01
Best overall pick
Franklin Canyon Park
North Of Beverly Hills In The Canyon • Shady Reservoir And Canyon Network • Most Versatile Close-To-Town Escape
A quiet pocket of trails, a small lake, and easy loops just a few minutes above Beverly Hills.
Franklin Canyon is where many locals go when they want nature without a production—expect oak-lined paths, birds around the reservoir, and a mix of mellow and moderate trails. The lake loop is flat and friendly, while routes like Hastain Trail add a bit of climb and city views. Parking can feel tucked away, so give yourself a few extra minutes the first time you come up Franklin Canyon Drive.
02
Most iconic LA hike
Runyon Canyon Park
East Of Beverly Hills In The Hollywood Hills • Bustling Ridgeline Fitness Hike • Best People-Watching Workout
A steep, social loop with wide-open views of the basin and a good chance of spotting a celebrity or two.
Runyon is more scene than solitude, but it delivers big views quickly and makes for a serious stair-stepper of a workout. Choose the gentler fire road if you’re easing in, or take the steeper ridgeline for a heart-rate spike and sweeping shots of the Hollywood Sign and downtown. Go early for cooler temps and saner parking, especially on weekends when the main entrances get crowded.
03
Easiest jump-from-the-car stroll
Coldwater Canyon Park (TreePeople)
Above Beverly Hills On Mulholland Drive • Community-Focused Hilltop Green Space • Best Intro Hike And Family Option
A compact network of dirt paths and overlooks that feels surprisingly natural given how close it is to Mulholland traffic.
Perched where Coldwater meets Mulholland, this park offers short loops, educational displays, and a few viewpoints that are ideal for quick before- or after-work walks. The grades are gentle enough for kids and casual walkers, but you still get that open-sky Santa Monica Mountains feel. It’s a great first stop if you’re easing someone into LA hiking or squeezing nature into a tight schedule.
04
Best moderate loop
Fryman Canyon Park
Over The Hill In Studio City • Classic 3-Mile Canyon-And-Ridge Loop • Reliable Weekend Circuit
A well-loved loop with steady climbing, partial shade, and glimpses over both the Valley and the Hollywood Hills.
Fryman’s main loop is a sweet spot: long enough to feel like a real hike but short enough to knock out before brunch. The trail winds through chaparral and pockets of shade, with a gradual climb that rewards you with ridgeline perspectives and peekaboo views of the city. It’s popular but less of a circus than Runyon, making it a strong choice when you want a social trail that still feels somewhat laid-back.
05
Best ocean-view payoff
Temescal Gateway Park
Pacific Palisades, West Of Beverly Hills • Canyon-To-Ridge Coastal Hike • Best Half-Day Escape
A steeper canyon climb that trades a bit more driving time for ocean breezes and big blue views.
Temescal is the move when you’re willing to drive 20–30 minutes for a more immersive outing and a peek at the Pacific. The classic loop climbs from a shaded canyon up to exposed ridges where, on clear days, you can see from Santa Monica Pier to Catalina. Expect a steady uphill, some rocky sections, and weekend crowds—but the combination of sea air and skyline is hard to beat.