Los Angeles offers unexpected hiking variety for a sprawling metropolis. Within city limits, trails wind through Griffith Park's 4,210 acres, along coastal bluffs in Palos Verdes, and up to the Hollywood Sign. Within an hour's drive, you access the San Gabriel Mountains' 10,000-foot peaks, desert landscapes, and Channel Islands.
This guide covers 10 trails around Los Angeles, from easy 2-mile coastal walks to challenging 10-mile mountain climbs. Each includes accurate distances, elevation data, parking logistics, and honest difficulty assessments. Before heading out, get proper merino wool clothing to handle LA's sun exposure and variable mountain weather.
The trails are organized by drive time from downtown LA for easy planning.
How to Use This Guide
Three tools simplify trail selection:
Trail Picker Table: Filter by difficulty, drive time, season, and dog-friendliness.
Detailed Trail Breakdown: Complete descriptions with mileage, elevation, parking, and conditions.
Logistics Section: Parking availability, Adventure Pass requirements, and timing.
Match your fitness level to a trail, check parking requirements, then go.
Trail Picker
| Trail | Difficulty | Distance | Elevation Gain | Drive Time | Best Season | Dog-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runyon Canyon | Easy-Moderate | 3.3 miles | 500 ft | In city | Year-round | Yes (off-leash) |
| Griffith Observatory | Easy | 2.6 miles | 600 ft | In city | Year-round | Yes |
| Temescal Canyon | Moderate | 4.2 miles | 850 ft | 30 min | Year-round | Yes |
| Solstice Canyon | Easy-Moderate | 3 miles | 300 ft | 40 min | Year-round | Yes |
| Bridge to Nowhere | Hard | 10 miles | 900 ft | 60 min | Spring/Fall | Yes |
| Mount Baldy | Hard | 11 miles | 3,900 ft | 60 min | Summer/Fall | Yes |
| Sturtevant Falls | Moderate | 3.6 miles | 700 ft | 45 min | Spring/Fall | Yes |
| Eaton Canyon Falls | Easy | 3.4 miles | 400 ft | 30 min | Spring/Fall | Yes |
| Sandstone Peak | Moderate-Hard | 6 miles | 1,400 ft | 50 min | Year-round | Yes |
| Potato Chip Rock (Mt. Woodson) | Moderate-Hard | 7.4 miles | 2,000 ft | 2 hours | Fall/Winter/Spring | Yes |
Decision Framework
How much time do you have?
- Under 2 hours: Runyon Canyon, Griffith Observatory, Eaton Canyon
- Half day: Temescal Canyon, Solstice Canyon, Sturtevant Falls
- Full day: Bridge to Nowhere, Mount Baldy, Potato Chip Rock
What's your fitness level?
- New to hiking: Runyon Canyon (lower loop), Griffith Observatory, Eaton Canyon
- Regular exercise: Temescal Canyon, Solstice Canyon, Sandstone Peak
- Experienced hiker: Bridge to Nowhere, Mount Baldy, Potato Chip Rock
What season?
- Summer (June-September): Coastal trails stay cool. Mountain trails get hot—start by 6am.
- Fall/Spring (October-May): Best season for all trails. Comfortable temps, wildflowers in spring.
- Winter (December-February): Low elevations perfect. Mount Baldy requires winter gear and experience.
Logistics
| Trail | Parking | Fee | Permit | Best Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runyon Canyon | Street parking | Free | No | Before 8am weekends |
| Griffith Observatory | Park lots | Free | No | Before 9am weekends |
| Temescal Canyon | Small lot | $12 | No | Before 9am weekends |
| Eaton Canyon | Large lot | Free | No | Before 8am weekends |
| Sturtevant Falls | Chantry Flat | $5 Adventure Pass | No | Before 9am weekends |
| Bridge to Nowhere | Roadside | $5 Adventure Pass | No | Before 8am weekends |
| Mount Baldy | Manker Flats | $5 Adventure Pass | No | Before 7am |
Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/year): Required at most San Gabriel Mountains trailheads. Available at ranger stations, REI, or online at RecreationGov. Rangers ticket regularly—don't skip it.
Parking notes: Runyon Canyon has zero dedicated parking—street parking only, fills by 8am weekends. Eaton Canyon lot holds 50+ cars but sees 1,000+ weekend visitors—arrive early or park miles away. Temescal Canyon charges $12 for tiny lot—consider street parking on Temescal Canyon Road.
