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Glendale, California

Glendale, California offers a lot of options for those looking for some of the best trails and outdoor activities. From hiking to camping to kayaking, there are plenty of must-visit spots with scenic views. The San Rafael Hills provide a great panorama of the city and the Verdugo Mountains offer fun and exciting hikes. The Glendale Narrows is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. The Glendale Sports Complex offers a great selection of outdoor sports and activities. The nearby Griffith Park provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are also plenty of picnic spots and other attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a day of relaxation, Glendale, California has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Glendale

  • Glendale, California

    Nibley Park

    5.0
    Nibley Park is a small and secluded park with lots of trees and green area. There are a number of picnic tables and a restroom, that is ADA compliant. The playground is small but two separate play areas that are marked for their specific ages for young kids to have fun. There is also a half court...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Beacon Hill via Coolidge Trail

    5.0
    2.84 mi / 587 ft gain
    The starting point for your run is at the Griffith Park Southern Railroad. From the parking lot walk east crossing Crystal Springs Drive and find the Coolidge Hiking Trail. Begin running up Coolidge Trail toward Upper Beacon Trail making sure to stay straight at the first intersection (0.2 miles)...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop

    4.0
    2.52 mi / 666 ft gain
    The Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop is a 2.52-mile moderately trafficked loop trail located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. Due to its length and minimal elevation gain of ~670 feet, the hike is open to all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, hiking, and trail running, The Griffith P...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Mount Hollywood via the Fern Canyon Trail

    5.0
    5.02 mi / 1581 ft gain
    At 1,625 feet Mt Hollywood is the second highest point in Griffith Park and provides picturesque views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park Observatory, Downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains. The hike to the Mt Hollywood Summit begins on the northeast side of Griffith Park near the ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Los Angeles River: West Bank Trail

    5.0
    14.4 mi / 331 ft gain
    Los Angeles River: West Bank Trail is an out-and-back trail that is good for all skill levels located near Los Angeles, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Glendale Peak via Henry's Trail

    4.0
    2.07 mi / 915 ft gain
    Glendale Peak is often passed over by people hiking to Mt. Hollywood, and while it is not as high as its neighbor summit, it boasts arguably better views that you will enjoy all to yourself. While not really a full hiking trail and more of a small detour, Henry's Trail is worth the small uphill c...
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  • Glendale, California

    Mt. Thom and Tongva Peak

    6.06 mi / 1480 ft gain
    Mount Thom and Tongva Peak are accessed by using the 6.2 mile out and back trail, Las Flores Motorway located in the north part of Glendale, CA. Roadside parking is not allowed near the trailhead, you will need to park in the nearby residential area along Sunshine Drive about 0.15 miles away from...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Secret Stairs Astro Loop

    2.3
    4.21 mi / 600 ft gain
    I learned about these remnants of Los Angeles history, just a few months ago. When I found myself in L.A. this past month, I decided to find some of these stairs, and find out what they’re all about. Back in the 1920’s these stairs were created for pedestrians to have direct routes to the trans...
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  • Glendale, California

    Brand Library Loop

    5.0
    6.56 mi / 2648 ft gain
    Your adventure will start at the Brand Library parking lot. Walk behind the library towards the gated day use area and you will find the start of the trail on your right, Las Flores MTWY. The first half-mile rises over 500 feet to a plateau, equipped with benches, a park map and views of Griffit...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Mount Hollywood Trail

    5.0
    2.49 mi / 505 ft gain
    Mount 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 ...
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  • Los Angeles, United States

    Verdugo Crest Trail

    4.0
    6.71 mi / 2510 ft gain
    The Verdugo Crest Trail is a 6.6 mile loop near Glendale, California. The trail features lovely wildflowers in the spring and beautiful views year-round. The trail is steep, so make sure you are wearing sturdy running or walking shoes. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Va...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Hoover Walk

    4.0
    In 2009, the people that lived in the neighborhood, close to the stairs, wanted to find a way to fight the graffiti that was being put on the structures and stairs themselves. Artist Ricardo Mendoza was commissioned to paint a giant mural that would cover most of the concrete walls that surround ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Mattachine Steps

    5.0
    0.09 mi / 52 ft gain
    The Mattachine Steps, also known as the Cove Avenue stairway, is dedicated to the Mattachine Society (The name was taken from a medieval French secret society that set out to right wrongs.) in 2012 in memory of Harry Hay, who cofounded the gay rights group. Right along this stairway is a small ho...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Three Stooges Stairs

    4.0
    0.07 mi / 43 ft gain
    The stairs are about 147 steps. Located at Fair Oak View Terrace and Edendale Place in the Silver Lake, a district of Los Angeles. They are famous for where the Three Stooges short "An Ache In Every Stake" was filmed in 1941. It is a classic scene of where they have to deliver a block of ice all ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Landa St Stairs (Esther's Steps)

    5.0
    0.18 mi / 138 ft gain
    One of the hidden gems of the neighborhood, a beloved local named Esther Aagaard Tapebland walked these steps everyday, for 50 years in Silver Lake. Fountain Ave becomes Landa St. Park on Griffith Park Ave and hike your way up the steep driveway. Amazing views of Hollywood, the Hollywood Sign, th...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Hollyridge Trail to the Hollywood Sign [Closed]

    4.1
    3.5 mi / 383 ft gain
    This 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 ...
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Camping and Lodging in Glendale

Meadow Group Campground
Palmdale, California

Meadow Group Campground

Coulter Group Campground
Palmdale, California

Coulter Group Campground

Bandido Group Campground
Pearblossom, California

Bandido Group Campground

Jackson Flats
Azusa, California

Jackson Flats

Mountain Oak
Valyermo, California

Mountain Oak

Lake Campground
Valyermo, California

Lake Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Glendale

Cooking with Coleman: Camp stove tacos with Paulina Dao and the City Project

Cooking with Coleman: Camp stove tacos with Paulina Dao and the City Project

The Outbound Collective

The Best Post-Adventure Food

The Best Post-Adventure Food

Aaron Rickel Jones

Reservation Permits Needed To Reopen Trails Responsibly, Says Steve Gerhardt

Reservation Permits Needed To Reopen Trails Responsibly, Says Steve Gerhardt

Aaron Rickel Jones

The Mountains Are Calling, and I Let It Go to Voicemail

The Mountains Are Calling, and I Let It Go to Voicemail

Aaron Rickel Jones

Cub House Birthday Ride

Cub House Birthday Ride

Aaron Rickel Jones

The Dawn Mine Loop Trail (or how to train for backpacking last minute)

The Dawn Mine Loop Trail (or how to train for backpacking last minute)

Aaron Rickel Jones