01
Best overall pick
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Baldwin Hills • Urban Hilltop Park With Loop Trails And Overlooks • Local Favorite For Skyline Views
A quick, close-to-home network of trails with big Los Angeles skyline and Baldwin Hills vistas for relatively little effort.
From El Segundo, Kenneth Hahn is one of the fastest ways to get real dirt under your shoes without committing to a full mountain day. The park’s loop of ridgeline and canyon trails lets you customize distance while squeezing in views of downtown, the Hollywood Hills, and even the ocean on clear days. Go early or late for cooler temperatures and to catch the city lighting up below you.
02
Classic ocean-view climb
Temescal Gateway Park
Pacific Palisades • Canyon-To-Ridge Hike From City Edge To Coastal Views • Best Mix Of Workout And Scenery
A popular loop that climbs from a shaded canyon to sweeping views over Pacific Palisades and the Santa Monica Bay.
Temescal is a go-to when you want a solid climb and ocean views without driving deep into the mountains. The standard canyon-and-ridge loop packs in chaparral slopes, a seasonal waterfall, and a big payoff at the top where you can see from Palos Verdes up toward Malibu. Expect crowds on weekends; midweek mornings feel much quieter and the marine layer can make the climb pleasantly cool.
03
Best long view hike
Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook
Pacific Palisades / Topanga • Coastal Ridge Trail Into The Santa Monica Mountains • Best For Long Coastal Panoramas
A steady climb from a lush canyon to one of the broadest, most satisfying viewpoints over the entire Santa Monica Bay.
Starting in the ivy-covered lower canyon of Los Liones, this route gradually works you up to high, open ridges in Topanga State Park. The final destination, Parker Mesa Overlook, is a flat bluff with wide-open views that stretch from the South Bay and Catalina Island to Malibu. It is longer and more committing than many nearby hikes, so bring water, sun protection, and plan extra time for lingering at the top.
04
Dog-friendly ridgeline walk
Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park
Brentwood Hills • Broad Fire Road And Side Trails Along An Open Ridge • Best For Social Hiking And Trail Running
An easy-to-follow ridge road popular with hikers, runners, and leashed dogs, offering long views over the Westside and the Valley.
Westridge is ideal when you want mileage more than technical terrain—think wide dirt road, gentle grades, and plenty of space to chat or jog. As you gain the ridge, views open up toward the ocean on one side and the San Fernando Valley on the other, especially on clear winter days. Parking fills quickly on weekends, so arriving early not only helps with a spot but also buys you a quieter climb before the crowds and afternoon sun.
05
Most iconic LA hike
Runyon Canyon Park
Hollywood Hills • Busy Urban Canyon With Steep And Mellow Route Options • Best People-Watching And Cityscape Loop
A social, view-heavy network of short but steep loops with classic Hollywood sign and downtown Los Angeles vistas.
Runyon is farther from El Segundo than the Westside canyons, but it delivers that instantly recognizable LA hiking scene. Multiple route options let you choose between a quick, calf-burning climb or a more moderate loop, all with frequent payoff points overlooking the city grid and surrounding hills. Go early in the day for easier parking and cooler temperatures, and treat it as much for the people-watching as for the workout.