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
Challenge yourself on these tough trails near Los Angeles.
Hiking Difficult, Severe
Spend just a little time exploring Los Angeles on foot, and you’ll quickly realize how hilly it is. The city is in a broad basin, but one that’s rippled by small mountain ranges and surrounded by larger ones. The mountainous terrain, plus an abundance of parks and public lands providing access, provide for many challenging hikes near LA.
Many of these hikes are ascents to peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains just north of the city, but there are more. The Santa Monica Mountains rise in the middle of the urban area and have some surprisingly rugged topography. There are also the San Bernardino Mountains to the east, home to Southern California’s tallest mountain, San Gorgonio. Then there is Catalina Island, a mountain in the sea that rises to the west. All are worthy arenas for outdoor adventure, and some of their best trails are highlighted here. Whether you seek the satisfaction of a huge summit, solitude in the wilderness, or simply a great workout, these tough hikes near Los Angeles have it all.
Full-value loop combining Sturtevant Falls, Mt. Zion summit, and swimming holes in Big Santa Anita Canyon.
Difficult Hiking
Historic path to a ruined resort and one of the best views over Pasadena, plus the waterfalls of Rubio Canyon.
Difficult Hiking
Challenging and scenic hike in the alpine terrain of Los Angeles County's tallest mountain.
Difficult Hiking
Towering above the Los Angeles metro area, Mount Wilson is a formidable—but rewarding—objective.
Severe Hiking
A long, scenic ridgeline overlooking the ocean and downtown LA.
Difficult Hiking
Uphill journey to a jaw-dropping view over San Bernardino Valley.
Difficult Hiking
Incredibly scenic uphill journey linking multiple overlooks in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Difficult Hiking
The most direct trail to the summit of Southern California's tallest mountain.
Difficult Hiking
The first half of the Trans-Catalina Trail, from the ferry dock over the mountains to a secluded cove beach.
Difficult Hiking
The second half of the Trans-Catalina thru hike, crossing over mountains and the island's isthmus to camp on a remote shore.
Difficult Hiking
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