Local Guides World
Top Hiking areas in Los Angeles, United States
Top Rated Hiking areas in Los Angeles
Top Reviewed Hiking areas in Los Angeles
Old Los Angeles Zoo
Griffith Park Trails
Fern Canyon Trail
Glendale Peak
Elysian Park
Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory
Charlie Turner Trailhead
Glendale Peak Trail Head
Canyonback Trail
Runyon Canyon Flag
Elysian Park Trail Entrance
Elysian Park West Loop Trailhead
Reviews
The best nearby loop for me. When you have a little time for walking.
Visited Elysian Park West Loop Trailhead recently. The park's lawns are nicely mowed, making it a decent spot for a picnic, and the place is clean, which is appreciated. However, the trail itself could use some extra care. The plants along the path look quite sad, with lots of wild weeds, dead trees, and dry grass that detract from the beauty of the place. The iron fences and trash bins covered in graffiti give off a ghetto vibe. Worth a visit for a walk, but don't set your expectations too high 🤷🏽♀️
Nice hike about 1.5 miles long. Out and back. Fairly easy with some moderate inclines. Nice views of Century City, Downtown, and mountains in the background. The trail is very simple. Plenty of parking. Dog friendly. Biking trails.
Easy trail, stunning views of the city. Great place to visit after work to wind down.
Street parking. Some incline but not steep. Pretty view quickly into the walk. We were able to have our stroller.
Great hike. Beautiful views.
Mt. Hollywood Trail, which begins at this trailhead, is an excellent trail with plenty of views, summits, etc. of downtown LA, the Hollywood sign, etc.
The trail is moderate. Wide and well formed. Clay to dirt, some unevenness, steep at parts, with occasional rocks. Would be tough after rain.
This is a great trail in the LA area and my favorite of the Observatory trail system.
The trail is moderate. Wide and well formed. Clay to dirt, some unevenness, steep at parts, with occasional rocks. Would be tough after rain.
This is a great trail in the LA area and my favorite of the Observatory trail system.
Griffith Park is not far from my house, so I often go there. This is a great place to walk or run. A variety of species. Restrooms are only available at the very bottom of the park or in the observatory.
It was my first time hiking up any of the trails to Griffith Observatory. Almost upon entering the park, we found confusing signage. Some signs posted saying that the entrance would be closed at sunset, and others saying the park closed at 10pm, we were confused. In addition, signage also indicated that parking required payment at some locations, but not others.
Being a weekday, there were plenty of parking spaces in the lot. The trail we took was alongside the road for cars; a concrete berm separates traffic from hikers. Many pine tree needles are on the trail, so it can be a bit slippery. Since you're climbing up a hill on a narrow path, there are some areas where you will step onto the paved road (that cars drive on), so watch for cars.
The views of Griffith Observatory & downtown Los Angeles are great. We left after dark, so our flashlights & blinking bike lights helped us safely walk down the paved roadway.
Being a weekday, there were plenty of parking spaces in the lot. The trail we took was alongside the road for cars; a concrete berm separates traffic from hikers. Many pine tree needles are on the trail, so it can be a bit slippery. Since you're climbing up a hill on a narrow path, there are some areas where you will step onto the paved road (that cars drive on), so watch for cars.
The views of Griffith Observatory & downtown Los Angeles are great. We left after dark, so our flashlights & blinking bike lights helped us safely walk down the paved roadway.
I did not follow the entire trail, but from what I did follow, it was very nice and pleasant! So many trees, bushes and wildlife, like crows, squirrels, and other birds and animals. A great place to bring your dogs and family.
Nice and very educational place to go with kids as well. Loved the place, awesome views...
