Ventura County, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Ventura County

  • Los Angeles, California

    Runyon Canyon Loop

    3.3
    2.67 mi / 728 ft gain
    Located in the Hollywood Hills, Runyon is an iconic workout run/ hike that can give you great views all the way to the ocean. There are a few different loop trails/ hikes you can take ranging from ~1.5mi to 3.25mi all with a decent amount of elevation gain. Also, remember this is Hollywood, so yo...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Trail Canyon Falls

    4.0
    4.56 mi / 1017 ft gain
    To get to the trail, take Big Tujunga Canyon Road until you see signs for Trail Canyon Road. The entry point is easy to miss, but keep an eye out for a stop sign and cars parked at the bottom of a dirt path. Drive up the dirt path for direct parking at the trailhead (4x4 is definitely recommended...
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  • Montecito, California

    Tangerine Falls

    4.5
    1.15 mi / 886 ft gain
    This waterfall can be fairly dry during the year, so keep your eyes out for a recent rainstorm to get things going. When you start the hike on East Folk Trail, at 0.25 miles, cross over the creek and join West Fork Trail. A little over another half mile, West Fork starts to head uphill, but you c...
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  • Montecito, California

    West Fork of Cold Spring Trail

    3.45 mi / 1135 ft gain
    If you love the mountains above Santa Barbara but hate the crowds, stick to the canyon trails on the east side. The trails running up Cold Spring canyon offer a variety of experiences without all the noise. To find the West Fork of Cold Spring Trail, take the Olive Mill Rd. exit from the 101 fre...
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  • Montecito, California

    Cold Spring Trail Loop

    5.0
    2.67 mi / 883 ft gain
    Cold Spring Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Santa Barbara, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Hollyridge Trail to the Hollywood Sign [Closed]

    4.2
    3.5 mi / 383 ft gain
    This trail is closed as is the Beachwood Gate which is used to access the Hollyridge Trail will be permanently closed on April 18th, 2017 due to a court order. Check out Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail for an available option.  There are three ways to get to the Hollywood Sign. This route ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Bronson Bat Caves

    3.2
    0.61 mi / 66 ft gain
    Who doesn't enjoy a short hike to a scenic/remote location? I know I sure do! After hearing about this spot through word of mouth and the internet, and seemingly never having the time to check it out, I honestly have to say it was a worthwhile trip. This short 0.6 out and back hike/walk to the f...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail

    4.6
    5.04 mi / 1155 ft gain
    Getting to the parking lot near the trailhead and finding an open space can seem like the most daunting part of this whole excursion. There are free parking lots along the road to the trailhead, so keep an eye out. There are also several ways to get to the trailhead from other parking areas; I ad...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Los Angeles River: West Bank Trail

    5.0
    14.4 mi / 331 ft gain
    Los Angeles River: West Bank Trail is an out-and-back trail that is good for all skill levels located near Los Angeles, California.
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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, United States

    Verdugo Crest Trail

    4.0
    6.71 mi / 2510 ft gain
    The Verdugo Crest Trail is a 6.6 mile loop near Glendale, California. The trail features lovely wildflowers in the spring and beautiful views year-round. The trail is steep, so make sure you are wearing sturdy running or walking shoes. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Va...
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  • Glendale, California

    Brand Library Loop

    5.0
    6.56 mi / 2648 ft gain
    Your adventure will start at the Brand Library parking lot. Walk behind the library towards the gated day use area and you will find the start of the trail on your right, Las Flores MTWY. The first half-mile rises over 500 feet to a plateau, equipped with benches, a park map and views of Griffit...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Glendale Peak via Henry's Trail

    4.0
    2.07 mi / 915 ft gain
    Glendale Peak is often passed over by people hiking to Mt. Hollywood, and while it is not as high as its neighbor summit, it boasts arguably better views that you will enjoy all to yourself. While not really a full hiking trail and more of a small detour, Henry's Trail is worth the small uphill c...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    West Trail Loop

    4.3
    1.85 mi / 463 ft gain
    The trail starts near Dell Picnic area, near the Trails Cafe. On this wide fire road, you can choose to run or hike, but don't expect to have the trail to yourself, especially if you're heading out on the weekend. With that said, you can time your run or hike around sunset and get amazing views b...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Mount Hollywood Trail

    5.0
    2.49 mi / 505 ft gain
    Mount Hollywood Trail is a loop with scenic views of Griffith Park located in Los Angeles, California. There are multiple ways to reach the summit of Mount Hollywood, including via Mount Hollywood via Fern Canyon Trail (5-mile loop) starting near the merry-go-round. This route is one of the most ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory

    4.8
    2.63 mi / 587 ft gain
    The Ferndell to Griffith Observatory trail in Los Angeles, California is a moderate difficulty, 2.63-mile loop trail.  The trail starts at Ferndell Nature Museum, a small museum with a garden and picnic area. The trail then ascends through a shaded canyon, with a small stream running alongside. ...
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