The best walks and hikes around Los Angeles

Yes, Los Angeles has several great options for hiking with your dog. Runyon Canyon Park is a well-known favorite, offering off-leash areas and fantastic city views. Another excellent choice is Solstice Canyon, which provides trails of varying difficulty where dogs are welcome on a leash.

You can find some beautiful waterfall hikes, especially after rainfall. The trail to Escondido Falls in Malibu is a popular choice, leading to the highest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains. For an easier, family-friendly option, the Temescal Canyon Falls loop features a seasonal waterfall and is quite accessible.

For an easy and scenic walk, the Ferndell Nature Trail in Griffith Park is a great starting point. It's a short, shaded path along a stream that's perfect for a relaxed outing. Many of the coastal paths also offer gentle, flat terrain with rewarding ocean scenery.

Absolutely. If you're looking for a satisfying loop, the Hollywood Sign & Wisdom Tree loop from Lake Hollywood is a moderately challenging option that combines iconic viewpoints. Many trails in places like Temescal Canyon and Solstice Canyon are also designed as loops.

The Santa Monica Mountains offer stunning coastal vistas. Trails in Temescal Canyon provide a mix of canyon and ocean scenery. For a walk right along the water, the Venice Beach to Santa Monica Pier loop is a flat, easy walk that keeps you right on the coastline.

For those seeking a challenge, the region offers about 18 difficult-rated trails. Routes in the San Gabriel Mountains, such as those to Sunset Peak or Mount Baldy, provide significant elevation gain and more rugged terrain. These trails reward strenuous effort with panoramic views.

There is a vast network of trails to explore, with over 400 routes available around Los Angeles. These range from 234 easy walks suitable for all abilities to 155 moderate hikes and a selection of more difficult mountain ascents.

The trails around Los Angeles are highly regarded by the komoot community, which includes over 16,000 hikers. The routes have an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, with users often praising the incredible variety, from iconic city views to serene coastal paths.

For any hike, it's essential to bring plenty of water, especially as many trails have limited shade. Sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is crucial. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. It's also wise to pack snacks, a fully charged phone, and a small first-aid kit.

Griffith Park has a wide variety of trails. For iconic views, routes leading up towards the Griffith Observatory are very popular. The trail to the Wisdom Tree and Hollywood Sign offers a more strenuous hike with rewarding vistas. For something more tranquil, the Ferndell Nature Trail on the park's western edge is a lush, shaded walk.

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends at popular spots like Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon. It's recommended to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot. Some locations, like Temescal Gateway Park or lots near Escondido Falls, may require a parking fee. Always check for posted signs and restrictions.