01
Best overall pick
Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
West Of Hidden Hills • Rolling Canyon Preserve With Wide Fire Roads And Singletrack • Closest All-Around Hiking Choice
A sprawling open-space preserve just beyond the gates of Hidden Hills, offering everything from casual strolls to half-day loops.
Enter from the Victory Trailhead side and you’re on dirt within minutes, with gentle grades that suit walkers, kids, and trail runners alike. The wide fire roads make navigation simple, while side trails climb to ridges with long views over Calabasas and the western San Fernando Valley. It gets hot and exposed, so locals treat this as a sunrise or late-afternoon spot for big skies and golden hillsides.
02
Most scenic classic
Malibu Creek State Park
South Of Hidden Hills Near Calabasas • Rugged State Park With Creeks, Rock Pools, And Chaparral • Scenic Day-Hike Destination
A Santa Monica Mountains staple with varied trails that weave past volcanic rock formations, oak woodlands, and a year-round creek.
From the main parking area off Las Virgenes Road, you can choose mellow creekside routes or longer hikes toward the Rock Pool and Century Lake. The terrain feels surprisingly wild for being so close to the 101, with steep canyon walls and plenty of shade in the lower stretches. Weekends can be busy, so locals often time their visits for weekday mornings or shoulder hours to enjoy quieter trails.
03
Best summit views
Calabasas Peak
Between Hidden Hills And Topanga Canyon • Steep Ridge Hike With Big Santa Monica Mountains Views • Best For Sunrise And Sunset
A rewarding climb along the Calabasas Peak Motorway to a rocky summit overlooking Hidden Hills, Calabasas, and the coast on clear days.
Trail access from Old Topanga Canyon Road or Stunt Road turns quickly uphill, so expect a steady workout right out of the car. The payoff is a ridgeline with sweeping views in all directions, sandstone outcrops, and a classic Santa Monica Mountains skyline. This route is exposed and can be windy, which is exactly why locals love it for crisp winter mornings and colorful evening light.
04
Best for long, mellow mileage
Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyon
Agoura Hills To The Northwest • Extensive Network Of Gentle Canyon And Ridge Trails • Great For Longer Loops And Runs
A wide-open trail system of interconnected fire roads and paths that let you customize anything from an easy family walk to a full half-day outing.
Starting from the Cheeseboro Canyon trailhead, the first miles are almost flat, making this a go-to for dog walkers, newer hikers, and anyone easing into distance. Farther up-canyon, side trails climb to ridges with big views toward Simi Valley and the Santa Monica range. Because there are so many junctions, locals often map a loop ahead of time and bring extra water, especially on warm, dry days.
05
Best coastal backcountry feel
Topanga State Park
Topanga Canyon And Pacific Palisades • Coastal Backcountry With Ocean And Canyon Vistas • Iconic Santa Monica Mountains Experience
A vast state park with ridge and canyon routes that feel far from the city, yet sit just over the hill from Hidden Hills.
Most Hidden Hills hikers head for the Trippet Ranch area, where trails like Eagle Rock and Musch Trail showcase sandstone outcrops, oak groves, and broad coastal views. The network ranges from short loops to serious figure-eight days, so you can match your route to your time and fitness. Fog and coastal breezes often keep temperatures cooler here, making it a smart pick when inland trails are baking.