Boots on the Ground: The Top 50 Hikes for Exploring L.A.'s Wild Backyard

Boots on the Ground: The Top 50 Hikes for Exploring L.A.'s Wild Backyard - Take in Sweeping Views from Runyon Canyon

With its panoramic vistas and close proximity to Hollywood, Runyon Canyon Park is one of the most popular hiking spots in Los Angeles. The 160-acre park features a variety of trails that wind through the Santa Monica Mountains, delivering Instagram-worthy views of the city below.

One of the main draws of Runyon Canyon is the opportunity to take in sweeping views of downtown LA, the Hollywood Hills, and the Pacific Ocean from various vantage points along the trails. The most famous viewpoint is the Runyon Canyon Full Loop, a roughly 3-mile trek that delivers nonstop scenery as it climbs to the highest point in the park.

Hikers are treated to a birds-eye perspective of the city, with unobstructed views of the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and skyscrapers dotting the downtown skyline. On clear days, you can even spot the ocean shimmering in the distance. The hike features several benches and flat rocks along the way, perfect for resting and soaking up the panoramas.

Runyon Canyon is also a great spot for sunrise and sunset chasing. Many visitors time their hike to catch the golden hour light bathing the rugged canyons in a warm glow. There’s perhaps no better place in LA to watch the sun sink behind the horizon than from Runyon’s lofty vistas.

In addition to the 360-degree views, the hike showcases the park's unique geology and vegetation. The trail winds through sandstone cliffs, rock outcrops, and native chaparral, delivering an immersive nature experience just minutes from the heart of Hollywood.

While the vistas are the main draw, Runyon Canyon also offers a good workout, with over 600 feet of elevation gain. The hike provides a heart-pumping leg burner to complement the soul-stirring views.

Boots on the Ground: The Top 50 Hikes for Exploring L.A.'s Wild Backyard - Trek through Griffith Park for an Urban Escape

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, Griffith Park provides the perfect urban escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Spread out over 4,310 acres, this expansive park features a vast network of hiking trails winding through rugged canyons, grassy meadows, and wooded slopes. With options ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs, Griffith Park has something for hikers of all abilities.

One of the most popular routes is the Griffith Park Loop Trail. This moderately difficult 6.3 mile hike delivers a condensed sampler of the park's best features and landscapes. The trail winds up wooded slopes carpeted in oak and walnut trees, delivering welcome shade on hot days. You'll also traverse rolling grasslands flanked by striking sandstone formations, providing opportunities to explore small caves and rock shelters tucked into the cliffs.

The real highlight of the hike is the panoramic vistas at various lookout points on the route. From these perches, hikers are treated to sweeping views looking out over iconic LA landmarks like the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and downtown skyscrapers. On clear days, you can even make out Santa Catalina Island floating on the horizon. These jaw-dropping views provide the perfect backdrop for photos to commemorate your urban escape.

Those looking for more solitude can venture out on the Brush Canyon Trail. This peaceful 6.6 mile loop sees significantly fewer crowds, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature. The trail winds through canyons dotted with sycamore and oak trees before climbing out of the shadows and into scrubby, boulder-strewn slopes blanketed in chaparral. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like deer, coyotes, and hawk soaring overhead.

The scenic route also features several tranquil ponds shaded by willow trees, providing the perfect spot to rest and enjoy a snack. You’re more likely to encounter critters than crowds on this trail, giving you a sense of being far from the city despite LA's skyline visible in the distance.

Boots on the Ground: The Top 50 Hikes for Exploring L.A.'s Wild Backyard - Hike to the Hollywood Sign for Iconic Photos

No trip to Los Angeles is complete without catching a glimpse of the iconic Hollywood Sign. While scenic views from down below are impressive, nothing beats the experience of hiking right up to this landmark and seeing it from every angle. One of the most popular routes is the Hollyridge Trail, delivering hikers to the base of the sign via a moderately challenging 3-mile trek.

The journey begins in a quiet residential neighborhood nestled in the Hollywood Hills. You’ll wind your way up a shady fire road surrounded by lush vegetation and vines draping down from the hillside. As you gain elevation, sneak peeks of the sign start to emerge through the trees.

