Here is a list of the Top 10 Best Hiking Trails in Los Angeles to hike in and get in shape!
All these Hiking Trails have scenic views and different difficulty levels and distances. Some have taken safety precautions like trail markers, maps, and guides to ensure your safety.
For adventurous terrain and natural features like exotic flora, scroll down to find the top 10 best Hiking Trails in Los Angeles.
Griffith Park Trails
Located on Vermont Canyon Rd, Griffith Park Trails has 567 reviews and a 4.8/5.0-star rating on Google.
This outdoor nature trail offers scenic views of the surrounding neighborhood. It has lovely views and several activities, including the iconic Griffith Observatory. If you are looking for a picnic spot, this location is excellent.
People prefer visiting Griffith Park because there are several trails, and you can walk your dog there while exercising.
Griffith Park Trails is ideal if you want to connect with nature while still getting a view of the city.
Griffith Park Trails Address
2715 N Vermont Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
Griffith Park Trails Telephone Number
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Fern Dell Nature Trail
Fern Dell Nature Trail has an impressive 4.8/5.0-star rating and over 1500 reviews. This facility is located in Griffith Park and is a quarter a mile from a nearby stream shaded with sycamore trees and foliage.
Once you reach the lower trail, you will notice a nice stream with fish, frogs, crawdads, and plants. Though it is located in Griffith Park, it has one of the most scenic views and is considered one of the best hiking trails in Los Angeles.
If you make it to the end of the hike, you will notice some shade and seating benches in case you want to relax.
Fern Dell Nature Trail Address
Fern Dell Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
Fern Dell Nature Trail Telephone Number
+1 323-666-5046
Rattlesnake Trailhead
With a distance of 8.3 km, Rattlesnake Trailhead, located on Western Avenue Equestrian Trail, is among the top 10 places for hikes in LA. It has a Google rating of 4.2 stars and almost 50 reviews.
Rattlesnake Trailhead is a beginner-friendly trail with moderate terrain and, hence, is not too steep. Since it is near the freeway, it is easy for you to see and hear cars passing by.
This trail is also convenient for children under adult supervision. You might come across wildlife like rattlesnakes, which are often noticed.
If you want a view of Burbank, you can quickly get it from the top of the trail.
Rattlesnake Trailhead Address
Western Avenue Equestrian Trail, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
Rattlesnake Trailhead Telephone Number
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Elysian Park Trail
Though it has 17 reviews, its exceptional 4.5-star rating on Google proves that you should visit this hiking trail in Los Angeles. It is located in Elysian Park.
The elevation gain on Elysian is 74 m and has a 3.4 km distance out-and-back. If you are looking for a footpath that is not lonely but not stranded, this is the right place to be.
There are safety precautions to ensure you do not deviate from the path and do not endanger yourself, especially if you are setting up a barbecue picnic.
Elysian Park Trail Address
2100 Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States
Elysian Park Trail Telephone Number
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The Brush Canyon Trail
The Brush Canyon Trail is located in Canyon Dr. It has 483 reviews and 4.6 stars on Google.
With a 7.6 km loop and a 305 m elevation gain, its difficulty level is moderate and takes approximately 2 hrs and 24 minutes to complete. You can either hike in the morning or evening because the path has no shade.
It is recommended to hike during the late afternoon to catch the spectacular sunset from the top. Some wildflowers are also on the way, like Pansies and trash cans installed at different stops to help with trail maintenance.
The Brush Canyon Trail Address
Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States
The Brush Canyon Trail Telephone Number
+1 213-202-2700
Glendale Peak Trail Head
Glendale Peak is approximately 5.8km with a 254 elevation gain. It is located in Griffith Park and has a 4.7-star rating and over 130 reviews on Google.
The parking in this facility is less spacious, but if you arrive early enough, you might be fortunate to find a spot. It is recommended to wear hiking boots because some places are slippery.
You can experience a great view of the Pacific Ocean and the Hollywood sign when you get to the top.
Glendale is challenging and moderate, depending on your flexibility, and can be visited by adults and kids because it is family-friendly.
Glendale Peak Trail Head Address
2715 N Vermont Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
Glendale Peak Trail Head Telephone Number
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Stocker Corridor Trail
Stocker Corridor Trail, located in View Park – Windsor Hills, is known for its tranquility and proximity to the city. It has a Google Rating of 4.7 stars and 169 reviews as of September 2024.
Cyclists and joggers know Stocker Corridor as a place to exercise and work out. It is considered beginner-friendly since it is 4.5 km, with a 94 m elevation gain. It is not only used for activities but also for fun and casual walks.
Did you tag your horse along? If you have a horse, you can ride it on the dirt terrain
If you are looking for a serene environment during the day, you can visit Stocker Corridor.
Stocker Corridor Trail Address
Stocker St & Presidio Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90008, United States
Stocker Corridor Trail Telephone Number
+1 213-473-3231
Aileen Getty Ridge Trail
Aileen Getty Ridge is located on Wonder Vw Trl. It has a Google review of 4.2/5.0 stars and 13 reviews.
It is on a singletrack trail between Mt. Lee and Burbank Peak, where you can see lovely views. This trail leads to a tree known as the Tree of Life, and you can get to the twelfth-highest peak in Los Angeles.
The rocky terrain has narrow trails, where you might encounter rattlesnakes.
This precise trail is, however, for advanced hikers, considering it is very steep, but the advantage is viewing the Hollywood sign.
Aileen Getty Ridge Trail Address
Los Angeles, Wonder Vw Trl, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States
Aileen Getty Ridge Trail Telephone Number
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Charlie Turner Trailhead
Charlie Turner Trailhead is located on Observatory Road and has 4.7 stars and 968 reviews.
The loop distance is approximately 4km and has a 244 m elevation gain, meaning it takes around 1 hr 30 minutes. This trail begins from the parking lot, with a picnic spot and a playground for people not hiking.
Charlie Turner has trail markers to ensure you stay aware, and safety precautions have been taken to ensure you stay on the cliffs while hiking or running.
Hiking gear is recommended to ensure safe grip and security.
Charlie Turner Trailhead Address
2840 W Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
Charlie Turner Trailhead Telephone Number
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The Eagle Rock Canyon Trail
Located in Richard Arratore Park, this narrow-pathed hiking trail has caught people’s attention with a 4.2-star rating and almost 200 reviews.
The Eagle Rock Canyon Trail is short, as the distance is only 1.6 km. It is, however, a challenging trail and is mainly recommended for intermediate and advanced hikers due to its steep slopes near the top.
An organization manages this terrain; trail maintenance is observed, and occasional trail guides are spotted. The navigation is easy as there are clear signs of the path.
While you are there, you will notice a large rock, which acts as a landmark, but it is impossible to access due to private property that is put up as a barrier. You will, however, get a chance to take photos of the scenic views.
The Eagle Rock Canyon Trail Address
5499 Eagle Rock View Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90041, United States
The Eagle Rock Canyon Trail Telephone Number
+1 323-452-3720