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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

  • Culver City, California

    Culver City Stairs

    4.1
    1.32 mi / 344 ft gain
    The Culver City Stairs are an outdoor staircase designed into the trails leading up to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. This particular staircase is uniquely constructed to blend into the landscape and is comprised of 282 uneven stairs. The stairs vary in height from 3 inches to nearly 2 ft...s...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Idlehour Trail

    4.0
    14.89 mi / 4665 ft gain
    Idlehour Trail located near Mount Wilson, California, is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous and can take 8-10 hours if done all at once. There are opportunities to camp off the trail, making this a backpacking trail in the Angeles National Forest as well.  To access the Idlehour Campground ...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    San Gabriel Peak

    4.0
    2.79 mi / 1040 ft gain
    At 6,000 feet, San Gabriel Peak gives you one of the best views of the Los Angeles basin on the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. As you pass through Muller Tunnel, the trail will be littered with rocks and boulders. A little over 100 feet in, the road will fork in thre...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Mt. Disappointment via Billy Riley Trail

    3.5 mi / 1132 ft gain
    From the 210 Freeway in La Cañada, take California Highway 2 north 14 miles up into the San Gabriel Mountains. Make sure you have your National Forest Pass (sold at REI or Ranger Station) or your Interagency Pass because they have started checking parked vehicles. At the Red Box Picnic area, make...
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  • Arcadia, California

    Sturtevant Falls

    4.6
    1.61 mi / 423 ft gain
    This trail is currently closed. Visit the Forest Service website for updates.  As you head down to Roberts Camp, a historic set of historic cabins, you’ll head out on a steep, paved road for approximately 0.6 miles. Once you reach the camp, head over the bridge and keep an eye out for the sign f...
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  • Arcadia, California

    Mt. Wilson Loop from Chantry Flat

    5.0
    12.74 mi / 4852 ft gain
    Mt. Wilson is one of the more difficult mountains in the San Gabriel to hike, making this adventure Intermediate. While 5,700 feet doesn't seem that tall, the mountain has a prominence of almost 5,300 feet, meaning that hike is steeper and longer than some of the other popular mountains that star...
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  • Arcadia, California

    Hermit Falls Trail

    4.8
    2.49 mi / 1014 ft gain
    Note: Hermit Falls is Temporarily Closed From Roberts Camp, many hikers will head to Sturtevant Falls, which is an amazing 60-foot waterfall. But, if you choose to head in the opposite direction on First Water Trail, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh water swimming hole at this 35-foot tumbling wa...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Watts Towers

    3.0
    Watts Towers are a quick 15-20 minute ride from Downtown Los Angeles on the Metro. Since I love weird, interesting things, plus the towers are in my backyard, I had to take a trip to check them out! When getting off the train, I half expected to see the towers spiraling off in the distance. After...
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  • San Fernando, California

    Pacoima Park Natural Wash Park

    0.54 mi / 13 ft gain
    Pacoima Park Natural Wash Park makes for a wonderful & pleasant walk. The entrance to the park is located at the corner of Newton St and 8th St and runs up to Foothill Blvd in San Fernando California. The park is ADA accessible and allows for dogs on leash. There are also picnic tables and dr...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Canyonback Nike Loop

    4.0
    6.02 mi / 1693 ft gain
    Canyonback Nike Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Encino, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Sepulveda Basin: Upstream Of Balboa

    4.0
    3.7 mi / 75 ft gain
    Sepulveda Basin: Upstream Of Balboa is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Encino, California.
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  • Whittier, California

    Sycamore Canyon Trail in Turnbull Canyon

    2.0
    3.47 mi / 627 ft gain
    The Sycamore Canyon Park Trailhead can be found at the end of the dirt parking lot off Workman Mill Road. The entrance is off a small road which is pretty easy to miss, but there is a sign off the main road. Soon after you start on the trail, the path opens up onto a larger dirt road for vehicle ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Murphy's Ranch

    4.8
    3.21 mi / 679 ft gain
    This three-mile out-and-back hike begins at the beginning of a very nice neighborhood in Santa Monica. You will be trekking on a dirt road for about 1.5 miles until you reach some stairs that will be visible on your left-hand side. You will need to descend down those (what seem to be never-ending...
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  • Monrovia, California

    Monrovia Falls

    3.7
    1.46 mi / 459 ft gain
    Monrovia Falls is closed indefinitely due to the Bobcat Fire and mudslides. Read more on the CityofMonrovia.org website. The Monrovia Falls are at the end of the main trail located in Monrovia Canyon Park. The park is easy to locate and has ample parking. Keep in mind you do have to pay a fee of...
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  • 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, California

    Backbone Trail via Will Rogers State Park

    5.0
    3.02 mi / 656 ft gain
    You'll make your way up Will Rogers State Park Road, located just minutes from Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, Malibu, Palisades, and much of west Los Angeles. Once on the road, head all the way to the top and you'll dead end into the parking lot. Always worth supporting State Parks with the p...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Inspiration Point Loop Trail

    2.36 mi / 486 ft gain
    The Inspiration Point 2.3 mile loop hike in Will Rogers State Park is a family-friendly hike or after-work run near Los Angeles, California. It’s a great dirt trail for all skill levels and features scenic views and beautifully budding wildflowers. You’ll get to escape the city and take in the br...
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