Been hiking here since I was a kid. Always a good one. Bring the dog
You can never go wrong when you hike anywhere in griffith park. This trail is below the drive to the observatory. So basically you are hiking in the park below but if you really wanted you could keep driving up the road and end up at the top
There are multiple kids plays areas, lots of bathrooms, and so many benches, picnic areas, and just generally great places to have lunch a enjoy the best of LA
The only downside is the parking. There is a lot at the top before you head up the hill, but if you do not get there in the morning spots are hard to come by. There are also spots along the road heading up into the park but again, make sure you get there early
There are multiple kids plays areas, lots of bathrooms, and so many benches, picnic areas, and just generally great places to have lunch a enjoy the best of LA
The only downside is the parking. There is a lot at the top before you head up the hill, but if you do not get there in the morning spots are hard to come by. There are also spots along the road heading up into the park but again, make sure you get there early
Night walks (7pm-9m) are the best! Relaxing and peaceful It was scary at first, but every encounter so far it's being either hi or just minding each others business (just make sure you aim your flashlight down for incoming hikers, joggers)
Morning walks (5:30am 7:30am) is when it kinda gets busy, but the morning view is gorgeous (sunrise)
Pic are from Mt Hollywood and Royce Canyon *backside*
Morning walks (5:30am 7:30am) is when it kinda gets busy, but the morning view is gorgeous (sunrise)
Pic are from Mt Hollywood and Royce Canyon *backside*
Really nice hike in LA, better to do it for the sunset.
The view is really nice and you get a full view on LA (Hollywood sign, Los angeles dowtown...)
Really good just to clear your mind, for a date with a bottle of champagne, or just for the view
The view is really nice and you get a full view on LA (Hollywood sign, Los angeles dowtown...)
Really good just to clear your mind, for a date with a bottle of champagne, or just for the view
$93 Million?… Griffith Park is beautiful. Winter is coming.
I love this park.
The park and people who preserve it deserve 10 stars.
The restroom looks like the place to visit this Halloween.
Who would feel ok with their kids there?
How is the government so ignorant about hygiene? We are still going through pandemic symptoms.
Look at the photos and see yourselves.
It’s biohazard-unhealthy, disrespectful and against the health codes to say the least.
Looks like a horror scene from a movie.
No doors???
Right next to the kids’ play park!!!
They just spent millions in restoration funded by us, the disrespected public.
“The Griffith Observatory renovation and expansion project cost $93 million. Roughly two-thirds of the funds came from public sources, primarily city, county, and state bond funding.”
I love this park.
The park and people who preserve it deserve 10 stars.
The restroom looks like the place to visit this Halloween.
Who would feel ok with their kids there?
How is the government so ignorant about hygiene? We are still going through pandemic symptoms.
Look at the photos and see yourselves.
It’s biohazard-unhealthy, disrespectful and against the health codes to say the least.
Looks like a horror scene from a movie.
No doors???
Right next to the kids’ play park!!!
They just spent millions in restoration funded by us, the disrespected public.
“The Griffith Observatory renovation and expansion project cost $93 million. Roughly two-thirds of the funds came from public sources, primarily city, county, and state bond funding.”
Free parking and a more scenic walk to the observatory. My 10 and 6 year old made it just fine (it's easier on the way back). Parking is so bad at the observatory this was the better option.
The views were awesome!
The views were awesome!
Not my favorite. All of it was on a fire road. however, beautiful weather. There is no shade
This is one of my favorite places in LA. I can enjoy a good time with myself, also there are restrooms and bancas, asadores… depende el mood
Not quite a hike, but cool little walkabout. Got to see old animal cages and displays. Took about 45 minutes total. Free parking at the top. Easiest way to figure out where you're going is satellite view on maps.
I went around the loop trail a couple of rounds and only saw a few others. It was nice and peaceful and a really good place for running. The free parking lot is right next to where the trail begins.
beautiful trail to walk on year-round, dog friendly with a water station on top, and a cool view of DTLA. pretty short loop, easily doable in 1.5hours even with a pup who stopped often to sniff. plenty parking near trailhead.
I like ghost cities. This one is something very similar. It is so pity that this place was close. It was open more than a 100 years ago. Unfortunately that site of the park is abandoned. It can be a good attraction.
This is a fun a fan park to walk in. It's clean and lots of families having picnics. A lot of dogs on leashes and a couple without. It was really hot today so I liked that there are a lot of tree creating shade
It soo fun to go out doors and take a hike the view from all the way up is beautiful
I recently had the opportunity to hike Glendale Peak in Griffith Park, and it was quite an adventure. The hike itself was a bit challenging but manageable, and the views along the way were breathtaking. If you're looking for a nature retreat without venturing too far from LA, I recommend checking out Glendale Peak. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout and some truly stunning scenery.