Drive Time from Downtown LA
Within City Limits:
- Runyon Canyon: 15 minutes via Hollywood
- Griffith Observatory: 15 minutes via Los Feliz
- Baldwin Hills Overlook: 20 minutes via La Cienega
30-45 minutes:
- Eaton Canyon: 30 minutes via I-210 (Pasadena)
- Temescal Canyon: 30 minutes via PCH (Pacific Palisades)
- Solstice Canyon: 40 minutes via PCH (Malibu)
- Sturtevant Falls: 45 minutes via I-210 (Sierra Madre)
60+ minutes:
- Bridge to Nowhere: 60 minutes via I-210 (Azusa)
- Mount Baldy: 60 minutes via I-10 and Mount Baldy Road
- Sandstone Peak: 50 minutes via PCH (Point Mugu State Park)
Trail Breakdown
1. Runyon Canyon Park
Distance: 3.3 miles (full loop) Elevation gain: 500 feet Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Trailhead: Fuller Ave, Los Angeles
Runyon Canyon sits in the Hollywood Hills with views spanning downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean. The 160-acre park offers LA's only legal off-leash dog area on trails, making it wildly popular with dog owners.
Three routes exist: easy lower loop (2 miles), moderate upper loop (3.3 miles), or spine trail (steepest, most direct). The upper loop climbs to two viewpoints with Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and downtown LA panoramas.
This trail gets absolutely packed. Weekend mornings see hundreds of hikers, joggers, and dogs. It's more social scene than wilderness experience. Celebrities live nearby and hike here—spotting famous people is common.
The exposed hillside offers zero shade. Summer midday is brutal—go before 9am or after 5pm. Winter provides comfortable temps year-round. Parking is street-only on surrounding residential streets—arrive before 8am weekends or circle for 20+ minutes.
Dogs allowed off-leash (rare for LA). Bring water for both you and dogs—no water sources on trail. The social atmosphere makes this less appealing for solitude seekers.
2. Eaton Canyon Falls
Distance: 3.4 miles round trip Elevation gain: 400 feet Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: 1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena
Eaton Canyon leads to a 40-foot waterfall in the San Gabriel Mountains foothills. The trail follows a wide fire road before narrowing to single-track along the creek. Multiple stream crossings add adventure—expect wet feet in spring.
The waterfall flows strongest March-May after winter rains. Summer reduces it to a trickle. The trail stays hikeable year-round but the payoff diminishes without water flow.
This is LA's most popular waterfall hike—extremely crowded weekends. The parking lot holds 50 cars but 1,000+ people visit on nice days. Overflow parking stretches a mile down Altadena Drive. Arrive before 8am or accept a long walk from your car.
The nature center at the trailhead offers restrooms, water, and trail maps. Rangers patrol regularly—flash floods have caused deaths here. Never enter the canyon if rain is forecasted. The narrow canyon becomes deadly in flash floods.
Dogs allowed on leash. Free parking (when you can find it). Hiking with your dog works well here with flat terrain and water access.
3. Bridge to Nowhere
Distance: 10 miles round trip Elevation gain: 900 feet Difficulty: Hard (due to length and river crossings) Trailhead: Camp Bonita Rd, Azusa
Bridge to Nowhere crosses the San Gabriel River six times on a 10-mile trek to an abandoned 1936 bridge. The bridge was built for a highway that never materialized—now it's just a 120-foot concrete arch in the wilderness.
The river crossings make this trail unique and challenging. Water depth varies from ankle to thigh-deep depending on season and recent rain. Spring snowmelt creates dangerous conditions—check recent trip reports. Wear water shoes or sandals you can hike in.
The trail follows the old highway roadbed—mostly flat with gradual elevation. The length (10 miles) and river crossings create the difficulty, not steep climbing. Most hikers take 5-7 hours including time at the bridge.
Bungee jumping operates at the bridge on weekends (BungeeAmerica.com). Watching jumps is free and entertaining. The bridge itself makes a great photo op and lunch spot.
Adventure Pass required ($5/day). The parking area has restrooms. Bring 3+ liters of water per person—no reliable water sources. Dogs allowed but consider the river crossings and length. Start early—afternoon heat in the canyon is intense.
4. Mount Baldy via Devil's Backbone
Distance: 11 miles round trip Elevation gain: 3,900 feet Difficulty: Hard Trailhead: Manker Flats, Mount Baldy Village
Mount Baldy (officially Mount San Antonio) tops out at 10,064 feet—LA County's highest peak. The Devil's Backbone route climbs relentlessly through pine forest before hitting exposed ridgeline with 1,000-foot drops on both sides.
Two route options: ski lift to Baldy Notch (cuts 3 miles and 1,400 feet—operates weekends only) or hike from Manker Flats. Both routes merge at Baldy Notch for the final push via Devil's Backbone—a narrow ridge with spectacular exposure.
