10 Must Do Hikes Near New LA

Hiking is rewarding, engaging, energetic, and educational! It gives you the chance to explore new places, learn about new cultures, and recharge your batteries before returning to your daily routine. Hiking is not only great physical exercise, it’s also an enjoyable mind development activity. Observing the nature, meditating, contemplating about the world – these are all part of the hiking experience.

Los Angeles has great hiking trails to explore. Whether you’re a local, or just here for the weekend, you should definitely check out these top ten must-do hikes in LA.

1. The Runyon Canyon

The Runyon Canyon Loop is one of the most popular trails in Los Angeles. The trail is approximately 3 miles long; getting there is fairly easy. You should leave your car at the Fuller parking-lot (it’s free!), and start the trail from there. Make sure you call beforehand to ask if they have any available parking spots.

David O’Neill, professional essay writer and passionate hiker, shares his opinion. “Because of its popularity, the Runyon Canyon trail can be pretty crowded. If you are not a big fan of meeting other groups of travelers along the way, you might want to reconsider your route.”

On this trail, you’ll see:

• The Hollywood Hills

• The Hollywood Sign

• The Cloud’s Rest Summit

• The L.A. Basin

• The Sunset Strip

1. The Echo Mountain

Wild hiking trails: checked. Awesome views: checked. Amazing exploring opportunities: checked. The Echo Mountain is not a very popular trail, but it is one of the best ones in L.A. It is not a difficult trail, so if you’re a beginner, this is a great place to start. This trail is no longer than 5 miles..

Address: East Loma Alta Drive at Lake Avenue, Altadena. Park by the entrance. Start exploring! Some of the landmarks you’ll encounter along the way:

• Downtown L.A.

• Pasadena

• San Gabriel Valley

If you are into untamed places and breathtaking views, choose this trail.

1. The Charlie Turner Trail

The Charlie Turner Trail is about 3 miles long. To get there, you’ll need to stop at 2800 East Observatory Avenue, and find a parking place close by. If you are a beginner, the trail might be a little bit challenging for you, so plan to spend around 2 hours on it. If you are more experienced, it should not take you more than one hour and a half. What you’ll encounter:

• The Los Angeles Basin

• The San Fernando Valley

• Downtown Los Angeles

• The Observatory

• The Hollywood signs

Smart tip: you can take your dog with you as well, as long as you keep it on leash!

1. The Malibu Creek Park

An old-school Hollywoodian trail, the Malibu Creek Park trail has amazing views to offer. One of the its most special features is the widely known M*A*S*H outdoor set. To get there, drive to 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas. If you are interested in visiting the place where thousands of movies were shot, The Malibu Creek Park is the best option for you.

Two of the most famous movies filmed here are: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, or Planet of Apes, the older version.

1. Mount Wilson

Mount Wilson is a hike designed for experienced mountain travelers. Take the Highway 2 to get there, and reach the Observatory gate. This trail is very popular, so finding a parking place might be difficult. The loop is around 13 miles long, so prepare for a long hiking day. On your way there, you’ll see:

• The Mount Wilson Observatory with its amazing views

• San Gabriel Peak

Smart tip: buy an Adventure pass ahead of time!

1. Wilacre Park

Get to the Fryman Road, leave your car there, and pay a one-time fee (usually no more than $3). This trail can take you through three amazing parks: the Coldwater Canyon, Fryman Canyon, and Wilacre. Besides the three astonishing parks, you can also follow the hidden Rainforest trail from the Fryman Canyon. Spectacular views!

1. Los Liones Canyon

Address: 580 Los Liones Drive, Pacific Palisades. Enter the Topanga State Park through the Los Liones Gates. Leave your car at the cul-de-sac. There is only one trail available for tourists, so I am sure you won’t miss it. The trail is no longer than 3 miles (round trip). Along the way, you’ll enjoy some great views:

• Colorful vegetation

• The Santa Monica Mountains

• The Santa Monica Bay

• The Palos Verdes Peninsula

1. Switzer Falls

If you are looking for an interesting waterfall hike, Switzer Falls is the spot! The address: Switzer Truck Trail, Angeles National Forest, Tujunga. You’ll want to park your car at Switzer Picnic Area. Start hiking the Gabrielino Trail, and continue to the Bear Canyon. What you’ll see along the way:

• The Switzer Falls

• San Gabriel Mountains

Smart tip: you might need an Adventure pass to enter the National Forest, so purchase one in advance!

1. The Griffith Park Trail

You’ll have to reach “Camo Hollywoodland,” and park there. Follow the signs, and start the trail as soon as you’re ready. This trail is neither difficult, nor long. It should be less than one mile. What you’ll see along the way:

• The Bronson Cave – a famous tunnel named after Charles Bronson, a famous actor. Some of the movies shot here: “The Searchers,” “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” and “Star Trek VI.”

• The Hollywood sign and hills

10.The Solstice Canyon

No longer than 3 miles, the Solstice Canyon is an awesome place to travel to. To get there, follow the Solstice Canyon Road to Corral Canyon Road, and leave your car there. Along the way, besides seeing the Pacific Ocean, you’ll also encounter:

• The Tropical Terrace

• Awesomely designed houses by Paul Williams, a famous architect

• Waterfalls

• The Statue of Virgin Mary

Conclusion

Los Angeles offers amazing hiking trails, and really good opportunities to experience the nature nearby! Each trail has its own, specific beauty, so make sure you choose the trails you’re the most passionate about.