Beautiful view of the Griffith and LA paranormal views. Easy peasy hike. You can find parking when you go up to the Griffith but not the top and walk up the museum. There are also plenty of trails around the area that you should check out!
$10 for parking, busy during the weekends and extremely packed so come here on weekdays in ideal!
$10 for parking, busy during the weekends and extremely packed so come here on weekdays in ideal!
Definitely worth walking through whether you only have 30 minutes or want to hike the whole area (about 2-3 miles). Very eye opening as to what was once accepted as appropriate for zoo enclosures
A nice hiking spot with some history. There are several trails you can hike on. There's also the abandoned animal cages you can stop by and see. Some cages are open and others are locked. Poor animals had small cages, must be why they closed it. There's a lot of good photo opportunities here. It does get a little full on weekends so expect a crowd.
Super cool hiking trail with awesome views! Super waste and good for the whole family, and dogs ARE allowed.
Watch for snakes!!
Watch for snakes!!
It’s very fun! Although be careful for cars flying down the hill :(
Any hike that offers views of the city, hills, nature and The Griffith is just hands down breathtaking. A must do if you’re athletically capable. It can be steep in some areas but if you take it slow at at your own pace you’ll be fine.
Great place for a walk I usually take my dog early in the morning before the sun comes up so I can reach the peak and get that morning sunlight
Pretty cool trail, I took the route that walks passed the LA old zoo. I’m not really how sure how far it goes but I stopped at 1.5 miles in. Its pretty flat until you croas the fence and then theres inclines. Its a very easy hike and you have a lot of opportunities to take photos along the way!
Great for picnicking and has a lot of neat hikes. The old zoo is a small but neat part of the larger park, accessible by the staircase.
PSA: Anyone mentioning redwoods or Jurassic Park Lost World in the reviews are mistaking this trail for one of an identical name in northern California. This hike is cool but it’s not that location.
OG review: Terrific hike. Not a ton of shade so come prepared with hats, sunscreen, and water. The start of the hike has a bit of a slippery dirt hill, folks with regular shoes were sliding and struggled so wear something with grip. After the hill the hike is easy. The parking lot was filling up quick so come before 12pm but there are a lot of spots and people coming and going. Some street parking as well.
OG review: Terrific hike. Not a ton of shade so come prepared with hats, sunscreen, and water. The start of the hike has a bit of a slippery dirt hill, folks with regular shoes were sliding and struggled so wear something with grip. After the hill the hike is easy. The parking lot was filling up quick so come before 12pm but there are a lot of spots and people coming and going. Some street parking as well.
Absolutely gorgeous trail. This is probably the best trail in redwood national park. It does get extremely cold, get an extra pair of shoes that will get wet. The road to the trailhead is very rough and involves crossing a mountain stream. Recommend travelling with an 4x4 SUV even though we crossed with a normal sedan.
We hiked up to the hollywood sign - Yes, A touristy thing, but the trail was great and it was a relatively easy walk! It was busy, yes, but worth it if you like a bit of a hike.
So sad to see One of my favorite trails in LA destroyed from the rainfall recently. We couldn’t even get halfway through the trail. There were branches logs and cacti downed and blocking the path and a giant trench along the whole trail and very muddy.
From California Gold is where I heard about Ferndale. Greg took me here during our most recent rains, it was simply beautiful. I loved all of our Griffith Park experience that day. I had an especially wonderful, very short hike in Ferndell!! I recommend it to everyone… those who can hike and those who have difficulty hiking. I can only imagine coming here during the summer time when it’s 100+ all over LA and it will be so so so cool down here. I’ll see ya this summer!
If my broken body can hike it anyone can. Well worth it. spectacular views and the place is magical. Here's some pictures day and night. I'm trying to be better. I love you.
Absolutely breathtaking! I never been to Griffith Park to hike and was so pleased with the adventure. It was 61 degrees and light breeze, I made sure to bring a jacket. The trail is about 2 miles if you get off near the courts. My fiancé and I brought a lunch to have a picnic after near the area we parked in. Great place to go if you are craving a good walk and some sunshine!
