Best trails in Los Angeles

NOTE: As per the city recommendations, this route directs hikers to Canyon Drive, 2 blocks east of Beachwood off of Franklin, or to Griffith Observatory. Canyon Drive has a parking lot, sidewalks, trash cans, and facilities for visitors. The Beachwood Gate which was previously used to access the Hollyridge Trail was permanently closed on April 18th, 2017 due to a court order. Be aware of the heat as there is little no no shade on this trail. Hike early or late in the day if possible and bring lots of water.Show more

Ferndell (AKA Fern Dell) is a woodsy glen at the lower end of Western Canyon in Griffith Park. Your destination is the historic Griffith Observatory.Show more

Northeast side of Commonwealth Canyon Drive. Golf course will be to the west. Dirt trailhead is just north of Vista del Valle Drive. To get to the lookout, take a right onto the dirt trail.Show more

On a clear day you can see all of Los Angeles. Get there before 8am and you can park at the Observatory for free. Be aware of the heat as there is little shade on this hike. Hike early or late in the day if possible and bring lots of water. Excellent views and dogs are allowed.Show more

Great views of the coastline and the greater area of Los AngelesShow more

Bronson Canyon, or Bronson Caves, is a section of Griffith Park in Los Angeles that has become famous as a filming location, especially known for the "bat cave" scenes in the Batman TV series of the 1960s. It's an easy, off-leash, kid friendly hike with much more strenuous extensions available. In 1903, the Union Rock Company founded a quarry, originally named Brush Canyon, for excavation of crushed rock used in the construction of city streets. The quarry ceased operation in the late 1920s, leaving the caves behind. The caves became known as the Bronson Caves after a nearby street, giving the area its more popular name of Bronson Canyon (the same street indirectly provided the stage name for actor Charles Bronson, who chose the name of the Bronson Gate at Hollywood's Paramount Studios, which in turn derived its name from Bronson Street). The hike itself is really more of a walk up to the caves/tunnels; however, three blazed trails abound from the cavern site. None are marked, but they are easily recognizable from the cavern site: 1. Connect into the Brush Canyon trail (heading North) following a parallel path with Canyon Drive (NOTE: Steep and dangerous grade) 2. Connect to Hollywood and/or Western Canyon roads via a 1 1/4 mile route called the Griffitite Serpentine (NOTE: Steep and dangerous grade) 3. Continue south on trail from canyon to an area known for it's quartzite beach pebbles (a favorite for kids)Show more

This trail begins at the Griffith Park Visitor Center and heads up a gravel fire road and follows a wide single track that climb and drop down a number of steep ridges. The trail intersects and follows an asphalt road that leads to the very top of Griffith Park, right above the Hollywood sign. Be aware of hot weather as there is little to no shade on this hike. Bring water, and hike early or late in the day, if possible. The views are worth it!Show more

Please note: This trail is located on north side of Veteran's park in Sylmar. There is a paved road for walking, jogging and bike riding. If you're looking for a bit of a challenge there is a dirt trail with a steep incline.Show more