The Best of LA's Hard Hikes

Challenge yourself on these tough trails near Los Angeles.

Hiking Difficult, Severe

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Mount Wilson
Photo: Matthew Dillon via Flickr Creative Commons

Description

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.

Routes included

Santa Anita Canyon - Mt. Zion Loop

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

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

Mount Baldy Summit Loop

Mount Baldy Summit Loop

Challenging and scenic hike in the alpine terrain of Los Angeles County's tallest mountain.

Difficult Hiking

Distance
16 km
Ascent
1.2 km
Descent
1.2 km

Mount Wilson

Mount Wilson

Towering above the Los Angeles metro area, Mount Wilson is a formidable—but rewarding—objective.

Severe Hiking

Distance
21 km
Ascent
1.5 km
Descent
1.5 km

Cucamonga Peak

Cucamonga Peak

Uphill journey to a jaw-dropping view over San Bernardino Valley.

Difficult Hiking

Distance
18 km
Ascent
1.3 km
Descent
1.3 km

Inspiration Point and Muir Peak

Inspiration Point and Muir Peak

Incredibly scenic uphill journey linking multiple overlooks in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Difficult Hiking

Distance
17 km
Ascent
943 m
Descent
943 m
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Related guidebooks

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