The summit offers 360-degree views spanning LA to the Pacific to the desert. On clear days, you see 100+ miles. The elevation and exposure make this a serious mountain hike requiring fitness, early start, and proper gear.
Winter conditions (November-May): The mountain sees significant snow and ice. Microspikes, ice axe, and winter mountaineering experience are mandatory in winter. Hikers die here annually from falls on icy sections. If you lack winter experience, wait for summer.
Summer/Fall (June-October) provide the safest conditions. Start by 6am—afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly. The exposed ridge becomes deadly in lightning. Bring 3-4 liters of water, sun protection, and warm layers for the summit (20-30°F cooler than base).
Adventure Pass required. Dogs technically allowed but the exposure and distance make it questionable for most dogs.
5. Sturtevant Falls
Distance: 3.6 miles round trip Elevation gain: 700 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: Chantry Flat, Arcadia
Sturtevant Falls drops 50 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains. The trail descends from Chantry Flat into a shaded canyon, crosses multiple bridges, and reaches the waterfall at 1.8 miles.
The approach deceives—you descend first, making the return climb. The switchbacks back to Chantry Flat gain all 700 feet at once. It's harder than the stats suggest.
The waterfall flows strongest March-May. Summer reduces it but the shaded canyon stays pleasant. This was damaged in recent wildfires but reopened in April 2025. Check current conditions before driving out—some sections may still be recovering.
The trail sees moderate use—busy weekends but nothing like Eaton Canyon. Chantry Flat parking fills by 9-10am on nice days. Adventure Pass required ($5/day).
The historic Sturtevant Camp sits 0.8 miles beyond the falls (5.2 miles total). The camp, established 1893, still operates as a rustic getaway—cabins can be rented. Continuing to the camp makes a fuller day hike.
Dogs allowed on leash. The creek crossings and shade make this excellent for dogs.
6. Temescal Canyon Loop
Distance: 4.2 miles Elevation gain: 850 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: 15601 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades
Temescal Canyon winds through Topanga State Park to ridgeline views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Mountains, and downtown LA. The loop combines shaded canyon, exposed ridge, and coastal vistas.
Start on the canyon trail (shaded, gradual) to Temescal Ridge Trail (exposed, steeper). The ridge delivers the views—ocean to the south, mountains to the north. Descend via Temescal Ridge back to the start.
This trail offers a good workout without being brutal. The elevation gain comes gradually. Spring wildflowers (March-May) cover the hillsides. Summer gets hot on exposed sections—morning starts work best.
Parking is a problem. The official lot holds maybe 15 cars and charges $12. It fills by 9am weekends. Street parking on Temescal Canyon Road is free but limited and locals complain. Consider nearby lots or arrive very early.
The trail connects to dozens of miles of Topanga State Park trails—you can extend this significantly. Dogs allowed on leash. Bring 2+ liters of water—no water sources on trail.
7. Solstice Canyon
Distance: 3 miles (to ruins and back) Elevation gain: 300 feet Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Trailhead: 3455 Solstice Canyon Rd, Malibu
Solstice Canyon follows a year-round creek through oak woodland and chaparral to the ruins of Roberts Ranch House—a 1950s home destroyed in the 1982 Dayton Canyon Fire. The stone foundation and walls remain, creating an eerie but photogenic destination.
The trail is mostly flat and shaded—perfect for families or hot days. The creek provides cooling effects. Extensions exist to Rising Sun Trail or TRW Trail for more elevation and challenge, but the ruins loop provides the classic experience.
Spring (March-May) brings wildflowers and strong creek flow. Summer sees less water but stays pleasant in the shade. This is one of few LA hikes offering year-round accessibility and comfort.
Free parking. No Adventure Pass required. The lot holds 20-30 cars and rarely fills completely. Dogs allowed on leash. The easy terrain and water access make this excellent for dogs and families.
The National Park Service manages this area—facilities include restrooms at the trailhead. The fire history adds educational interest—interpretive signs explain the area's ecology and recovery.
8. Sandstone Peak (Mishe Mokwa Loop)
Distance: 6 miles Elevation gain: 1,400 feet Difficulty: Moderate to Hard Trailhead: Yerba Buena Rd, Point Mugu State Park
Sandstone Peak rises to 3,111 feet—the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. The Mishe Mokwa Loop combines Sandstone Peak with dramatic rock formations, coastal views, and varied terrain.
The trail winds through chaparral, oak woodland, and dramatic sandstone formations. Balanced Rock—a massive boulder perched improbably—makes a great photo stop. The summit offers 360-degree views: Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, distant mountains.
