While Los Angeles is known for celebrities, Rodeo Drive, and legendary traffic jams, there are also breathtaking hiking trails hidden within the glitz and glamor of the bustling city. Since LA County is the most populous county in the United States and is larger in area than Delaware and Rhode Island combined, there’s a trail for everyone in the City of Angels. Lace up those boots, grab a water bottle, and let’s explore the four best hiking trails in the greater Los Angeles area.
Runyon Canyon Park (Easy)
Nestled in the Hollywood hills, Runyon Canyon Park is an easily accessible local favorite with over 100 undeveloped acres above West Hollywood. The park’s two ridges offer scenic views of the famous Hollywood sign in Griffith Park and the Los Angeles skyline; on clear days, you might even see Santa Monica Bay in the west. This is a very dog-friendly and easy trail that has round-trip hikes between 1.9 and 3.6 miles and can be done in under two hours.
This trail has three entrances; the North Trail at Mulholland Drive, North Fuller Avenue for the East Entrance, and the West Trail at Runyon Canyon Road. Only the Mulholland Drive entrance has parking at the trailhead, while the other two only have street parking. The gentle ascent of the West Trail makes it the most popular of the trails and can be accessed from Runyon Canyon Road while the East Trail offers you an ideal selfie spot at Inspiration Point.
It’s not unheard of to spot a celebrity while on the trails, so don’t forget to keep an eye out for famous faces. All three of the trails cater to a variety of fitness levels, from relaxing strolls to intense runs. On sunny days make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen, as there is little to no shade on the trails. Beat the crowds by getting there early in the morning or enjoy right before sunset.
Bluff Cove Trail (Easy)
Instead of a mountain trail hike, why not head out towards the crystal waters of the Pacific and enjoy the sound of ocean waves along Bluff Cove Trail? This is a kid-friendly out-and-back hike that takes less than one hour, round-trip. Considerably cooler than the more inland hikes, Bluff Cove Trail gives you spectacular views of the ocean where you can regularly spot dolphins and even do some whale watching as early as October and as late as May!
If you’re bold enough to venture off the trail, you can scramble down the boulders to Flat Rock Beach or Bluff Cove and catch some surfers right before enjoying an amazing sunset. Always use an established trail and if you’re going to admire the sandstone cliffs, do so from a safe distance.
You can find the trailhead and on-street parking on Paseo Del Mar in Palos Verdes but be aware that this is a popular hike, so you may need to park a little farther down from the trailhead to get a spot. You can opt for a slightly longer hike by starting at the free small parking lot on Paseo Del Mar and Palos Verdes Drive West and walking up to Bluff Cove on Blufftop Trail. The lot is closed from 9pm to 5am, but on-street parking is available 24/7.
The Wisdom Tree Hike & Hollywood Sign (Moderate)
Another moderate trail with great views is located right smack in the middle of Hollywood. Also known as the Burbank Peak Trail, this out-and-back hike takes you past the locally famous Wisdom Tree, which was the only surviving tree of the devastating Barham Fire in 2007, and ends with a close-up view of the back side of the Hollywood sign atop Mount Lee.
The actual start of the trail is located in a community on Wonder View Drive, but you cannot park there. There is a fair amount of free parking located a short walk away on Lake Hollywood Drive but parking does fill up quickly on the weekends. Depending on which landmarks you’d like to see on your hike, this can be as short as 3.15 miles to as long as almost 7.5 miles and take roughly 2-4 hours. The trail is not very wide, has little to no shade, and can be a little rocky.
The best times to hike are in late spring and even late into the fall season, although if you’re not deterred by the heat you can hike all through summer. Parts of the trail can be steep and require scrambling so bring proper footwear. If you visit The Wisdom Tree make sure to read the words of wisdom that people leave behind or even bring a pen and paper to add your own.
Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain (Moderate/Difficult)
Built in the 1930s, this trail offers expansive and panoramic views of the LA basin. This moderately difficult hike has some steep ascents and is between 5-7 miles long with 1,400 feet of elevation gain. If you’re willing to endure a strenuous hike, you’ll be rewarded not just with gorgeous views, but you’ll also step back in time to what was once one of the largest tourist resorts in California.
The trail ends at the ruins of a Victorian resort formerly known as White City in the Sky. Walking around the ruins you’ll be able to see old rail cars, the stone steps where resort guests would exit tram cars known as White Chariots on the incline trail, and the remains of large metal megaphones that were used to communicate with the resort. Make sure to keep an eye out for historical markers at the top of the mountain, too.
The ample on-street parking and the trailhead can be found at the corner of Lake Avenue and East Loma Alta Drive in the city of Altadena. This dog-friendly hike starts just outside of the boundaries of the Angeles National Forest and there is no fee. There is little to no shade so make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen and in the warmer months, keep a close eye on your furry family members as there may be snakes on the trail.
Get There Easier with Xpress Shuttles
The next time you’re in town, make sure to take some time to unplug and have a little “me time.” Put down your phone, push away the computer screen, and treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care. Whether you are in town for business or jaunting to a concert or festival, let Xpress Shuttles provide you with the best transportation services for all of your essential travel needs from Santa Barbara to San Diego, hikes included.