01
Best overall pick
Runyon Canyon Park
Hollywood Hills Above West Hollywood • Busy Urban Canyon With Wide Fire Roads • Classic People-Watching Hike
A steep but social climb with big views of the skyline, the Hollywood Sign, and the neighboring hills.
Runyon is the go-to trail when you want a workout and city views without driving far from West Hollywood. Multiple route options let you choose anything from a short, steep grind to a more gradual loop, all on well-worn fire roads and dirt paths. Go early for cooler temps and easier parking, and expect to share the trail with locals, dogs, and the occasional celebrity sighting.
02
Closest quiet escape
Trebek Open Space
Nichols Canyon Foothills • Quiet Ridgeline Singletrack With Native Chaparral • Under-The-Radar Local Gem
A mellow network of dirt paths on a hillside ridge with surprisingly open views and fewer crowds.
Tucked just above Nichols Canyon, Trebek Open Space feels far more low-key than neighboring Runyon. Short ridgeline trails link together into easy out-and-back or lollipop routes, with views stretching from the Hollywood Hills toward the basin. It’s a good pick when you want a quick dose of nature and sunset light without the scene of the bigger parks.
03
Best shaded loop
Fryman Canyon Loop
Studio City Side Of The Santa Monica Mountains • Shaded Canyon Loop With Mixed Dirt And Paved Sections • Best For An After-Work Workout
A popular 3-mile loop that blends canyon shade, neighborhood edges, and steady climbs for a satisfying circuit.
Starting from the Wilacre Park lot off Laurel Canyon, the Fryman loop offers a well-defined circuit that feels miles away from the Strip. Expect a mix of shaded stretches, gradual climbs, and a few open viewpoints across the Valley and hills. It’s close enough for a quick drive from West Hollywood, but long enough to feel like a real hike when you only have an hour or two.
04
Best for a calm morning
Franklin Canyon Park
Benedict Canyon Between Beverly Hills And The Valley • Reservoir-Side Nature Trails With Gentle Grades • Best For A Peaceful Nature Fix
Easy lakeside and hillside paths wind through oaks and reeds, with more birds than people on most days.
Franklin Canyon feels surprisingly wild given how close it sits to Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. Short trails loop around the reservoir and climb into the surrounding slopes, making it ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, or introducing visitors to LA hiking without a big climb. The quiet water, bird life, and dappled shade make this a favorite when you want to slow down rather than chase elevation gain.
05
Best for big city views
Griffith Observatory West Trail
Griffith Park Above Los Feliz • Iconic City-Views Trail With Steady Climb • Best For First-Time La Visitors
A classic Griffith Park route that climbs to the Observatory with sweeping views over Hollywood, downtown, and the distant mountains.
From the western trailheads in Griffith Park, this route winds uphill on dirt paths toward the Observatory, gaining elevation at a manageable grade. Along the way you get layer after layer of city views, plus easy access to longer extensions deeper into the park if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s a great choice when you want a solid workout, a sense of LA’s scale, and a post-hike stroll around the Observatory in one outing.