Dreaming of a trip to Los Angeles, California? Why wouldn’t you be?! It’s a beautiful and lively destination in every season and for adventurers who love a mix of city and nature, LA offers a solid mix (not unlike Las Vegas). We’ve spent some time near the city ourselves, but we called on a few local experts to share what they think are the best hikes in LA so you can hit trails with confidence knowing you experienced the best the area has to offer.
These are all hikes that folks who live, work or regularly play in LA adore and highly recommend. So if it’s personal recommendations you want, we’ve got you. Strap on your hiking shoes or sandals and get moving!
Wildfire Damage in LA
Remember that LA and the surrounding areas have been brutally impacted by wildfires over the last couple of years. Communities have been devastated and trails and natural areas destroyed. These places largely welcome the financial support visitation brings, but be respectful of boundaries and closures. Don’t hike trails or park at trailheads that are closed. Abide by Leave No Trace Principles. And consider donating to local relief organizations or donating volunteer hours or money to local trail organizations.
The 4 Best Hikes Near LA
Hollyridge Trail to Hollywood Sign: Hollywood (5.1 miles, out-and-back)
Jeremy Greenburg is the Chief Information Officer at SlickTrip, an online platform that instantly compares top travel sites and alerts you the moment flight prices drop.
Hike the Hollyridge Trail for fantastic views of the iconic Hollywood sign and the lovely Los Angeles skyline. This hike is just over 5 miles long and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, with an elevation gain of about 833 feet. Just make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water, as there is barely any shade along this trail. The start of this trail is about 26 minutes away from downtown Los Angeles.
We at Terradrift can attest to this trail being a classic must-do when in LA. It’s easily accessible, wide and not at all technical, and is one of the iconic LA outdoor experiences. Don’t expect to have the route all to yourself, but stroll, enjoy the scenery, and have fun out there.
El Moro Canyon to Moro Ridge: Crystal Cove, Newport Beach (9.5 miles, loop)
Ashley Johnson, senior vice president & chief marketing officer for Visit Newport Beach, loves hiking in the Crystal Cove area in Newport Beach, a coastal town about an hour from downtown LA.
Crystal Cove offers some of the most stunning coastal hikes in Southern California, with a variety of trails for all levels of hikers. A standout route is the El Moro Canyon to Moro Ridge Loop. This 9.5-mile loop features about 900 feet of elevation gain and rewards hikers with sweeping views from the Emerald Bay Overlook. The trail winds through rolling hills, canyon terrain, and open ridgelines with breathtaking views of the Pacific–on clear days, even Catalina Island is visible in the distance.
For a more relaxed coastal stroll, the Balboa Island Loop (2.5 miles, paved) offers a peaceful walk around the harbor with charming island cottages and calm waterfront views. The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Trail (3.5 miles) is another excellent option, ideal for birdwatching and soaking in scenic bay vistas. Nearby, Corona Del Mar State Beach features small coves perfect for tide pooling, and the local farmers market offers fresh produce every Saturday–a perfect post-hike stop.
Parker Mesa Overlook: Los Angeles (1.5-8 miles, out-and-back)
Nicole Snell has lived in Los Angeles for over 20 years and is an expert solo hiker and explorer. She used to lead hikes for the local LA non-profit, Black Girls Trekkin. She’s the founder of Outdoor Defense, a YouTube series where she empowers women solo hikers with self-defense skills to help them feel confident getting outside. She’s led hikes and workshops for colleges and brands including Teva and UCLA.
This is my all time favorite hike in Los Angeles. It was affected badly by the January 2025 fires, but has since reopened. The first 1.5 miles of this approximately 8-mile out-and-back weave through lush green sections with lots of shade until you reach the first lookout point with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the CA coastline. If you’re a beginner or only looking for a short hike, you can turn around here. If you’re looking for a challenge, keep heading up on the trail to the left to climb the next 2.5 miles with a steady and sometimes grueling elevation gain.
This section is exposed, so avoid it during the heat of the day and/or bring sun protection and lots of water. The views along the way off to the west are gorgeous! Once you reach the top of this trail you’ll see a green outhouse to the left and that’s the trail to continue to Parker Mesa Overlook. When you arrive you’re greeted with 360-degree views of Santa Monica, Downtown LA, the coastline and on a clear day you can see to Catalina. On a cloudy day or one with a thick marine layer, the view is still neat and it looks like you’ve climbed above an ocean of clouds. The views either way are worth it!
Sullivan Canyon Trail: Santa Monica Mountains (9.8 miles, out-and-back)
Jeremy Greenburg is the Chief Information Officer at SlickTrip, an online platform that instantly compares top travel sites and alerts you the moment flight prices drop.
If you have more time to spare, I would definitely check out the Sullivan Canyon Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains. This hike is about 9.8 miles long and takes between 4.5 and 5 hours to complete, with an elevation gain of about 1,374 feet. The views of the canyon and mountain greenery are so beautiful! This is the perfect way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for a whole afternoon. It’s a moderately challenging hike, so it would be a great option for experienced hikers. The start of this trail is about 46 minutes away from downtown Los Angeles.
According to Andy Lewicky of sierradescents.com, This trail was one of many impacted by recent wildfires. It’s open, but may look different than in the past. “The area is still unfortunately very ashy, even after the rains,” He says. “That means people who enter the area will probably want to clean clothes, gear, and themselves thoroughly afterward.”
Wildfire Prevention Tips
Much like most of the western U.S., LA and California are dry, arid, and extremely susceptible to wildfires (as past years have shown in tragic fashion). So be extra cautious and considerate when recreating in these places and follow these tips to help prevent wildfires:
• When camping, abide by fire bans and do not light fires when not permitted.
• If grilling with charcoal nearby, douse the coals completely until they’re cool to the touch before throwing them away.
• Do not smoke while hiking and if you smoke near a trailhead, put your cigarette out completely and do not throw it on the ground.
• Sparks can fly from dragging tow chains or car parts; keep them well off the ground.
• Park your car away from grass and vegetation: hot exhaust pipes can catch dry grass on fire.
• Don’t shoot fireworks.
• Abide by Leave No Trace principles at all times.
Bottom Line
LA isn’t just a fun place to eat, sightsee and try to spot movie stars; it’s surrounded by plenty of recreation opportunities for folks who love to hike. So pack plenty of water and explore these local favorite trails near LA. They’re guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget plenty of water!
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