This trailhead is at the top of the hill, opposite Griffith observatory. We parked for free in the G lot and took the half mile trek up - definitely recommend that because parking is $10 an hour if you want to get closer. It was an enjoyable, well-maintained walk up to the top of Mt. Hollywood. If you're up for a four mile hike one way, you can walk to Mt Lee, where the Hollywood sign is located. Even on a cloudy day, the view from captain's roost and Dantes view (which are accessible in a loop fashion if you're going to the top of Mt Hollywood), are beautiful and well worth it. I'll definitely try the walk to the Hollywood sign the next time I'm in town.
Great views and a benchmark at the top. Cool sign marking the start of the trail
Beautiful hiking area, especially when there is a good weather!
Great hiking area with fantastic views. Runyon Canyon's West Trail started pretty steep until you get here, after a great view point, the trail flattens out a bit and is much easier.
The main trail goes through this area is the West Trail, but there is a steeper, less maintained side trail that leads to Wattles Garden Park.
The main trail goes through this area is the West Trail, but there is a steeper, less maintained side trail that leads to Wattles Garden Park.
Parking near The Greek and taking Riverside trail gives lots of great views of the city on the way. Up and down at points, so it’s not all straight up. The trail that takes you up to Glendale Peak is narrow and you have to walk single file, but most of the trail is nice and wide on the way if you are with a friend or a group.
An easy trail with good scenic views along the way. Took us 2.5 hr to complete the loop, and get to see the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and DTLA
Beautiful hike! Worth checking out! A scene from Jurassic Park Lost World was filmed here!
Great hike! There's spots of shade here and there but gets pretty sparse at the top. Go when its cool out as it can get pretty hot.
Although rated easy, it is a steep hike on the way up. It might be too much for some kids or folks not conditioned for this. I noticed lots of kids on the trail complaining and crying! But the views are gorgeous, especially on a clear day. Parking is hard to find, leave plenty of extra time for that.
love this trail! I would say it's about an easy/medium difficulty, the first ~15 mins are pretty steep but then it gets a lot flatter for the rest of the trail.
wide trail & I went midday during the middle of the week and it wasn't crowded, mostly people walking their dogs
really beautiful scenery & views
wide trail & I went midday during the middle of the week and it wasn't crowded, mostly people walking their dogs
really beautiful scenery & views
What a terrific loop. Two miles, only a couple of inclines so it’s a pretty mild hike. Unlike other areas of Elysian I was surprised by the amount of trash cans available and how clean the trail was. There’s a lovely community garden and horses along the way! Per the sign, please do not feed the horses :)
We had gone for the Runyon canyon trek. It is a dog friendly hike. Not very difficult. There are benches for hikers to sit on and various trails you can follow as well. The view from the top is good. At a distance you can see the Hollywood sign, the Griffith observatory as well the LA skyline. Overall a relaxed and short trek with quite some dogs. I would say it's a fun walk.
Parking here is impossible as the signs say "No Parking 10am to 6pm" i would try and park in the neighborhood and get the extra workout in. There are two hills going up, one bigger than the other. Getting to the top is a piece of cake, but getting down is tricky!
I love this hiking trail it was peaceful ,quiet,beautiful view, less people !
Found parking fairly quick on the street. Used the facilities next to main parking lot. Hiked thru a fire trail and then a somewhat steep uphill on a narrow trail a
& got to see some nice views. There are many trail options.
& got to see some nice views. There are many trail options.
I love this place. It's a popular trail for people to hike in, not too hard or exhausting. Popular trail for dogs too.
Great area for hiking. We weren't prepared so we didn't do any hiking but I would go back. Instead, we walked around the Observatory grounds and took some pictures!
No better place to hike, especially during the early morning hours with barely anyone on the trail and the fog still lingering in the canyon before the sun burns it off. This is where I come to find peace each day.
Amazing views while hiking, East views Glendale, Burbank, valley and L A river. West views ocean of lights of the LA city... Traffic and with amazing sunset!
