hiking in l.a.

Want some good hiking recommendations around L.A.? This page recommends some fun hiking trails not too far from school.

Got any suggestions? We'd love to hear em! Send in your favorite local trails here.

A bus ride away

Hastain Loop, Franklin Canyon Park (5 mi from campus)

This 2.2 mi loop w/ 550 feet in elevation gain is a hidden gem nestled amongst the Beverly Hills. The hike provides views of the surrounding sycamore canyons and the LA Basin. Check out the nearby Franklin Lake for some sunshine and serenity.

Temescal Canyon Trail (7 mi from campus)

This 2.7 mi heavily trafficked loop w/ 875 ft in elevation gain is rated as moderate. The trail follows both an uphill climbing portion with broad views of LA, the Pacific, and Malibu beyond, as well as a downhill, canyon-floor, creek-side portion. The trail culminates in a small waterfall in the wetter months. Hikers recommend starting with the sunnier side of the loop first (the left one).

Inspiration Point Loop, Will Rogers State Park (7 mi from campus)

This 2.1 mi heavily trafficked loop trail w/ 325 feet in elevation gain is rated as easy. The loop provides stunning views of the LA Basin, Santa Monica Bay, and Catalina Island across the Pacific, as well as opportunities to get up close and personal with some wildflowers in the spring.

Les Leones Canyon, Topanga State Park (10 mi from campus)

This 2.6 mi out-and-back trail weaves its way up a lush canyon overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Hike alongside vibrant chaparral and ivy with sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay. For those wanting additional mileage, continue up to Parker Mesa Overlook where the trail meets East Topanga Fire Road.

Amir’s Garden, Griffith Park (18 mi from campus)

This heavily trafficked 1.1 mi loop trail w/ 275 feet in elevation gain is rated as moderate. Hike up the steep route to a secluded and historic garden, full of succulents, wildflowers, and colorful benches. Consider checking out the abandoned LA Zoo while in the area, full of rusted cages and bright graffiti.

Wisdom Tree, Cahuenga Peak + Mt. Leep Loop (Hollywood Sign), Griffith Park (20 mi)

This 3.7 heavily trafficked loop w/ 1,370 feet in elevation gain takes you a step further than the quintessential ‘Hollywood Hike’ and is rated as difficult. The trail takes you to the lonesome Wisdom Tree, and continues on to Cahuenga Peak, providing magical views of the surrounding LA Basin. The hike then takes you behind the famed Hollywood Sign, and backtracks down to Cahuenga Peak to complete the loop.

just a bit further

Victory Trailhead Loop, Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve (20 mi from campus)

This 5.1 mi loop w/ 410 feet in elevation gain is stunning in March/April, when the tall green grasses grow in after a (short) rainy season. A lush hideaway in the midst of the San Fernando Valley, this loop transports you to a world of lush greenery, warm sunshine, and pale yellow wildflowers.

Rock Pool and Century Lake Loop, Malibu Creek SP (25 mi from campus)

Often nicknamed ‘the Yosemite of Southern California’, Malibu Creek is the ‘recreational crown jewel’ of the Santa Monica Mountains, offering stunning opportunities for rock climbing, camping, hiking, bike riding, etc. See the locations for films such as Planet of the Apes, and TV shows like M.A.S.H. This loop takes you past a popular swimming hole in the region and a beautiful dam, both of which make great picnic spots for when the sun is out.

Eaton Canyon Trail, Angeles National Forest (30 mi from campus)

This 3.5 heavily trafficked out-and-back trail w/ 450 ft in elevation gain is rated as easy. Hike to a 40-foot waterfall through creekside sycamore trees. The trail features several instances of boulder scrambling and shallow stream crossing.

Switzer Falls via Gabrielino Trail, Angeles National Forest (35 mi from campus)

A 4.3 mi heavily trafficked out-and-back trail rated as moderate. The babbling Arroyo Seco Creek provides the backdrop for this hike as you wind along the stunning gorge to finally end at the pristine Switzer Falls. Arrive early for parking on weekends/holidays.

Paradise Falls Trail, Wildwood Park (35 mi from campus)

This 2.7 mi loop w/ 500 feet in elevation gain follows Indian Creek to a 70-foot waterfall plunging straight into the pool below. The volcanic rock of the surrounding canyon provides a base for the lush greenery of the meandering creek that follows. Arrive early for parking on weekends.

Mugu Peak Trail, Point Mugu State Park (40 mi from campus)

This 2.7 mi loop w/ 1,250 feet in elevation gain is rated as difficult. The loop takes you to the top of Mugu Peak with very steep portions making up most of the trail. The view at the top sweeps across the Pacific ahead (providing gorgeous colors at sunset!)

Day Trips

Vasquez Rocks Trail, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park (30 mi from campus)

Providing the backdrop for a variety of film & television productions, Vasquez Rocks feels almost like an alien landscape. The 2.6 mi easy trail loops through the dramatically tilted and uplifted rocks, often passing some wildflowers, when in bloom, along the way. This Natural Area Park allows for many opportunities to explore.

Mount Lowe Railway Loop, Angeles National Forest (30 mi from campus)

A 9.8 mi loop w/ 2,760 ft. in elevation gain, this trail is rated difficult. The loop passes through such historical landmarks as the ruins of Mount Lowe Railway, Echo Mountain, and Inspiration Point, all popular destinations as far back as the 1800’s.

Bridge to Nowhere, Angeles National Forest (60 mi from campus)

This 9.3 mi heavily trafficked out-and-back trail is rated as difficult. Multiple river crossings and washed out portions of the trail mean that hikers should proceed with caution, and expect to get their feet wet. The end of the hike leads to a mysterious bridge (which connects a now-gone road to the side of the mountain) teeming with bungee jumpers and swimmers below. Arrive early for parking on most days.

Red Cliffs Trail, Red Rock Canyon State Park (60 mi from campus)

This 1.2 mi loop provides stunning views of the famed Red Cliffs that put this park on the map. Though this hike is short, it provides a gateway to many other trails throughout the park, branching into the Nightmare Gulch Loop. Spend some time offroading, rock jumping, or simply exploring. Temperatures can get crazy hot during the summer, so best use for this trail/park is from November-May.

Other adventures

UCLA Botanical Gardens (on campus)

A ‘living museum’, the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens provides a diverse array of flora in the midst of a suburban jungle -- walk amongst plants from the Mediterranean, Hawaii, or the high deserts all in one trail (for free!).

Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine (8 mi from campus)

A tranquil collection of waterfalls, fountains, statues and flowerbeds created to celebrate harmony amongst all religions, providing a commonplace for one’s meditation, self-reflection, or simply the enjoyment of the surrounding nature.

Thornhill Broome Sand Dune (40 miles from campus)

Just south of Thornhill Broome beach, on the eastern side of PCH lies a huge pileup of sand climbing up the face of the Santa Monica mountains above. Bring makeshift sleds or a picnic basket to enjoy the incredible view from the top of the dune. The view is especially great at sunset.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (75 miles from campus)

With one of the most consistent poppy blooms in the state, Antelope Valley provides 7 miles of dirt trails + paved sections with wheelchair access through vast fields of our vibrant state flower. Poppy blooms begin in the spring and carry on through late May/early June. Stay on trails and don't step on the poppies!

hiking in l.a.

Author: Sammy Womack