Towering above the Los Angeles metro area, Mount Wilson is a formidable—but rewarding—objective.
Escape suburbia by exploring LA's numerous hiking trails!
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Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis filled with cars, buildings, and strip malls for miles. With a population of 18.7 million people in the Los Angeles-Long Beach combined statistical area, most outsiders wouldn’t even dream of coming to Los Angeles to hike. But the millions of adventurous people that live here know that despite being such a massive megalopolis, LA has easy access to incredible hiking right on its doorstep!
Los Angeles is confined into a relatively limited geographical area by the Pacific Ocean on one side, and the San Gabriel Mountains on the other. The San Gabriels soar to heights over 10,000 feet, rising dramatically from the ocean. Most of this mountain range is protected by the Angeles National Forest, the most visited national forest in the United States. The hiking opportunities in the Angeles National Forest are abundant!
Even closer to home for the locals, the greater LA area—especially Orange County—has a surprising number of fantastic parks chock full of trails for shorter outings. In this guidebook, we’ve attempted to combine both big hiking efforts and quick hits, both providing a quick dose of nature and an escape from suburbia.
Towering above the Los Angeles metro area, Mount Wilson is a formidable—but rewarding—objective.
Spiraling path to a panorama over the Pacific, with tide pools and whale watching opportunities.
Hike to a photogenic arch bridge curiously placed in a mountain wilderness area, with river crossings and swimming holes along the way.
Scenic hike through Malibu Creek State Park to the filming location of a famous TV show.
Linkup of all the major viewpoints in one of the best parks near Hollywood.
Explore fantastic rock formations via hiker-only trails in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.
Nature walk with great views over the ocean and a chance of spotting whales.
Very popular hike to one of LA-area's favorite waterfalls.
Full-value loop combining Sturtevant Falls, Mt. Zion summit, and swimming holes in Big Santa Anita Canyon.
Historic path to a ruined resort and one of the best views over Pasadena, plus the waterfalls of Rubio Canyon.
Gentle uphill hike to an impressive viewpoint and historic lookout tower in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Combination valley and ridge hike, with a waterfall as well as hilltop views.
Ridgeline walk with ocean views above the Pacific Coast Highway
Challenging and scenic hike in the alpine terrain of Los Angeles County's tallest mountain.
An enjoyable hike overlooking LA which leads to a legendary landmark
A beautiful but non-technical hike to the summit of Mount Hollywood.