Top 10 Places to Hike In the Los Angeles Area

Here is a list of some of the distinct hiking areas of the Greater Los Angeles area, with my picks for the trails that will give you the best feel for the region. Make sure to purchase a permit to park for some of the trails. You can use a National Parks Pass (which I highly recommend if you hike a lot) or an Adventure Pass, and display it in your window. Remember to bring lots of water and snacks for your hikes!

1. Eaton Canyon

Location: Pasadena
Length: 3.5-mile out-and-back
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
Dogs: yes

Eaton Canyon is located in the San Gabriel Mountains in Pasadena, CA. It's a popular hike with kids and families with dogs—it’s mostly shady, flat, and just over a mile in and mile out. At the end you will see a beautiful 40-foot waterfall, which you’ll hear before you see. There is plenty of room to rest on a rock, splash around in the cool mountain water, and have a snack before heading back. Parking here is free, easy, and the Nature Center right next door offers fun guided hikes with friendly tour guides - sometimes even offering Moonlight Walks.

2. Sturtevant Falls

Location: Arcadia
Length: 3.6-mile out-and-back
Difficulty Rating: Easy/intermediate
Dogs: Leashed

Sturtevant Falls is a 3.6-mile hike out and back to the falls. For a longer hike, pass a cluster of charming turn-of-the-century cabins through the pine-scented Angeles National Forest, wind down farther into Santa Anita Canyon and reach Hermit Falls in another 2.6 miles. It’s an intermediate level hike with some shade along the way, but be warned the last .5 miles on your way back as its a super steep climb back up to the parking area. Bring lots of water and make sure to buy the $5 parking pass before heading up the trail.

3. Top of the World Loop

Location: Laguna Beach
Length: 7.1-mile lollipop
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
Dogs: Leashed


This hike is one of the easier/lengthier trails in Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park. Mostly following wide single and doubletrack trails with a couple obstacles. This trail can be a bit crowded since it only takes a tenth of a mile to reach the popular Top of the World overlook. It has beautiful panoramic views of the mountains, ocean and surrounding neighborhoods. This will probably the highlight of your hike, but it’s worth exploring the rest of the park along this loop after visiting the overlook. Once you’re past the crowds, you can enjoy some serenity while following the path through the canyon along Wood Creek.

4. SOLSTICE CANYON

Location: Malibu
Length: 2.9-mile loop
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
Dogs: Leashed, not allowed at the falls

The Solstice Canyon Trail has a nice mix of a little history, taking you through a shaded canyon past the oldest standing stone structure and oldest living tree in Malibu to the ruins of a 1950s mansion right besides a waterfall. Solstice Canyon offers an easy no-fuss walk alongside a flowing creek in a wide canyon. This Canyon is a great venue for a picnic and a stroll. The wide trail is so level it can be walked in flip-flops, making this one of the most family-friendly hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains. On the return leg of the loop via the Rising Sun Trail, views of the surrounding canyon and the ocean round out the hike.

5. SANTA ANITA CANYON

Location: Arcadia
Length: 9.5 mile loop
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
Dogs: Yes

Santa Anita Canyon is probably the most beautiful river canyon in Southern California. This stellar loop winds through a canyon dotted with historic cabins and two waterfalls, including 50-foot Sturtevant Falls. This canyon can lead you to many different areas such as Hermit Falls, Spruce Grove, Valley Forge, etc. While the falls can be crowded, the trail above the falls is idyllic and serene, the canyon floors covered in ivy. There are several campsites here and junctions with longer trails – and you won’t be able to believe you’re in Southern California.

6. BRIDGE TO NOWHERE

Location: La Verne
Length: 10 mile out-and-back
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
Dogs: Leashed

If you like river crossings and forgotten L.A. history, put the Bridge to Nowhere on your list. The ten-mile trail to the Bridge to Nowhere follows the San Gabriel River through hot, rocky terrain and spiky yucca plants. At the end of the trail, you’ll find the failed government project that spans across the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. The bridge is now a popular bungee jumping destination. The afternoon heat can be punishing, though, so if you plan on embarking on this hike, be sure to head out early and allow at least six hours to complete the trek. This flat hike is great in the summer and will wipe you out – and is definitely worth fighting the crowds at the trailhead.

7. RUNYON CANYON

Location: Los Angeles
Length: 2.7 miles
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Dogs: Yes

While a lot of hikers who enjoy the solitude of longer trails in the wilderness will turn their nose up at Runyon, this is one of the most popular and most accessible hikes in L.A. There’s a gently graded paved path for beginners, a rare off-leash dog area for our canine friends, free yoga near the Fuller Avenue entrance, and a surprisingly rugged outer loop that will definitely give you a good workout. This is a great place to hike and watch the sun set.

8. Getty View Trail

Location: Los Angeles
Length: 3.0 miles out-and-back
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Dogs: Leashed

This 2.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Los Angeles, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This is a short hike with freeway noise and fine views. There is no fee or permit required to hike East Sepulveda Fire Road  in Getty View Park, so get out and enjoy!

9. Rustic Canyon Murphy Ranch Park

Location: Los Angeles
Length: 3.4 mile loop
Difficulty Rating: Easy/Intermediate
Dogs: Yes

This 3.4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail offering scenic views is rated an easy/intermediate hike. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This hike involves quite a lot of stairs so be mindful of this if you’re bringing your dog or if you haven’t done a hike in quite awhile. You will have to climb up the steep stairs which can be quite brutal, so make sure you save some energy for it! You will have to park in the neighborhood. Quick reminder there is little to no shade on this hike! So you might want to pack some sunscreen, a hat, and lots water! 

10. Escondido Falls

  Location: Malibu
  Length: 4 miles out-and-back
  Difficulty Rating: Easy
  Dogs: Leashed

  This roughly 4-mile hike to a three-tiered waterfall at Escondido Canyon Park in    Malibu is one of Southern California’s biggest and best. Most of the terrain is        flat and well-marked, though things can get steep in a few places if you choose    to hike to the top rather than the bottom of the falls. The canyon forest is flush    with chaparral and sometimes the creeks run high. It’s one of the busier hikes      in the region , so plan to go early in the morning!

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