Once atop Mt. Lee, the trail opens up, revealing sprawling views across Hollywood and the entire LA basin. After taking in the scenery, navigate a short rock scramble that leads right behind the 50-foot-tall white letters. Up close, you’ll appreciate the scale and artistry of the sign, constructed in 1923 as an advertisement for a local real estate development.

Fellow hikers rave about the immense satisfaction of summiting the trail and seeing the letters loom large above you. The sign looks surreal and almost two-dimensional from certain angles. You’ll find the perfect spot to frame that quintessential Hollywood Sign photo to impress friends back home.

In addition to iconic snapshots, the hike also serves up sweeping panoramas looking out over the city below. On clear days, one can see all the way from Palos Verdes to Catalina Island. Below, the LA skyline rises up, punctuated by landmarks like the Capitol Records tower and Griffith Observatory dome.

The striking views of the sign and surrounding scenery explain why this trail remains one of LA’s most popular hikes. The trek does get crowded, particularly on weekends. So consider starting early to beat the hordes. While not the most strenuous route, be ready for a good leg workout climbing nearly 700 feet.

The journey back down is equally enjoyable. As the sign grows smaller, you’ll get new perspectives looking up at the white letters punched into the rugged hillside. Near the trailhead, stop by the public art project “Giving Back to the Land” showcasing indigenous plants and educational displays about the Tongva people native to the area.

Boots on the Ground: The Top 50 Hikes for Exploring L.A.'s Wild Backyard - Explore Waterfalls and Swimming Holes in Malibu

Tucked away in the canyons dotted along Malibu’s 27 miles of coastline lies a series of magical waterfalls and natural swimming holes waiting to be discovered. While Zuma Beach draws big crowds with its perfect sand and swelling waves, these hidden freshwater oases offer a more secluded way to cool off during the hot summer months. Adventurous locals make seeking out these secret spots an annual tradition.

In order to reach most of Malibu’s waterfalls, one must be willing to traverse boulder-strewn canyons on unmarked trails. The trek is well worth it when you finally arrive at an idyllic waterfall pouring into a clear pool surrounded by ferns and mosses. Sturdy shoes or hiking sandals are a must for navigating slippery creek crossings and scrambling up rocks behind cascades.

Escondido Falls is one of the most magnificent. Water tumbles 150 feet down a sheer rock face into an aquamarine basin fringed by willows. Don’t miss swimming under the falls—it’s like receiving a natural massage. The 2.5 mile hike gains 1200 feet as you switchback steeply up into the canyon. The loud roar of the falls will tell you you’re nearly there.

Solstice Canyon boasts another worthwhile waterfall plunging 100 feet into a grotto where you can swim under the delicate ribbons of falling water. Enter where the creek crosses the road and follow it upstream. Be prepared for several stream crossings and some basic bouldering as you weave through house-sized boulders.

In Newton Canyon, ambitious hikers can follow the creek 7.5 miles to reach the sublime 100-foot Gamboa Falls. This is usually more a creek walk than a trail, adding to the adventure. Pack a water filter so you can refresh from the creek itself.

Paradise Falls is aptly named, requiring a 3.7 mile trek through wildflower-dotted grasslands before entering a sycamore-shaded gorge. Here, a 30-foot waterfall spills into an icy pool ringed by 100-foot cliffs you can leap from.

Las Flores Canyon hides a tiered 120-foot waterfall pouring into a dreamy swim hole with natural rock waterslides. Follow the creek 4 miles past stands of redwoods and thickets of poison oak to reach it.

Always check conditions before setting out to ensure water will be flowing. Winter and early spring after substantial rains are ideal. Summertime pursuits may end in scrambling up a dry rocky canyon. Savvy hikers also know to set forth as early as possible to avoid the crowds competing for parking near trailheads.

While thrilling to discover, take care around these waterfalls and never dive in. Hazards may lurk below the surface. Heed warning signs and steer clear of slippery edges. Never swim directly above cascades where falling rocks present a serious danger. As appealing as these natural swimming holes may be, always place safety first.

Boots on the Ground: The Top 50 Hikes for Exploring L.A.'s Wild Backyard - Immerse Yourself in Nature at Topanga State Park

Tucked into the scenic Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park represents one of Los Angeles’ most prized natural escapes. Just a short drive from the beaches and boulevards of the city, this wild 11,000 acre preserve makes you feel worlds away, delivering some of the best hiking and camping around. Outdoor enthusiasts relish the chance to truly immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the park’s 70 miles of trails.

