Santa Monica, California
Looking for the best hiking in Santa Monica? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Santa Monica. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Santa Monica
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Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica Pier, Boardwalk, and Beach Trail
4.03.33 mi / 20 ft gainThe Santa Monica Pier, Boardwalk, and Beach Trail in Santa Monica, California, offers a unique blend of coastal and urban hiking. The trail is a flat, paved 3.33-mile loop that is suitable for all skill levels. It starts at the Santa Monica Pier, a historic landmark known for its Ferris wheel and...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Inspiration Point Loop Trail
2.36 mi / 486 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, California
Backbone Trail via Will Rogers State Park
5.03.02 mi / 656 ft gainYou'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...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hike to Murphy's Ranch
4.84 mi / 500 ft gainThis four mile out-and-back hike begins in 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)...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hike the Temescal Canyon Loop
3.93.4 mi / 1100 ft gainThere are a couple of different ways that you can hike in Temescal Canyon. Options for Hiking Temescal Canyon: The basic loop – 2.6 milesThe loop beginning from Temescal Canyon Trail at Sunset Boulevard – 3.4 milesThe loop with the Bienveneda Trail extension – 3.25 milesThe loop beginning from Te...Read more -
Marina del Rey, California
Ballona Lagoon
5.01.8 mi / 95 ft gainSuch 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 ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hike to the Parker Mesa Overlook
4.25.4 mi / 1200 ft gainThis 5.4-mile out-and back trail takes off from the end of the residential area of Paseo Miramar. Once you hike a little less than a quarter mile in, you'll connect with Los Liones Canyon Trail. Continue on Paseo Miramar Trail, which in another 2.5 miles, will connect you with the Parker Mesa Ove...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Los Liones Trail
5.04.41 mi / 1115 ft gainLos Liones Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Pacific Palisades, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hike to Santa Ynez Falls
3.53 mi / 200 ft gainThe Santa Ynez Canyon Trail is located 10 minutes away from the beach providing you the opportunity to do this hike early in the morning and spend the rest of the day hanging out at the beach. To get to the trailhead, take Vereda de la Montura Road until you reach the private residential area (th...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hike in Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area
2.8 mi / 449 ft gainThe 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 ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Canyonback Nike Loop
4.06.02 mi / 1693 ft gainCanyonback Nike Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Encino, California.Read more -
Topanga, California
Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park
4.45.99 mi / 1106 ft gainEagle 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 ...Read more -
Topanga, California
Hike to Parker Mesa Overlook via Trippet Ranch
6.8 mi / 1800 ft gainThis 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 pret...Read more -
Topanga, California
Hike to the Labyrinth at Tuna Canyon Park
2.4 mi / 235 ft gainThis is a simple but steep 2.4 mile round-trip hike to a clearing on a mountaintop in Topanga/Malibu, about an hour's drive west of downtown LA. At the end of the hike you'll reach a clearing with incredible views. On a cloudy or foggy day, it feels like you're floating above the clouds; on a cle...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hike to Vanalden Vista
2 mi / 300 ft gainTo 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, Vana...Read more -
Calabasas, California
Hike and Rock Climb at Saddle Peak
5.0This is one of my favorite hikes in the Los Angeles area. Super easy, yet beautiful and a perfect place to get away from the city.Parking for the trailhead is where the three roads intersect. The parking area is a long strip of dirt, there will most likely be cars there when you arrive already th...Read more