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
The Best of LA's Hard Hikes
Challenge yourself on these tough trails near Los Angeles.
Hiking Difficult, Severe
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
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
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
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
Temescal Ridge to Temescal Peak
A long, scenic ridgeline overlooking the ocean and downtown LA.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 15 km
- Ascent
- 778 m
- Descent
- 778 m
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
Incredibly scenic uphill journey linking multiple overlooks in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 943 m
- Descent
- 943 m
San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek Trail
The most direct trail to the summit of Southern California's tallest mountain.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 28 km
- Ascent
- 1.7 km
- Descent
- 1.7 km
Trans-Catalina Trail: Avalon to Little Harbor
The first half of the Trans-Catalina Trail, from the ferry dock over the mountains to a secluded cove beach.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 31 km
- Ascent
- 1.2 km
- Descent
- 1.3 km
Trans-Catalina Trail: Little Harbor to Parsons Landing and Two Harbors
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
- Distance
- 31 km
- Ascent
- 1.3 km
- Descent
- 1.3 km
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
Related guidebooks
8 routes · Hiking
Circle Beautiful Lake Tahoe on the Tahoe Rim Trail
12 routes · Hiking
Drink In Gorgeous Views on These San Francisco Hikes
6 routes · Mountain Biking · Hiking
An Idyllic Summer Weekend Getaway in Kirkwood, CA
13 routes · Hiking
Yosemite National Park's Best Hikes: From Easy to Epic
11 routes · Hiking
Death Valley: Hottest, Driest, and Lowest National Park
17 routes · Hiking
Best Hikes in Los Angeles: Coastal, Suburban, and Epic Summits
17 routes · Hiking
Sunny California: The Best Hikes in San Diego
14 routes · Hiking
Best Hikes in Lake Tahoe: Stunning Alpine Lake Views
4 routes · Hiking
Summer Fun in Kirkwood, CA: Discover the Best Hikes
8 routes · Hiking
San Francisco Hikes for the Whole Family
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •