgrounds, a duck pond, playing fields, and lots of open green space. This is a great hiking or walking spot especially if you have young kids. Trails are more like walking paths, and you can walk for as little or as much as you like, with a place to picnic and run around once you’re done.

Palos Verdes/South Bay Destinations
White Point Nature Preserve
1600 West Paseo del Mar
San Pedro, CA 90731
310.561.0917

Preserve open daily from sunrise to sunset
Free Parking
Dogs on leashes allowed

The Preserve offers 102 acres of restored land and miles of hiking areas and education center! The education center is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00am-4:00pm.