Los Angeles gets a lot of credit for a lot of things — the weather, the food, the entertainment, the culture — but the hiking? That might just be the city’s most underrated superpower. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner logging serious miles in the San Gabriel Mountains or a total beginner looking for hiking trails near me that won’t require a rescue helicopter, Los Angeles has a trail for you — and it is probably more breathtaking than you’re expecting. From the iconic Hollywood sign views of Griffith Park to the dramatic coastal bluffs of Malibu to the wildflower-lined canyons of Topanga, the greater Los Angeles area is home to some of the most diverse, accessible, and jaw-droppingly gorgeous hiking trails in the entire country. As someone who has personally hiked many of these trails — and who believes deeply that lacing up your hiking shoes and hitting a hiking trail is one of the most powerful wellness tools available to any of us — I put together this definitive guide to the 20 best hiking trails in Los Angeles so you can stop scrolling and start hiking.
ICONIC & BEGINNER-FRIENDLY
1. Runyon Canyon Park(Hollywood) One of the most famous hikes in all of Los Angeles — and for good reason. Runyon offers stunning panoramic views of the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory, and the entire LA basin from multiple vantage points, with trails ranging from easy to moderate. Dog-friendly, people-watching heaven (including celebs), and accessible from Hollywood Boulevard. Difficulty: Easy–Moderate / 3.3 miles
2. Fryman Canyon Park (Studio City) – An understated local favorite in the Valley — offering a quieter, more nature-focused alternative to its bustling neighbor, Runyon. Fryman Canyon features a beautiful, shaded fire road loop that winds through lush Mediterranean foliage, providing gorgeous, sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley and a peaceful escape from the city below. Dog-friendly (on-leash) and family-friendly, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed morning trek or a jog beneath the trees. Difficulty: Easy / 3.0 miles
3. Griffith Park(Los Feliz)
- Mount Hollywood Trail(Los Feliz) The crown jewel of LA hiking — the Mount Hollywood Trail winds through the iconic Griffith Park to the highest peak in the park, with sweeping 360-degree views of the city, the Hollywood sign, and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean. Difficulty: Moderate / 6.3 miles round trip
- Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign(Los Feliz) One of the most photographed hikes on the planet — starting at Griffith Observatory and winding up to the base of the iconic Hollywood sign. Moderate terrain, incredible views, and the bragging rights of standing next to one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Difficulty: Moderate / 6 miles round trip
4. Temescal Gateway Park(Pacific Palisades) A gorgeous Westside gem that takes you from the Pacific Palisades neighborhood into the Santa Monica Mountains, with wildflowers, oak canyons, and stunning ocean views at the top. One of the most scenic and underrated hikes on the Westside. Difficulty: Moderate / 3.8 miles round trip
5. Will Rogers State Historic Park(Pacific Palisades) A beautifully maintained park with multiple trail options ranging from easy strolls to more challenging ridge hikes with spectacular ocean and city views. The Inspiration Point Trail is a fan favorite for its sweeping panoramic payoff. Difficulty: Easy–Moderate / 2 miles to Inspiration Point
COASTAL & WESTSIDE HIKES
6. Topanga State Park — Eagle Rock Loop(Topanga) One of the most rewarding hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains — the Eagle Rock Loop winds through chaparral and oak woodland to the massive Eagle Rock formation, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Topanga Canyon. Difficulty: Moderate / 7 miles round trip…