01
Iconic skyline hike
Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign
Griffith Park / Los Feliz • Iconic City-To-Summit Route With Chaparral Ridges • Classic La Landmark Hike
A longer but approachable route that links Griffith Observatory to the back of the Hollywood Sign with big views the whole way.
If you want the full postcard version of LA on foot, this is the hike to do. The route climbs from the Observatory onto rolling ridgelines, trading shade for wide-open views over downtown, the San Gabriels, and the Hollywood Sign itself. Start early for cooler temps and parking, and expect a mix of tourists, locals training, and plenty of photo stops along the way.
02
Most social hike
Runyon Canyon Park
Hollywood Hills • Busy Canyon Loop With Wide Dirt Fire Roads • Best For Social Hikers And Quick Workouts
A short, steep network of loops where locals power up dusty ridges for fast cardio and sweeping views over the city grid.
Runyon is where dog walkers, fitness buffs, and visitors all collide on the same sun-baked hillsides above Hollywood. The loops are flexible, so you can choose a quick 30-minute climb or string together something longer, but all of them deliver big views in a hurry. Come for the people-watching as much as the scenery, and bring sun protection—shade is scarce and the canyon heats up quickly.
03
Best ocean-view loop
Temescal Canyon Loop
Pacific Palisades / Westside • Coastal Canyon Loop With Seasonal Waterfall And Ridge • Best Ocean-View Workout
A moderate loop that climbs from a shaded canyon to a breezy ridge with classic views over the Pacific and the Westside.
Temescal feels like a mini sampler of coastal canyon hiking, with a shaded creek crossing down low and wide-open ridges higher up. On clear days you can see the Santa Monica Bay curve away beneath you, with downtown and the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the distance. It’s popular with Westside locals, so go early on weekends and be ready for a steady, leg-warming climb on the way up.
04
Intro to the foothills
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
Pasadena / San Gabriel Foothills • Shaded Creekside Trail To A Seasonal Waterfall • Best For First-Time San Gabriel Hikes
A mostly gentle canyon walk with multiple stream crossings that ends at a small but satisfying waterfall when flows are good.
Eaton Canyon is a go-to for Angelenos who want something greener and cooler without committing to a huge mountain day. The trail follows a rocky wash and creek, with sycamores and oaks offering pockets of shade as you hop across the water. It’s family-friendly but can get crowded, so weekdays and early mornings are the best bet if you prefer a quieter canyon experience.
05
Big day out
Sandstone Peak & Mishe Mokwa Loop
Santa Monica Mountains Near Malibu • Longer Mountain Loop With Big Vistas And Rock Formations • Best Full-Day Coastal Mountains Trek
A rugged loop to the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, mixing ocean glimpses, rocky outcrops, and remote-feeling stretches.
For hikers ready to go beyond the quick city climbs, Sandstone Peak delivers a more immersive mountain day without leaving the LA orbit. The Mishe Mokwa loop winds through boulder gardens and chaparral slopes before topping out on a summit with a wide-angle view over the Pacific and inland ranges. Bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and time to linger at the view spots—this is a route you’ll want to savor, not rush.