Among Topanga’s most popular hikes is the Eagle Rock Trail, transporting you high above the forested canyons to a panoramic perch. The moderate 1.5-mile trek winds through oak and bay laurel woodlands dense with ferns and wildflowers in spring. The sound of birdsong fills the air as you enter a mixed chaparral zone filled with blooming vines and shrubs like coffeeberry and sage.

The payoff comes when the path emerges onto the bald, boulder-strewn summit of Eagle Rock, rising nearly 1500 feet above sea level. From this lofty vantage point, all of Topanga Canyon sprawls below, with waves of rugged ridges receding into the distance. On clear days, the shimmering Pacific Ocean floats on the horizon, reminding you of your proximity to the coast. Raptors often soar overhead, riding thermals above the unspoiled landscape.

For a short but steep hike, seek out the lush Ender Falls tucked high in the folds of Topanga’s canyons. Dropping over sloping slickrock into fern-fringed pools below, Ender’s cascades seem like something from the tropics rather than arid Southern California. The musical rush of falling water reverberates through the canyon, amplifying the magical atmosphere.

Venture deeper into the Santa Monica Mountains on the extensive Backbone Trail System traversing ridge after ridge blanketed in coastal sage scrub and stunning sandstone formations. As you weave along this mountainous spine, a profound sense of solitude descends, broken only by the crunch of footsteps over gravelly trail. Mini microclimates support unique plant communities, from oak savannas to shady slopes dripping with mosses and lichens.

Topanga also delivers some of the best backcountry camping around for those looking to spend days fully immersed in wilderness. Spots like the shady Blue Canyon site situated alongside melodic streams let you fall asleep to the gentle music of flowing water. As coyotes cry in the shadows and owls hoot under endless stars overhead, you’ll feel no trace of the city, only peaceful seclusion.

Boots on the Ground: The Top 50 Hikes for Exploring L.A.'s Wild Backyard - Journey Through Joshua Tree for Otherworldly Sights

With its alien landscape of towering boulder piles, spiky Joshua Trees, and endless sagebrush, Joshua Tree National Park resembles another world entirely. Nowhere else can you wander through such a bizarre and beguiling landscape, making the park one of Southern California’s must-visit destinations. Encompassing over 790,000 acres, Joshua Tree offers seemingly endless opportunities for exploration via 250 miles of hiking trails. From short nature walks to multi-day backpacking excursions, adventure awaits.

One of the best ways to experience Joshua Tree's unique scenery is via the park’s most iconic hike – the 11-mile Boy Scout Trail. This moderate out-and-back journey perfectly showcases the park's signature features. Just minutes from the trailhead, you’ll start passing the park's namesake Joshua Trees, stretching their spiky limbs up towards the sun. Once you reach the Wonderland of Rocks, the otherworldly scenery reaches its zenith. House-sized boulders are piled precariously atop one another in gravity-defying formations. Some look like abstract sculptures or creatures from a sci-fi flick. You’ll see rock climbers scaling the sheer faces and boulder-hoppers clambering to the top for panoramic views across the desert. Sunset and sunrise here are particularly magical when golden light illuminates the landscape.

For close encounters with the park’s flora and fauna, the 1-mile Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail can’t be beat. This short loop showcases dense thickets of cholla cactus, whose spiny green arms seem to reach out to poke passersby. Tiny lizards scurry through the underbrush while roadrunners dart after them. During spring bloom, vibrant desert wildflowers carpet the trail, adding pops of color to the austere desert scenery.

Seeking the ultimate Joshua Tree experience? The 25-mile California Riding & Hiking Trail traverses the entire park, hitting all the highlights. As you weave through massive boulders, forests of Joshua Trees, and golden grasslands, each mile reveals new facets of this landscape like a kaleidoscope. Watch the light and scenery transform throughout the day for the full experience. With designated backcountry camping areas, multi-day treks are easily accommodated. Just be sure to cache water, as none is available along the route.

