Griffith Observatory to Hollywood Sign
An enjoyable hike overlooking LA which leads to a legendary landmark
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 10 km
- Ascent
- 441 m
- Descent
- 441 m
Best Hikes for the Family in Los Angeles
Visitors and locals alike will love these family-friendly trails near the city.
Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Description
Los Angeles is known as many things, but a top hiking destination isn’t commonly what comes to mind. It should be, though, because the mountains and canyons surrounding LA hold many adventures, including trails, overlooks, and even waterfalls. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here your whole life, there’s undoubtedly some outdoor fun that you and your family haven’t yet discovered.
The options are more than you might imagine, but you can start with this list of family-friendly hikes in the greater LA area. They include celebrity-studded trails above Hollywood, hidden swimming holes in forested canyons, lofty summits in the San Gabriel Mountains, and ocean overlooks atop coastal bluffs. They range from very easy to somewhat difficult, so you can surely find the ideal adventure for your family.
Routes included
Bridge to Nowhere
Hike to a photogenic arch bridge curiously placed in a mountain wilderness area, with river crossings and swimming holes along the way.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 15 km
- Ascent
- 437 m
- Descent
- 435 m
M*A*S*H TV Set Hike
Scenic hike through Malibu Creek State Park to the filming location of a famous TV show.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 7.6 km
- Ascent
- 134 m
- Descent
- 133 m
Runyon Canyon Highpoint Loop
Linkup of all the major viewpoints in one of the best parks near Hollywood.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 5.4 km
- Ascent
- 259 m
- Descent
- 259 m
Eaton Canyon Falls
Very popular hike to one of LA-area's favorite waterfalls.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 5.7 km
- Ascent
- 161 m
- Descent
- 161 m
Santa Anita Canyon - Mt. Zion Loop
Full-value loop combining Sturtevant Falls, Mt. Zion summit, and swimming holes in Big Santa Anita Canyon.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 702 m
- Descent
- 699 m
Echo Mountain Loop
Historic path to a ruined resort and one of the best views over Pasadena, plus the waterfalls of Rubio Canyon.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 9.1 km
- Ascent
- 557 m
- Descent
- 557 m
Ocean Trails Reserve
Network of trails along bluffs and beaches with whale-spotting opportunities.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 4.3 km
- Ascent
- 113 m
- Descent
- 113 m
Middlecrest Trail Loop
Hike to a grassy hilltop in Bonelli Park with 360-degree views.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 5.6 km
- Ascent
- 148 m
- Descent
- 148 m
Griffith Park: Old Zoo Loop
A post-apocalyptic hike through an abandoned zoo.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 4 km
- Ascent
- 141 m
- Descent
- 141 m
Elysian Park: West Loop
Enjoy spectacular views of the LA skyline on this easy hike.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 4 km
- Ascent
- 88 m
- Descent
- 88 m
Los Angeles County Arboretum
Explore nature's wonders in the heart of Arcadia
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 3.4 km
- Ascent
- 41 m
- Descent
- 41 m
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