Best Hiking Trails in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is lucky to have many hiking trails throughout the city. A common feature many of the hiking trails share are the gorgeous views the hiker sees on the trail. There are also many dog-friendly hiking trails in Los Angeles which are popular among dog owners who love to hike. The best hiking trails in Los Angeles provide a unique experience that takes the hiker away from urban city life and into nature with breathtaking ocean views as an added bonus.

Temescal Gateway Park
Located in Pacific Palisades, this popular Westside Los Angeles hike offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline. Temescal Gateway Park has miles of hiking trails for both beginners and experts alike. One of the easier hikes is a one mile waterfall trail that leads you to a waterfall by taking you along a creek and through a canyon. Dogs are allowed on the hiking trails and there are grassy areas and tables for picnics. There is a parking lot at Temescal Gateway Park which is $5 for the day but street parking is free. Don’t forget to bring along your own water since there is only one water fountain at the trailhead.

15601 Sunset Blvd.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-1395
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, Daily

La Jolla Valley in Point Mugu State Park
Point Mugu State Park is situated between the Malibu coastline and the Santa Monica Mountains. There is over 70 miles of hiking trails and the La Jolla Valley trail transverses the entire park. The La Jolla Valley trail is surrounded by several peaks and is a grassy steppe of canyons, streams and waterfalls. Taking the winding southbound Mugu Peak trail that branches off of the La Jolla Valley trail gives hikers a breathtaking view of the water and a cool ocean breeze.

9000 W. Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
(818) 880-0350
Hours: 8am to 10pm, Daily

Runyon Canyon Park
Just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard is Runyon Canyon Park; a scenic and dog-friendly 134 acre park popular with celebrities, hikers and their pooches. The main part of Runyon Canyon Park has a wide path which takes you to one of the scenic parts of the trail called Cloud’s Rest. There are three entrances to the park; one at the North end and two on the South end. If you bring your dog along with you and enter through the south entrance at Vista Street or Fuller Blvd, the second gate from the entrance begins the off-leash hiking trail. Bring water for yourself and your pooch because there is no water at the top of the canyon. Plastic bags are provided for picking up after your dog but make sure to bring some of your own or a pooper scooper just in case.

Franklin Avenue and Fuller Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 666-5046
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, Daily

The Hollywood Sign Hike
Nearby the famous Hollywood sign is a hiking trail with excellent views of downtown Los Angeles and the Griffith Park Observatory. To get there drive up to the intersection of Beachwood Dr. and Hollyridge Dr. and park your car on the street but pay attention to any signs to avoid tickets or getting towed away. Walk up to Hollyridge Dr. and on the left hand side there will be a wide hiking trail. Continuing on the trail will lead you to some of the best scenic views above the Hollywood sign. Bring a water bottle before hiking because there are no water fountains on the trail.

Mount Lee in Griffith Park
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 469-8311
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, Daily

Sources:
Citysearch