Lake Forest, California

Looking for the best hiking in Lake Forest? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Lake Forest. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Lake Forest

  • Los Angeles, California

    Silver Lake Reservoir Trail

    4.0
    2.18 mi / 79 ft gain
    Silver Lake Reservoir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This urban escape is used by people running, walking, and birding. The trail is stroller-friendly, so you may see parents along the trail with their younger fam...
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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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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Bikepack Catalina Island

    5.0
    43.5 mi / 5700 ft gain
    This is a great introductory overnight bikepacking adventure. With restaurants, water, and stores at each end of the ride, your packing list is minimal. Head out on Saturday morning and make it back in time for dinner on Sunday evening. Packing List Your Bike – I did this ride on my drop bar grav...
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  • Altadena, California

    Thalehaha Falls

    1.71 mi / 679 ft gain
    The trails starts in a foothill neighborhood of Altadena CA at the corner of Pleasantridge Dr. and Rubio Vista Rd. This is one of the better entries into the Angeles National Forest because it is one of the lesser known. Find a place to park on the street and head out on the trail into Rubio Cany...
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  • Altadena, California

    San Gabriel via Sam Merrill and Mount Lowe Trails

    17.55 mi / 5614 ft gain
    San Gabriel via Sam Merrill and Mount Lowe Trails is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Altadena, California.
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  • Azusa, California

    Lewis Falls

    1 mi / 732 ft gain
    Located 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...
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  • Altadena, California

    Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point Loop

    4.1
    10.16 mi / 3369 ft gain
    The trail switchbacks up the mountain before reaching the first historic marker, in 3 miles. These are the remains of the Mount Lowe Railroad, which brought customers to Echo Mountain Resort, also in ruins, nearby. Explore the historic sites, then head up Castle Canyon Trail. A steep climb will ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Hoover Walk

    4.5
    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

    Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area Loop

    5.0
    2.85 mi / 328 ft gain
    The Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area is just outside of downtown LA, a perfect location for hiking, trail running, and biking. The trail loops up to the top of a hill, where hikers get sweeping views of LA. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash.  This is also a great location for trail running...
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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 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

    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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  • Altadena, California

    Millard Falls

    3.0
    1.27 mi / 289 ft gain
    To get to the trail, park at the Millard Campground Trailhead parking lot, where you'll find plenty of parking. Follow the trail that leads away from the lot and past the Millard Campground. If necessary, you'll find bathrooms at the campground. Follow signs for Millard Falls as the trail veers r...
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  • Crestline, California

    Hike the Heart Rock Trail

    4.5
    1.8 mi
    This short but nice hike near Crestline, CA in the San Bernadino Forest is one for the whole family. Although finding the trailhead/parking lot can be a bit confusing, it is definitely worth it.  Driving in from the Inland Empire/LA Area, follow The Rim of the World Trail (SH18) until you see the...
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  • Crestline, California

    Lake Gregory Trail

    4.5
    2.36 mi / 197 ft gain
    Lake Gregory Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Crestline, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Bluffs Creek Trail

    4.0
    3.85 mi / 118 ft gain
    The Bluffs Creek Trail is a scenic, 4-mile loop located near Playa del Rey, California, offering an easy and family-friendly hiking experience.  The trail features an elevation gain of 160 feet, making it a gentle climb, with views of Playa Vista and the surrounding bluffs. Popular among walkers...
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