Arcadia, California
Arcadia, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. The Eaton Canyon Trail, a must-visit, is a moderate-level hiking trail known for its waterfall and the beautiful Eaton Canyon River. Another top trail is the Mount Wilson Trail, featuring a stunning view of the San Gabriel Valley and an observatory at the peak. For those interested in bird watching, the Arcadia Wilderness Park is a great spot with its diverse bird species. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, located in Arcadia, is a fantastic place to enjoy a leisurely walk amongst a variety of plant species. So, pack your hiking boots and get ready to explore the best of Arcadia's outdoor attractions.
Top Spots in and near Arcadia
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Pearblossom, California
Cooper Canyon Trail Camp
5.37 mi / 1214 ft gainThere's a small parking lot just below Cloudburst Summit on the way to Mount Waterman. Start your adventure there. I'd be hard-pressed to say it's more than 15 yards from the sign for the summit (7018' AMSL). There's a fire road, if you're newer to altitude and don't know how to read a map (or e...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 -
Pearblossom, California
Mt. Waterman
5.05.87 mi / 1499 ft gainMt. Waterman is accessed along Highway 2 in the Angeles National Forest. Heading east from La Canada look for mileage marker 58.0 (34 miles from La Canada) just past the closed ski resort. Park at one of the large paved turnouts on your left. Display an Adventure Pass ($5 at Ranger Station or Big...Read more -
Azusa, California
Lewis Falls
1 mi / 732 ft gainLocated deep in the Angeles National Forest above Azusa, this short but at times challenging hike rewards you with a beautiful fifty-foot waterfall. The base of the waterfall is only a foot at its deepest, so I wouldn't rush to bring a bathing suit with you. Protected by the heavy forestry around...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
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
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 -
Pearblossom, California
Cooper Canyon Falls via Burkhart Trail
5.03.01 mi / 755 ft gainBurkhart Trail is well-defined and easy to follow through an unbelievable old growth of Jeffrey pines, incense-cedars and surprisingly, redwoods! At 0.25 miles, there is a steep spur trail near a large pile of boulders that leads to a popular swimming area, often frequented by guests of the campg...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Verdugo Peak via Hostetter Fire Road
5.07.39 mi / 1627 ft gainVerdugo Peak, at 3000 feet, is accessible from multiple directions and trails along the Verdugo Range. The most direct route to the top is Hostetter Fire Road, a 3.6-mile hard-packed dirt trail that climbs 1600 feet to the 3,126-foot summit. The hike begins at the dirt parking lot off of La Tuna ...Read more -
Burbank, California
Old Youth Camp Loop
2.59 mi / 732 ft gainThe Old Youth Camp Loop is a 2.6-mile loop with over 700 feet of elevation gain that can be ran, hiked, or even mountain biked if you prefer. While not completely empty the area receives very little visitors and is a great place to enjoy a little more solitude than near by hiking locations. The l...Read more -
La Verne, California
Cattle Canyon Trail
6.7 mi / 1066 ft gainWithin the San Gabriel Mountains from Highway 39 and along East Fork Road is Cattle Canyon. To go through Cattle Canyon, you can access the trail head just south of the Bridge to Nowhere trail head along East Fork Road right after it intersects with Glendora Mountain Road. There is a small parkin...Read more -
La Verne, California
Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail
4.49.65 mi / 1798 ft gainThe trail on this 10-mile hike is predominately slow and steady, but can be a little rocky, so be prepared to scramble. When you’re fording the river, the water level can range from knee to chest high, especially in the wet months. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is helpful, but water shoe...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Franklin-Ivar Park
5.0What was once a vacant and deteriorated site, Franklin-Ivar Park was rehabilitated and turned into a small neighborhood park in a densely-populated area in Hollywood. More like a parklette, Franklin-Ivar Park returns some of the native habitats that once thrived in this area on the slopes of the...Read more -
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
Wisdom Tree
4.80.95 mi / 528 ft gainIn Griffith Park, park along Lake Hollywood Drive and walk the paved quarter mile up Wonder View Drive to the start of Wonder View Trail. Here, walk through the yellow gate and make the first right after the road turns to dirt. Head up this unmarked single track path heading east up the mountain....Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Aileen Getty Ridge Trail
5.03.55 mi / 1194 ft gainThe Aileen Getty Ridge Trail is a singletrack trail that runs between Mt. Lee and Burbank Peak (the location of the Wisdom Tree). Though there are many options to access this trail, the most direct route is from the west via the Wonder View Trailhead. Start by parking on Lake Hollywood Drive near...Read more
