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

  • Arcadia, California

    Hermit Falls Trail

    4.4
    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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  • Arcadia, California

    Sturtevant Falls

    4.6
    1.61 mi / 423 ft gain
    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 for the Gabrielino Trail, which will take you to the falls. Along the trail, you...
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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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  • Aliso Viejo, California

    Top of the World via West Ridge Trail

    5.0
    4.76 mi / 443 ft gain
    Directions to get here are pretty straight forward via the map. You park your car in a residential neighborhood along the street, and from there, you can't miss the entrance. The trail is paved for the first 100yds or so and after you make a right turn at the top, you'll be on dirt and sand the r...
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  • Trippet Ranch, California

    Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park

    4.4
    5.99 mi / 1106 ft gain
    Eagle Rock is located in Topanga State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains, and it is a unique formation that provides an amazing panoramic view of Santa Monica. On a clear day, the Catalina Islands and Palos Verdes Peninsula are visible. You can park on along the street of Entrada Rd. or pay $10 ...
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  • Topanga, California

    Parker Mesa Overlook via Trippet Ranch

    4.0
    6.75 mi / 1181 ft gain
    This is a 6.8 mile round-trip hike that starts at Trippet Ranch in Topanga Canyon. Even though the range in elevation is 400 feet from peak to trough, the up and down trail totals to approximately 1800 feet elevation gain making this a beginner to intermediate adventure.  The trail itself is pre...
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  • Azusa, California

    Fish Canyon Falls

    2.0
    4.08 mi / 801 ft gain
    This trail is currently closed! Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website. Follow Encanto Parkway towards the hills until you come to a junction with a sign labeled "trail" that points towards a parking lot to your right. Parking is free, though on weekends it may be difficult to find a spot...
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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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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Hike the West Ridge Trail

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 150 ft gain
    Beginning at Alta Laguna Park at Top of the World, the West Ridge Trail is a popular starting (and ending) point for adventures into the Laguna Coast Wilderness, leading to trails and areas like Car Wreck, Big Bend, and Willow Canyon. You can also do it in reverse from the north. The ridge itself...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    West Ridge to Car Wreck Trail and Mathis Canyon Loop

    4.5
    3.31 mi / 856 ft gain
    There are numerous ways to incorporate the Car Wreck trail into a larger loop through the Laguna Coast Wilderness and Aliso Canyon Park, but a common route is to begin at Alta Laguna Park at "Top of the World" in Laguna Beach. Take the West Ridge Trail .5 miles, bearing right onto the marked Car...
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  • Silverado, California

    Black Star Canyon Falls

    4.8
    6.93 mi / 1260 ft gain
    Waterfalls in Orange County are far and few between, with the best lying near and inside the Cleveland National Forest. Black Star Canyon Falls are some of the best just after a rain if you are heading out during a dry time of the season you should still expect to see some water. Free parking, ea...
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  • La Cañada Flintridge, California

    Teepee Trail

    5.0
    2.55 mi / 1145 ft gain
    Hidden in the small community of La Canada, California, the trailhead is pretty hidden! From the 210, take the exit for Highway 2/Angeles Crest Highway. Head north (towards the mountains) for about a mile. As the highway begins to curve, you will come across a small side-street, Harter Lane. Turn...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Verdugo's North Ridge Trail

    12.7 mi / 2684 ft gain
    The Verdugo Mountain Range is a small, rugged range spanning across the northeast end of the San Fernando Valley from Sun Valley to Glendale. With close to 50 miles of graded and well-maintained trails, the Verdugos are surprisingly underutilized and make a great place for someone looking to esca...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Verdugo Mountain Traverse

    5.0
    12.13 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Verdugo Mountain Range is a small, rugged range spanning across the northeast end of the San Fernando Valley from Sun Valley to Glendale. With close to 50 miles of graded and well-maintained trails, the Verdugos are surprisingly underutilized and make a great place for someone looking to esca...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Verdugo Peak via Hostetter Fire Road

    5.0
    7.39 mi / 1627 ft gain
    Verdugo 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 ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Vanalden Vista & Vanalden Cave

    5.0
    1.43 mi / 305 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead take Vanalden Ave until it dead ends. Follow the trail at the end of the road as it winds up into the mountains and to the left. You can easily find the trail on Google Maps, so you can use this as a guide. The trail will fork to the left after half a mile. The trail, Van...
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