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Los Angeles County, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Los Angeles County

  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Burma Road Trail & Ishibashi Trail Loop

    4.3
    5.09 mi / 1148 ft gain
    Getting There: The easiest way to get to Portuguese Bend Nature Reserve is by following Crenshaw Boulevard up Rancho Palos Verdes to the very end of the street. You can park on either side of the street near Del Cerro Park, which also happens to be a great place for picnics if you want to eat bef...
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  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Surf Fishing Off Of Inspiration Point

    Tucked away, at the base of Inspiration Point in Palos Verdes is an outcropping of rocks, perfect for surf casting and catching ocean fish, away from the crowds. It's a challenge to get there, but the less travelled spot is used by many professional sportsmen, practicing their skills at fishing f...
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  • Huntington Beach, California

    Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail

    4.7
    2.97 mi / 30 ft gain
    The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail is great for birding and wildlife viewing. If you want a longer hike, you can extend the mileage by heading down the riverbed trail. The trail is open year-round. Dogs are not allowed in Bolsa Chica.  Bolsa Chica State Beach is easily accessible from Oran...
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  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Sacred Cove View Trail

    4.5
    2.08 mi / 292 ft gain
    This area is spectacular - the views of the cliffs, the channels of water entering the caves, and the marine life (sea lions, whales, dolphins, sea urchin and sea anemone) are huge draws. Bring anyone here that has a sense of adventure and be ready to get wet. Only attempt swimming across the cha...
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  • Palos Verdes Estates, California

    Bluff Cove

    4.4
    0.56 mi / 144 ft gain
    Parking for Bluff Cove is located along the sides of the street of Paseo Del Mar, and the trailhead is located right next to the street. Bluff Cove is one of those unique locations in that there are a variety of activities you can do here. It is a great location for surfing, paddle boarding, bod...
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  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Terranea Beach Sea Cave

    4.3
    1.63 mi / 210 ft gain
    Head to the Pelican Cove parking lot where there’s plenty of free parking right at the trailhead. From the parking lot, take the Terranea Beach Trail and you will see views of the Point Vicente Lighthouse down the coast to your right. Continue on the trail through the luxury Terranea Resort whic...
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  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Pelican Cove

    0.38 mi / 95 ft gain
    Getting There Coming from San Pedro, make a U-turn at the Hawthorne Boulevard stoplight onto Palos Verdes Drive South. From here, you can access the parking lot for Pelican Cove, where you'll get a 120° view of the ocean. It might be tempting to take in the sunset from the car, but you should def...
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  • Whittier, California

    Hellman Park Trail

    3.0
    4 mi / 850 ft gain
    This trail is great if you're looking for a quick, but intense workout. The hike itself is only 4 miles out- and-back and can be easily completed within a couple of hours. However, be prepared for a steep and steady incline for the first 1.5 miles. The trail itself is pretty wide, and if you sho...
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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

    Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area Loop

    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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  • Marina del Rey, California

    Ballona Lagoon

    5.0
    1.8 mi / 95 ft gain
    Such a relaxing and beautiful stroll in the Marina Del Rey/Venice area!  Park in Marina Del Rey #13 lot (4601 Vía Marina, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292). Don't forget to pay the meter! The rate as of 2021 is $0.50/15mins, or $6 for 24hrs on weekdays, and $8 for 24hrs on weekends.  Once parked, walk ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Vista Hermosa Natural Park

    4.2
    0.58 mi / 36 ft gain
    Vista 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...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Sunset Hike in Ascot Hills

    3.5
    Ascot Hills Park is a great hidden gem located a few miles east of Los Angeles. There is a parking lot with plenty of parking but the gates close at sunset, which is a great time to go, so if you plan on staying later, park outside the gates where there is ample street parking. Depending on the s...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Elysian Park

    4.0
    1.88 mi / 282 ft gain
    The trail at Elysian Park in Los Angeles, California, is a moderate difficulty hike that spans approximately 1.88 miles. The trail is well-marked and offers a variety of terrain, including dirt paths and paved roads. The trail is known for its panoramic views of the city, including the iconic Dod...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Secret Swing in Elysian Park

    4.2
    0.16 mi / 360 ft gain
    For the most direct directions to the swing, plug in "Swing on top of Elysian Park" into google maps, which will take you directly to the trailhead. If you want to do it the more old fashion way, the swing is on top of a hill at the intersection of Angels Point Drive and Park Row Drive in Elysian...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Silver Lake Reservoir Trail

    3.0
    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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