When you think of Los Angeles, your mind probably jumps to Hollywood glamour, sun-soaked beaches, and traffic-packed boulevards. But beyond the bustling city streets lies a different side of LA — one filled with tranquil canyons, towering peaks, ocean vistas, and lush forest trails. For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, hiking in LA offers a surprising paradise with something for everyone, from casual walkers to hHiking Places in LA.
LA Most Breathtaking Hiking Trails for 2025
With year-round sunshine and diverse terrain, Los Angeles is one of the best cities in the U.S. for hiking. Whether you want to climb to a scenic overlook at sunrise, stroll through shaded woodlands, or explore historic ruins hidden deep in the hills, the city and its surroundings deliver unmatched variety. 🗺️
In this 2025 guide, we’ve curated 48+ of the most scenic hiking places in LA, including iconic trails, hidden gems, coastal routes, dog-friendly paths, and family-friendly walks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local looking for a new trail to explore, this list will inspire your next outdoor escape — all within reach of LA’s vibrant energy. 🌇✨
Iconic & Must-Visit Hiking Places in LA
These are the legendary trails that both locals and tourists love!
1. Runyon Canyon – Hollywood Hills Hike
Views of downtown LA, celebrity sightings, and dog-friendly paths.
2. Griffith Observatory Trail – Stars and City Lights
Climb up to the famous observatory with panoramic city and Hollywood Sign views.
3. Hollywood Sign Hike (via Brush Canyon Trail)
A classic hike that rewards you with a front-row seat to LA’s most iconic landmark.
4. Temescal Canyon Trail – Pacific Ocean Views
A moderately challenging loop in the Pacific Palisades with ocean and canyon views.
5. Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail – Historic Ruins
A 5.5-mile trek with old railway ruins and stunning San Gabriel Mountains views.
Best Coastal Hiking Places in LA
Love ocean views while you hike? These coastal trails offer the perfect mix of sea breeze and scenic splendor. 🌊
6. Parker Mesa Overlook (Topanga State Park)
Unbelievable views of the Santa Monica Bay on a clear day.
7. Escondido Falls Trail (Malibu)
Waterfalls and shaded forest trails — especially beautiful in spring.
8. Point Dume Cove Trail
A short but dramatic cliffside walk in Malibu overlooking the Pacific.
9. Corral Canyon Loop
A peaceful loop trail with wildflowers and ocean vistas.
10. Solstice Canyon Trail
Easy walk past creek beds and historic ruins — good for all skill levels.
Hidden Gems – Lesser-Known Hiking Places in LA
Escape the crowds and enjoy solitude on these underrated trails. 🧘♀️
11. Sandstone Peak (Mishe Mokwa Trail)
The highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains with jaw-dropping views.
12. Mount Baldy (Mt. San Antonio)
A high-elevation challenge perfect for experienced hikers.
13. Switzer Falls Trail
Shady forest hike leading to a peaceful waterfall — great for hot days.
14. Mount Lowe Railway Loop
Combines history, nature, and sweeping mountain landscapes.
15. Cherry Canyon Park
A quiet spot in Glendale with several trail options and scenic overlooks.
Dog-Friendly Hiking Places in LA
Hiking with your furry friend? These trails are paw-fect for dogs! 🐶
16. Fryman Canyon
Shady paths and gentle slopes, popular with local dog walkers.
17. Kenneth Hahn Park
Paved and unpaved trails, picnic areas, and great views of the LA skyline.
18. Bronson Canyon Trail
A short walk to the famous “Batcave” — great for dogs and superhero fans!
19. Westridge Trailhead (Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park)
Wide fire roads, off-leash options, and a peaceful vibe.
20. Eaton Canyon Trail
An easy, dog-friendly hike to a seasonal waterfall in Pasadena.
Sunset & Viewpoint Trails in LA
If you’re all about golden-hour hikes and epic Instagram shots, these trails are for you. 📸🌅
21. Mount Hollywood Trail (Griffith Park)
360° views of downtown, the ocean, and LA at sunset.
22. Inspiration Point (Will Rogers State Park)
A quick hike to an open hilltop with sweeping views — especially magical at dusk.
23. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (Culver City Steps)
A challenging staircase leads to skyline views worth every step.
24. Los Liones Trail
Lush, green start that ends with breathtaking Pacific views.
25. Mandeville Canyon Trail
Peaceful and less trafficked with beautiful afternoon light.
Challenging Hiking Places in LA for Serious Trekkers
Ready to push your limits? These trails bring the elevation and endurance. 🥵💪
26. Mount Wilson Trail
15+ miles round trip with steep inclines and rewarding views.
27. Iron Mountain (San Gabriel Mountains)
One of the hardest hikes in Southern California — only for the brave!
28. Dawn Mine Trail
Historic mining route with water crossings and rocky terrain.
29. Josephine Peak Trail
A steady climb with minimal shade and epic summit views.
30. Strawberry Peak Trail
Challenging ascent with panoramic views and rugged beauty.
Family-Friendly & Beginner Hiking Trails
Perfect for kids, beginners, or casual strollers who still want a taste of nature. 👨👩👧👦
31. Franklin Canyon Park
Wide, flat trails and a duck pond make this great for young explorers.
32. Descanso Gardens Trail
Botanical beauty and easy walking paths with shady rest areas.
33. Elysian Park Trails
Great city views and picnic spots right near Dodger Stadium.
34. Debs Park (Ernest E. Debs Regional Park)
Short climbs and scenic lake views with minimal effort.
35. Verdugo Mountains Fire Road Trail
Wide trails with gradual incline — stroller and kid-friendly.
Instagrammable Hikes with Iconic Backdrops
Snap-worthy hikes perfect for your social feed. 📷✨
36. Murphy Ranch Trail
Abandoned Nazi camp ruins meet graffiti art and nature.
37. Hollywood Reservoir Loop
Scenic, flat path with Hollywood Sign reflections in the water.
38. TreePeople Trail (Coldwater Canyon Park)
Rustic trails, art installations, and shaded forest charm.
39. Topanga Lookout Trail
A short hike to a concrete platform with graffiti and epic views.
40. Will Rogers to Temescal Ridge Trail
Cliffs, coastal views, and plenty of photo spots.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Hikes in Greater LA
Go a little beyond city limits for even more hidden beauty.
41. Sturtevant Falls Trail
Lush and green with a fairy-tale-like waterfall finale.
42. Bridge to Nowhere (Angeles National Forest)
A surreal hike ending at a 1930s bridge in the middle of the wilderness.
43. Big Santa Anita Canyon Loop
Wooded trails, cabins, and mountain serenity.
44. Van Tassel Trail (Azusa)
Steep and scenic, with few fellow hikers.
45. Henninger Flats Trail
Great for training hikes — steady uphill with educational exhibits.
Bonus Picks for 2025
Emerging trails and underrated gems worth checking out in the new year. 🌟
46. Tuna Canyon Park
Quiet trails with views of Malibu and Catalina Island.
47. Millard Canyon Falls
Best visited in spring when the water flows — easy and relaxing.
48. Templin Highway Trail
Remote, wild, and peaceful — perfect for an uncrowded day hike.
49. Caballero Canyon Trail
An accessible trail in Tarzana that’s easy yet beautiful.
50. Grizzly Flats Trail
Forest serenity and cool shade, ideal for warm days.
LA is a Hiker’s Paradise 🌴🥾
From coastal cliffs and city views to peaceful canyons and waterfalls, Los Angeles truly offers an unbeatable variety of hiking experiences. Whether you’re an early morning trekker, a sunset chaser, or a weekend warrior, the 48+ hiking places in LA listed here will give you endless options to explore nature while staying close to the city.
So lace up your boots, pack your water bottle, grab your camera, and head out to uncover the best of LA — one scenic step at a time.
I’m Lily Wilson, a traveler, storyteller, and soul-searcher from the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii. At LilyOnTheGo.com, every journey begins with curiosity, courage, and a trusty carry-on. Travel, for me, has never been about ticking places off a bucket list. It’s about chasing sunrises in unfamiliar cities, sharing laughs with strangers who become friends.