Altadena, California
Altadena, California is a great place for outdoor adventurers, offering a range of scenic trails and activities. Must-visit attractions include the Eaton Canyon Natural Area, the Santa Anita Canyon Trail, and the Altadena Crest Trail. Nature can explore the Eaton Canyon Nature Center and learn about the local wildlife. Hikers can take on the challenging trails of the San Gabriel Mountains and enjoy the stunning views. The Pasadena Arboretum is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, and camping. With so much to do, Altadena is the perfect place for an adventure!
Top Spots in and near Altadena
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Los Angeles County, California
Trail Canyon Falls
4.04.56 mi / 1017 ft gainTo get to the trail, take Big Tujunga Canyon Road until you see signs for Trail Canyon Road. The entry point is easy to miss, but keep an eye out for a stop sign and cars parked at the bottom of a dirt path. Drive up the dirt path for direct parking at the trailhead (4x4 is definitely recommended...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Mount Hollywood Trail
5.02.49 mi / 505 ft gainMount Hollywood Trail is a loop with scenic views of Griffith Park located in Los Angeles, California. There are multiple ways to reach the summit of Mount Hollywood, including via Mount Hollywood via Fern Canyon Trail (5-mile loop) starting near the merry-go-round. This route is one of the most ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Piano Mural Staircase aka “Murray Staircase”
5.00.08 mi / 69 ft gainThe “Piano Stairs” is a stair mural in Silver Lake neighborhood section of LA. Not to be confused with the “Music Box” staircase that is close by. These 90 steps were painted to look like the piano keyboard by the artist Carrey. Great for a cardio workout and not as creepy as some of the stairs h...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Micheltorena Stairs
3.00.19 mi / 75 ft gainI preferred the steps, before anything was painted on them. Whoever thought it would be a great idea to do that was wrong. No upkeep and these stairs have been heavily vandalized. The steps are a series of stairways you will find throughout Silver Lake and neighboring areas. They facilitated peo...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Echo Park Lake
3.00.98 mi / 0 ft gainEcho Park Lake in Los Angeles has a loop that is about 1 mile around. It’s a pretty busy park, that has ducks and geese everywhere. Beautiful lotus blossoms and iris flowers in the lake. Generally flat and one tiny incline that can easily be avoided. You can also rent swan paddleboats that light ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Ord & Yale Street Park
4.0Recently opened in 2021, right behind the LA Library in Chinatown, you’ll find this secret gem, tucked away in the corner. Covered picnic tables, with checkerboard game boards in place, and all gender bathrooms with changing tables for the little ones. Two play areas as well as a small climbing w...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Descanso Steps
4.00.1 mi / 20 ft gainThe steps are a series of stairways you will find throughout Silver Lake and neighboring areas. They facilitated people from the neighborhood in getting to the “red” streetcars, that used to run throughout the city. Cool relics of a mostly-forgotten past. These particular steps take you down from...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Music Box Steps
5.00.08 mi / 20 ft gainClimb a historical landmark in LA. This is where the famous, Academy Award winning short, Laurel and Hardy made called "The Music Box”. Filmed back in the 1930's the story is about two movers trying to deliver a piano, up these steps. There is a plaque is dedicated at the bottom to this film. It’...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hollyridge Trail to the Hollywood Sign [Closed]
4.13.5 mi / 383 ft gainThis trail is closed as is the Beachwood Gate which is used to access the Hollyridge Trail will be permanently closed on April 18th, 2017 due to a court order. Check out Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail for an available option. There are three ways to get to the Hollywood Sign. This route ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
West Trail Loop
4.31.85 mi / 463 ft gainThe trail starts near Dell Picnic area, near the Trails Cafe. On this wide fire road, you can choose to run or hike, but don't expect to have the trail to yourself, especially if you're heading out on the weekend. With that said, you can time your run or hike around sunset and get amazing views b...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail
4.65.04 mi / 1155 ft gainGetting to the parking lot near the trailhead and finding an open space can seem like the most daunting part of this whole excursion. There are free parking lots along the road to the trailhead, so keep an eye out. There are also several ways to get to the trailhead from other parking areas; I ad...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Bronson Bat Caves
3.30.61 mi / 66 ft gainWho doesn't enjoy a short hike to a scenic/remote location? I know I sure do! After hearing about this spot through word of mouth and the internet, and seemingly never having the time to check it out, I honestly have to say it was a worthwhile trip. This short 0.6 out and back hike/walk to the f...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
4.20.58 mi / 36 ft gainVista Hermosa Natural Park is part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Located in the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, it’s very easy to drive by this hidden gem if you’re not looking for it. This park is the perfect mix of ur...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory
4.52.63 mi / 587 ft gainThe Ferndell to Griffith Observatory trail in Los Angeles, California is a moderate difficulty, 2.63-mile loop trail. The trail starts at Ferndell Nature Museum, a small museum with a garden and picnic area. The trail then ascends through a shaded canyon, with a small stream running alongside. ...Read more -
Palmdale, California
Camp at Chilao Campground
4.3While not as popular as shady Buckhorn Campground up the road, Chilao offers the better views and greater chances of scoring a peaceful and private campsite. There are two campsites located here (and two group camps down in the valley). Sites are first come, first serve, and cost $12 (bring exact...Read more -
Palmdale, California
Camp at Manzanita Loop in Chilao Campground
5.0Chilao Camp is located at an elevation of 5,300 feet, in the San Gabriel Mountains, and is divided into two different loops called the Manzanita and Pine.This specific adventure is for the Manzanita Loop, which is pretty much known as the more scenic loop, mainly because the area overlooks the Bi...Read more
