Los Angeles is the perfect place to get outside and explore the numerous hiking trails the city offers. So, where can you find easy hiking trails in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has amazing hiking trails for beginners. From the popular Runyon Canyon to the hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. You are bound to find a trail perfect for you! There are flat and easy trails with limited climbs and some that are a bit more challenging.
Spend some time in nature and go for a scenic hike! Let’s look at some of the easier hiking trails in Los Angeles that showcase some of the best views.
Twelve Easy Hiking Trails In Los Angeles
Hiking might seem like a daunting experience, but there are many hiking trails for beginners located in Los Angeles.
Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon is a popular hiking trail in Los Angeles. You will find it in the Santa Monica Mountains on the east side.
This trail has a few loops you can try. The 1.9-mile loop is perfect for a great run. There’s also a 3.3-mile hiking trail to the top of the park. If you feel like you need a shorter and easier hike, you can try the 0.85-mile hiking trail starting from Mulholland Drive.
The Runyon Canon is a bit crowded, so it is not the perfect hike for those who want peace and quiet. However, it’s the ideal trail for beginners if you want some outdoor exercise.
Hollywood Sign Hike (via Beachwood)
You will find the start of the hiking trail at the top of Beachwood Drive. Next, you will begin hiking up a wide dirt trail that leads to Hollyridge Trail. After walking one-tenth of a mile on the Hollyridge Trail, you will reach the viewpoint of the Hollywood Sign.
Eaton Canyon
Eaton Canyon is a zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Hikers can enjoy the trail and come across picnic areas, rocks, minerals, streams, natural habitats, native plants, and wildlife.
Caballero Canyon
Caballero Canyon is used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trail has a distance of approximately 1.4 miles. You can access the trail from the south end of Reseda Boulevard. From the 101, take the exit at Reseda Boulevard and head south. The trailhead will be on the right before you reach the end of the road.
Franklin Canyon
This park is 605 acres and has several trails you can hike for a couple of hours. It is tucked into a canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains. If you want more exercise, you can take the north part of the Hastain Trail. You will find a lake joined by an add-on named Heavenly Pond on this trail. There are ducks and turtles, and the lake and pond make for easy hiking.
You hike for one mile or 1.5 miles if you start from the Ranch trail. If you want to venture further, go up the Chaparral Trail. This will be a 2.5 mile trip with 325 feet of elevation. If you’re only looking for a simple short one-mile loop around the reservoir, depart from the parking lot north of Franklin Canyon.
Fryman Canyon Park
Fryman Hiking Trail is the closest to civilization in Los Angeles. You can climb the Dearing Mountain Trail from the parking area in Wilacre Park.
Monrovia Canyon Park
This park is relatively flat and does not have many climbs. It’s an excellent trail for beginner hikers. The total hike is under 6 miles and should take about one to three hours. There are no water sources nearby, so be sure to bring water.
Cheeseboro Canyon Trail
The Cheeseboro Wildlife is a 10.7-mile loop near Agoura Hills, California. It’s a popular trail for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
If you’re looking for a way shorter hike, try the Lower Cheeseboro Canyon Trail, which has a length of 0.9 miles. It is a quick and easy hike through the oak savanna at the southern edge of the Simi Hills.
Griffith Observatory Trail
The Griffith Observatory Trail is a popular one in Los Angeles. During the nighttime, the view of the city is incredible. The length is between two to four miles depending on the trailhead.
Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook
The Los Liones Trail is a 4.4 to 7.3-mile hike from the Pacific Palisades to Parker Mesa overlook in Topanga State Park. It has views of both the city skyline and the coast. This hike is a bit more challenging than the others, and it takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete.
Hike To The Wisdom Tree Via Cahuenga Peaks
This hike covers 3 miles and is one of the newest additions to Griffith Park. The trail leads to a lone tree and geocaching area. The trail then leads to a ridge east toward Cahuenga Peak. You then can continue a hike to Mount Lee and the Hollywood Sign.
Eagle Rock and Temescal Peak
In Topanga State Park is a 7.4-mile hike to Eagle Rock and Temescal Peak. It is a relatively easy trek that will give you an excellent introduction to more rugged trails in the Santa Monica Mountains.
There’s also an 11.20-mile loop on fire roads. Finally, if you feel you can put in an extra 1.5 miles, you’ll encounter a waterfall near Santa Ynez Canyon.
Safety Tips To Follow Before A Hike
You must stay safe and go prepared when hiking since unexpected things do happen. Follow these tips:
- When you decide where you want to hike, consult a park ranger for any safety tips they can give you.
- Take a friend with you. This minimizes the risk of being stranded alone.
- Be prepared for a change in weather. For example, if there is a big storm and lightning, avoid high areas, open areas, trees, bodies of water, and metal.
- Take a first aid kit, sunscreen, and water.
- If it’s a very long hike, make sure to take emergency shelter like a tent and blanket.
- Make sure you have an emergency plan. Make provision for ways how you will contact someone in cases of an emergency. For example, consider whether there will be cell reception, whether it is near civilization, or whether the park rangers have an emergency number.
- Make sure to have proper hiking boots and socks.
- Always stay on the trail and try not to wander off too far.
- Let people know where you will be hiking and roughly how long you and a friend will be.
Conclusion
There are many hiking trails available to beginners in Los Angeles. So take a buddy with you, and get some fresh air and exercise by climbing any of the trails mentioned in this article.
Always remember to be safe and don’t push yourself too hard.