Boots on the Ground: The Top 50 Hikes for Exploring L.A.'s Wild Backyard - Climb Sturtevant Falls for a Refreshing Challenge

Tucked high up in the San Gabriel Mountains, Sturtevant Falls offers a refreshing retreat from the summer heat. This 50-foot waterfall pours into a swimming hole framed by mossy boulders and cliffs - a surprising oasis in the middle of the arid foothills. While only a 90-minute drive from downtown LA, the scenic cascade feels worlds away. Reaching the falls requires a 3.5 mile hike gaining over 1000 feet in elevation, delivering a fun workout to complement the payoff of playing in the pool beneath the falls.

As you make your way up the trail, you’ll pass through lush Fern Canyon, where maidenhair ferns and sycamores sprout up along the creek. After crossing the icy stream several times, the path switchbacks ever higher up the scrubby, boulder-strewn slopes. The rush of falling water will tell you that you’re getting close to your goal.

Finally, the canyon opens up, revealing the beautiful multi-tiered cascade pouring over smooth moss-covered rock formations into an aquamarine pool fringed by willows. After scrambling over boulders and getting soaked by the mist, you can swim in the crisp waters beneath the mesmerizing veil of water. Look closely and you may spot rainbows dancing in the tumbling liquid ribbons overhead.

The swimming hole isn’t very deep, ranging from two to eight feet, but cliffs give daring swimmers the opportunity to jump in and cool off. Scramble up the rocky canyon walls and perch on the edge for a few moments, taking in the sublime scenery before you take the plunge into the bracing water below.

While the main cascade offers the classic Sturtevant experience, explorers can venture further up the canyon to find more secluded cascades and pools linked by delicate flumes of falling water. This is a place made for frolicking and playing beneath waterfalls usually only found on tropical islands.

The hike up to Sturtevant Falls provides a thigh-burning workout, reminding you that you’re earning this cool paradise. While steep and strenuous in places, the quality of the scenery will distract you from the effort. Fit hikers can make it in about 2 to 2.5 hours, but spend as much time enjoying the falls before making the return trek.

Due to the popularity of this trail, early morning and mid-week visits tend to be less crowded. Arrive early to beat the heat and claim a choice sitting rock or swimming spot beneath the falls. While tempting to linger all day in this magical grotto, be sure to begin your hike down before the afternoon thunderstorms arrive, turning the cascades from playful to perilous.

Boots on the Ground: The Top 50 Hikes for Exploring L.A.'s Wild Backyard - Discover Ancient Rock Art at the Burro Flats Painted Cave

Tucked away in the Simi Hills, the Burro Flats Painted Cave transports you back in time to glimpse the rich culture of Chumash people who inhabited these lands for millennia. Venturing inside this sacred site lets you connect with California’s indigenous past and marvel at the ancient rock art still preserved on the walls. As you trace your fingers over the faded pigments, a powerful sense of bearing witness to history washes over you.

Of the nearly 100 sites showcasing Chumash rock art across the region, Burro Flats remains among the most significant and well-preserved. The cave contains over 130 figures portraying anthropomorphic designs and abstract patterns crafted from red and white pigment produced from mineral and plant sources. Archaeologists believe the paintings date back to at least 3000 years ago.

While the cave sits on private property, owners provide periodic opportunities for respectful visits by appointment. Treading carefully into the dim, 200-foot-long cave, one follows in the footsteps of generations who gathered here for rituals, solstice ceremonies, and coming-of-age rites of passage. Elders passed down the society's beliefs reflected in the symbolic images adorning the walls.

Modern visitors often describe being overcome with awe stepping into the cramped cave glowing with ancestral imagery. While photography is prohibited out of reverence, many find the chance to simply sit quietly and contemplate the original artworks reward enough. As scholars continue studying the rich iconography, what secrets of Chumash cosmology and culture might still be unlocked within these paintings?

Venturing to lesser-known sites like Burro Flats provides opportunities to contemplate the long Indigenous history of these lands so often glossed over. We pay homage to cultures that existed for centuries before Spanish conquistadors ever stepped foot here. Their voices echo still through sites like this cave if we make the effort to listen.

Beyond admiring the vulnerable art, we must reflect on the painful history of colonization that threatens sites like Burro Flats to this day. Cave defacement remains an ongoing issue, underscoring the vital need for education, protection, and guarding these treasures that have survived against the odds.