Westlake Village, California
Westlake Village, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. The top must-visit location is the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Here, you can explore the challenging Sandstone Peak Trail, known for its stunning rock formations. The trail also offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. For a more leisurely hike, try the Paramount Ranch Trail, a historic movie set turned hiking trail. If you prefer water-based activities, Westlake Lake is ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding. Nearby, the Malibu Creek State Park offers more hiking trails, along with opportunities for mountain biking and bird watching. These locations offer the best in outdoor activities, making Westlake Village a top destination for scenic adventures.
Top Spots in and near Westlake Village
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Malibu, California
La Jolla Canyon Falls
1.75 mi / 449 ft gain...I think out of all the State Parks in the Santa Monica Mountains, Point Mugu State Park is without a doubt the best one. Maybe it has something to do with its proximity to the beach, or the endless trails and epic views, but the energy and diversity here is just so much more wild. With the par...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 -
Los Angeles, California
Stoney Point Park Loop
4.00.73 mi / 141 ft gainOnce you've parked along Topanga Canyon Blvd, make your way down the street and start the trail off near the steel gate, close to the horse stables. As you make your way in, you will notice some rock climbers practicing on the lower elevation rocks. Make your way around this rocky park, counter-...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Santa Ynez Falls
3.52.25 mi / 243 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
Stoney Point via North End
4.01.42 mi / 240 ft gainStoney Point via North End is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Chatsworth, California.Read more -
Malibu, California
Ratner Beach
4.5Unlike most beaches in Los Angeles, this tiny little stretch of beach is usually empty, and is a little gem! It is the perfect place to get an unobstructed view of the sunset, and the sticks in the ground make for a picturesque sunset picture! Just be warned, this beach is right on PCH, so expect...Read more -
Malibu, California
Hike Point Mugu Peak
4.52 mi / 1250 ft gainPoint Mugu State Park offers some amazing rolling mountains, sweeping meadows of tall grass, and beautiful coastal views. I suggest going in the spring. I recently went, and the wildflowers were blooming everywhere. There are campgrounds available in different parts of the park that you can make ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Hike Mugu Peak Loop via Chumash Trail
5.06.5 mi / 1255 ft gainFrom the parking lot at the trailhead, follow the steep trail going up the mountain. This part is quite challenging, so I recommend stretching out your legs before starting the hike. Once you reach the top, you will see your first junction. Go right if you want to go straight for the peak, and th...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
Parker Mesa Overlook via Paseo Miramar
4.25.32 mi / 1099 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
Reseda Pond Path
1.00.3 mi / 0 ft gainReseda Pond Path is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Reseda, CaliforniaRead more -
Los Angeles, California
Temescal Canyon Loop
3.93.76 mi / 810 ft gainThere are a couple of different ways that you can hike in Temescal Canyon. For this one, the loop begins from Temescal Canyon Trail at Sunset Boulevard and is approximately 3.76 miles. This loop is not dog friendly. Additional Options for Hiking Temescal Canyon: The basic loop – 2.6 milesTh...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 -
Los Angeles, California
Porter Ranch Ridge
4.03.36 mi / 548 ft gainPorter Ranch Ridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Los Angeles, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Sepulveda Basin: Upstream Of Balboa
4.03.7 mi / 75 ft gainSepulveda Basin: Upstream Of Balboa is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Encino, California.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