Spring wildflowers (especially after wet winters) transform the hillsides. Fall and winter provide the clearest views. Summer heat makes this challenging—no shade on exposed sections.
The loop can be hiked either direction. Clockwise hits the summit first (frontload the climbing). Counter-clockwise saves the summit for the end (spread out the effort). Most hikers go counter-clockwise.
Parking requires $12 day-use fee or Adventure Pass. The small lot at Yerba Buena Road fills on nice weekends—arrive before 9am. Dogs allowed on leash. Bring 2-3 liters of water—no water sources.
9. Griffith Observatory via Mount Hollywood
Distance: 2.6 miles round trip Elevation gain: 600 feet Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: Griffith Observatory parking
Griffith Observatory to Mount Hollywood's summit offers classic LA views with minimal effort. The trail climbs fire roads to Mount Hollywood's 1,625-foot summit—the highest point in Griffith Park.
The summit provides 360-degree views: Hollywood Sign, downtown LA skyline, Pacific Ocean, and the entire LA Basin. It's spectacular at sunset but parking becomes impossible. Midweek mornings or late afternoons work best.
The trail is entirely fire road—wide, gradual, and easy to follow. You can also start from various Griffith Park entrances for longer routes. This description assumes starting from the Observatory parking for the shortest approach.
Griffith Observatory parking fills completely on clear days and weekends. The planetarium and telescopes draw huge crowds. Consider using the DASH Observatory shuttle from Vermont/Sunset Metro station (weekends only) or park in Los Feliz and add mileage.
Dogs allowed on leash. The fire road terrain works well for all abilities. This is more urban hiking than wilderness—you're never far from city views and sounds. Hiking tips for beginners apply well here.
10. Potato Chip Rock (Mount Woodson Trail)
Distance: 7.4 miles round trip Elevation gain: 2,000 feet Difficulty: Moderate to Hard Trailhead: CA-67 at Archie Moore Rd, Poway (San Diego County)
Potato Chip Rock is a thin rock slab jutting from Mount Woodson's summit—San Diego's most Instagrammed hike. Yes, this is technically 2 hours from LA, but it's become so iconic that LA hikers make the pilgrimage.
The trail climbs relentlessly on exposed fire road gaining 2,000 feet. Summer heat is brutal—this trail has caused heat-related rescues. Fall through spring provides better conditions. Start before 7am in summer or skip it.
The rock itself is the attraction—a naturally formed thin slab where hikers take creative photos appearing to balance on the edge. Weekend waits for photos reach 30-60 minutes. Weekdays see minimal lines.
The climbing is sustained but not technical. The distance and exposure create difficulty. Bring 3+ liters of water—absolutely no water sources and full sun exposure. The popularity means the trail stays busy even on weekdays.
Free parking alongside CA-67. Dogs allowed on leash but consider the heat, exposure, and distance before bringing them. This isn't a casual dog hike.
Hiking with Kids, Dogs, and Mixed Groups
For families with kids: Runyon Canyon (lower loop), Eaton Canyon, Griffith Observatory, and Solstice Canyon work best. All have minimal technical difficulty and interesting destinations (waterfalls, views, ruins). Avoid Bridge to Nowhere and Mount Baldy—too long and challenging.
Dog-friendly trails: All trails listed allow leashed dogs. Runyon Canyon permits off-leash dogs (unique in LA). Best for dogs: Solstice Canyon (shade and creek), Temescal Canyon (varied terrain), and Sturtevant Falls (water access). Avoid Mount Baldy and Potato Chip Rock—too exposed and long.
Mixed-ability groups: Runyon Canyon offers multiple route options allowing groups to split by ability. Solstice Canyon provides easy base loop with harder extensions. Griffith Observatory works for all fitness levels with minimal elevation.
What to Wear and Pack
Los Angeles means sun exposure and heat most of the year. Coastal trails stay cooler but mountain trails get scorching June-September.
Footwear: Trail runners work for most LA trails—Runyon, Griffith Observatory, Eaton Canyon, Solstice Canyon. Use hiking boots for rocky terrain (Mount Baldy, Sandstone Peak) or river crossings (Bridge to Nowhere).
Clothing: Summer: Lightweight, sun-protective clothing essential. Merino wool t-shirts handle heat and sun better than cotton. Merino stays cool and doesn't hold odor.
Winter/Spring: Layering matters on mountain trails. Morning starts can be 40°F while afternoon hits 70°F. Merino base layers regulate temperature through the swings.