This is a good hiking place. You are going to enjoy if you like hiking. Scenery are outstanding and if you are lucky you may find some wildlife. Beware of rattle snakes. I saw few deers during my trail.
It's very hot so bring lots and lots of water, be prepared and watch out for rattlesnakes. Guaranteed you get a beautiful view of LA.
Great view of downtown LA, Griffith Observatory, and the pacific
I like taking my babay niece here. It is calm security is always going around and makes me feel safe.
Our walk on the Elysian Park trail was very relaxing. We saw many groups and families having a picnic; even enjoying a barbecue. The park is quite expansive. Therefore, social distancing was not too difficult to maintain.
Most hikers were conscious of COVID-19 and wore masks on this Saturday afternoon in early March 2021.
We got lucky but it is quite hard to find parking near the entrance to the Elysian Park. It is recommended to venture out a little further into the Elysian Park Heights residential neighborhood for parking.?
Feel free to hit the like button if my review has been useful for you? Thank you!
Most hikers were conscious of COVID-19 and wore masks on this Saturday afternoon in early March 2021.
We got lucky but it is quite hard to find parking near the entrance to the Elysian Park. It is recommended to venture out a little further into the Elysian Park Heights residential neighborhood for parking.?
Feel free to hit the like button if my review has been useful for you? Thank you!
Great hike for families and dogs! Enjoyed the nice view and how it connects to other hikes. It's a little busy, but wide enough to keep social distancing.
This is an easy fun trail with a great view of the city. Good spot to bring out of town visitors. Be mindful of the poison ivy/oak(not sure which, but it got my husband) on the sides of the trail on the way up.
Great experience doing a mini hike with family. I loved the sweeping views of LA, the Hollywood sign (though far) and the LA style greenery. Definitely worth a visit. The trails are dusty but not too bad. Parking is free at the bottom, but you’ll need to hike up which isn’t too far but goes uphill. Parking near the trail is at the observatory which costs $15/hour right now. Highway robbery!
It's so beautiful out here. Nature is amazingly refreshing. Best views of the city overlooking Griffith Observatory... just go for a walk...enjoy the fresh air...pick any trail ... take on hiking...100% benefit mind, body and soul🙂👍
This is a great trail not far from DTLA. its got a great view from the top and not difficult at all. Amazing views of sunrise and sunset as well as the DTLA skyline. Only downside is that if you go at popular times (e.g. weekends and holidays) it is PACKED. Also used as a training ground for cross country runners and running clubs because of the size/width of the trails. Its a nice 4 mile loop takes about 2 hours if you go slow and take pics.
Love this trail. Safest trail in my own opinion. Mostly pave amd fire roads
Not all that, but a trail all the same.
Been here a few times..love the view!
Nice View...
Great Place!!!
Good Trail To Hike...
Nice Place To Spend With Your Love Ones!!!
Keep A Look For The Snakes...
Great Place!!!
Good Trail To Hike...
Nice Place To Spend With Your Love Ones!!!
Keep A Look For The Snakes...
A good hike with nice views of the surrounding areas. Plenty of parking at Merry Go Round Lot One, from where you can take various hikes inside the Griffith park. By the way, as you can see in my pictures, seeing a rattlesnake is definitely a possibility!
Easy hike with rewarding views! It took us a little under 2 hours. The trail is open, with no steep areas (except for ~100 ft in the beginning).
Awesome way to spend a day and improve your fitness
I love the views from Glendale Peak. It's a pretty easy hike from the west side of Griffith Park.
Good walk and ling time to walk
Was a fun walk love to go again
I love this area for taking my two dogs on off-leash walks. The view from this spot is spectacular.
Amazing hiking trail ideal for adults, children, and/or pets. The views are stunning. You're able to see the EAST, WEST, NORTH, and SOUTH sides of the city. The green and rocky scenery make it very enjoyable. There are tons of areas where you can park for free.
Great hiking trail, scenic and not too busy. Maybe because I went on a Monday? 🤷🏻♂️ I will definitely continue to hike here since it is a short drive from my house. 👍🏼
Cairn itself is underwhelming but the Canyonback trail offers great views and a relatively easy hike.
Fun alot of trails animal friendly