Activities
11 Hikes in LA That Are Way Better When It’s Not 90 Degrees
10.16.25
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- Trailhead Location: Griffith Park
- Length: 3 miles / 1h 45m
- A classic Griffith Park trail, this out-and-back route will take hikers to views of Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood sign, along with stunning panoramic views of LA. In this popular area, there are also plenty of detours for the spontaneous hiker.
- Trailhead Location: San Pedro
- Length: 5.7 miles / 2h 6m
- Reminiscent of New England coastal scenery, this out-and-back trail boasts incredible views including a literal lighthouse (what is this, Maine?). This route takes hikers on ridges following the coast of the Palos Verdes Peninsula with an option to go right down to the rocky beach.
- Trailhead Location: Pacific Palisades
- Length: 4 miles / 2h 15m
- This out-and-back trail in Topanga State Park was impacted by the Palisades fire, so there are no longer shady trees, but the plant life is returning slowly but surely. Even so, the views all the way to the ocean are well worth the hike. Note that dogs are not permitted on this trail.
- Trailhead Location: Santa Clarita
- Length: 6.2 miles / 3h 45m
- This unique trail in Santa Clarita Woodlands Park has so much to see along the way, including natural tar pits just off the path. Of course, the views are also stunning, but make sure to watch the ground as well since some snakes have been spotted in the area.
Skyline Trail to Rattlesnake Ridge Trail
- Trailhead Location: Hacienda Heights
- Length: 4.6 miles / 2h 15m
- The trails in Puente Hills Reserve are an urban oasis, offering beautiful scenery with occasional urban views. On this out-and-back hike, expect a few rather steep inclines and little shade. Get there early to snag a spot at the parking lot off Skyline Drive.
- Trailhead Location: Topanga
- Length: 6.8 miles / 3h 15m
- This well-maintained out-and-back trail in Topanga State Park brings hikers to a stunning coastal view at the peak. Wildlife is back in the area after the fire, and you may see some deer along the way. The parking lot is currently closed for construction, but street parking is available. Note that dogs are not permitted on this trail.
Mount Thom via Los Flores Motorway
- Trailhead Location: Glendale
- Length: 4.6 miles / 2h 45m
- This out-and-back hike in the Verdugo Mountains is a steady incline on a wide, well-maintained trail leading to an incredible 360 degree view at the peak. Park in the nearby neighborhood, but watch for permit-only parking areas.
- Trailhead Location: Simi Valley
- Length: 5.6 miles / 3h 15m
- Rocky indeed, this out-and-back trail takes hikers over, under, and in between boulders with the reward of stunning panoramic valley views in Rocky Peak Park. On the right day, you’ll be rewarded to reach the peak above the clouds for a heavenly view.
- Trailhead Location: Brentwood
- Length: 7.2 miles / 3h 45m
- Expect beautiful mountain and city views along this out-and-back fire road trail in Mandeville Canyon Park. This area was impacted by the Palisades fire, but is bouncing back with new plant growth. There is a parallel ridge trail that hikers can choose at several intersecting points along the way for even better views.
- Trailhead Location: Malibu
- Length: 3 miles / 1h 45m
- The effort to tackle the steep climb at this loop trail in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area pays off in spades from the gorgeous viewpoints. There’s even a historic stop and a waterfall along the way.
- Trailhead Location: San Dimas
- Length: 4.3 miles / 2h 15m
- As the name suggests, this loop is a wide and well-maintained fire road, although there is one more narrow and steep part that may be challenging. Join other hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians to enjoy the wildlife and beautiful views in Claremont Hills Wilderness Park.
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