Essential gear:
- Water: 2-3 liters minimum (3-4 for longer/hotter trails)
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Snacks: Trail mix, bars
- Merino hiking socks (prevent blisters)
- First aid kit
- Phone with offline maps
Seasonal Planning
| Month | Best Trails | Conditions | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-Mar | All low elevations, waterfalls strongest | Cool (60-70°F), occasional rain | Low |
| Apr-May | All trails, wildflowers peak | Warm (70-80°F), ideal | High |
| Jun-Aug | Coastal trails, high mountains (early starts) | Hot (80-100°F inland) | Moderate |
| Sep-Nov | All trails, best season | Warm (70-85°F), clear | High |
| Dec | All except Mount Baldy (winter conditions) | Cool (60-70°F) | Low |
Best season: October-November and April-May. Comfortable temps, wildflowers in spring, clear skies in fall.
Safety, Weather, and Trail Etiquette
Weather risks:
| Season | Primary Risk | Severity | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Heat exhaustion, dehydration | Critical | Start by 6-7am, carry 3L+ water |
| Winter | Hypothermia on Mount Baldy | High | Proper winter gear, turn back if icy |
| Spring | Flash floods (narrow canyons) | Moderate | Never hike in rain, check forecast |
| Year-round | Sun exposure, rattlesnakes | Moderate | Sunscreen, watch step placement |
LA heat reality: Inland temperatures regularly hit 95-100°F+ June-September. Exposed trails become dangerous midday. Either start by 6-7am or choose coastal/shaded trails. Heat stroke happens fast—know the symptoms.
Rattlesnakes: Common April-October on all trails. Watch where you place hands and feet on rocky sections. Most bites occur when people try to handle or photograph snakes. Give them space.
Trail etiquette:
- Uphill hikers have right of way
- Keep dogs leashed (except Runyon Canyon)
- Pack out all trash
- Stay on trail
Sample Itineraries
One Day: Eaton Canyon Falls (morning, 2 hours) + Griffith Observatory/Mount Hollywood (afternoon, 2 hours). Easy combination showcasing waterfall and city views.
Weekend: Day 1: Temescal Canyon or Solstice Canyon (morning), beach afternoon. Day 2: Sturtevant Falls or Bridge to Nowhere (full day).
Navigation Tools
AllTrails ($36/year Pro): Essential. Download offline maps for mountain trails. Check recent reviews for current conditions—crucial for waterfall flow and trail damage.
Weather Apps: Check forecast morning-of. LA microclimates mean coastal and mountain temps differ by 20-30°F.
FAQ
What's the best time of year to hike near LA? Fall (September-November) and spring (April-May) offer ideal conditions. Summer requires early starts due to heat. Winter is perfect for low elevations but Mount Baldy needs winter gear.
Do I need permits for hiking near LA? Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/year) required at most San Gabriel Mountains trailheads. Coastal and city trails are typically free. Rangers ticket regularly—buy in advance.
Which trails are best for beginners? Start with Runyon Canyon (lower loop), Eaton Canyon, or Solstice Canyon. All have minimal elevation, good trail conditions, and interesting destinations.
Are there dog-friendly trails? All trails allow leashed dogs. Runyon Canyon permits off-leash dogs. Best for dogs: Solstice Canyon (shade), Eaton Canyon (water), Temescal Canyon (varied terrain).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating LA heat: Summer inland temps hit 100°F+. Start mountain hikes by 6-7am or choose coastal trails. Heat stroke is real—carry 3+ liters of water.
Skipping Adventure Pass: Required at most mountain trailheads. Rangers ticket constantly ($100+ fine). Buy in advance online or at ranger stations.
Arriving late to popular trailheads: Runyon, Eaton Canyon, and Temescal fill by 8-9am weekends. Arrive early or accept long walks from overflow parking.
Wearing cotton in heat: Cotton holds sweat and stays wet. Use moisture-wicking fabrics. Merino wool stays cool and doesn't hold odor even after hours of sweating.
Ignoring rattlesnake danger: Watch foot and hand placement on rocky trails April-October. Most bites happen when people try to photograph or move snakes.
Conclusion
Los Angeles offers surprising hiking variety—urban trails with skyline views, coastal bluffs, waterfalls, and 10,000-foot peaks all within an hour's drive. The trails range from paved paths to challenging mountain climbs.
Start with easier options—Runyon Canyon, Eaton Canyon, or Solstice Canyon. Build to moderate terrain at Temescal Canyon and Sturtevant Falls. Save Mount Baldy and Bridge to Nowhere for when you're ready for serious distance and elevation.
Stock up on gear from our men's outdoor collection or women's outdoor collection. Get quality merino wool socks and base layers for LA's heat and sun.
Check weather, buy your Adventure Pass, arrive early for parking, and carry extra water. The trails are waiting.
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