Seven Brilliant Hikes in LA

Seven Brilliant Hikes in LA

Explore the City of Angels from another vantage point with our definitive list of the best treks in Los Angeles.



We’ve
all seen a Runyon Canyon Instagram post, complete with
lithe, yoga gear-clad limbs. For those looking to see what the hype
is all about or explore the City
of Angels
from another vantage point, we’ve tracked down the
best spots for waterfall treks, hikes with proximity to Nobu Malibu and everything in between.


Mount Baldy

Best visited on a day-long excursion, Mount Baldy (officially
known as Mount San Antonio) is the highest mountain in LA and
certainly one of the most difficult hikes in the city. One
favourite route for scaling this peak winds up the Baldy Bowl Ski
Hut Trail – many hikers bring ski gear to bolt down after the hike
in the wintertime – and continues along the Devil’s Backbone Trail.
To make the absolute most of this path, get going first thing in
the morning to beat the crowds and plan to head out on a clear day
– that’s your best chance for views stretching all the way out to
the Mojave Desert.

This image is on holiday

Escondido Falls

The beginning of the hike to Escondido Falls climbs up Winding
Way, passing one Architectural Digest-worthy Malibu home after the
other before entering the leafy Escondido Canyon Park. The walk
continues through the forest, occasionally breaking up into
blooming fields. After a few creek crossings, the lower waterfalls
are easy to reach and a beautiful sight, but more skilled hikers
shouldn’t shy away from continuing on to the upper falls which are
three times as high. Adventurous souls can even make their way
behind the falls to watch the water tumble down and pick the fresh
mint that grows there.


Point Mugu State Park

Offering stunning vistas over the Pacific, this is the best
place to work up a sweat before running into the cool waves below –
take the Ray Miller Trail, which takes you up the craggy hills
lining the beach. There are over 70 miles of hiking trails in this
park, however, so don’t shy away from exploring any of those as an
extension to this hike (though we prefer to stick closer to the
waterfront). The switchbacks and uphill incline on this hike make
it a great workout, and since Point Mugu is a little farther away
from the core of Malibu
than other hiking areas, you’re likely to have most of the trail
all to yourself.


Runyon Canyon

For surrounds akin to those framing Margot Robbie as her
convertible zips through the
Hollywood
Hills in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, nothing beats
hiking Runyon Canyon Park. Whether you’re after a leisurely stroll
and chat with your pals along the paved section, or want to take on
the more challenging rugged path – complete with sightings of a
glowy-faced Gwyneth Paltrow making her way up in Goop leggings –
you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view over the whole city,
stretching out to Venice and the sea on clearer days. Make sure to
peek over at the McMansions that sprawl out across the Hills next
door.


Corral Canyon Park

Rising above the waves that crash against the Pacific Coast
Highway, Corral Canyon Park is a quickly escalating hike benefitted
by far-reaching views over the ocean. While the area was ravaged by
the fires of summer 2018, the park’s regrowth is a vibrant green
populated with bright yellow flowers. Hike complete, grab some Baja
fish tacos from the seafood shack at the base of the park or, if
you want to go all-out while you’re in the area, leave a change of
clothes in the car and opt for a slightly dressier lunch on the
nearby pier or at Nobu Malibu.


Griffith Park

For a hike straight out of La La Land, explore this park as your
make your way to the Griffith Observatory in time for golden hour.
If you’re hoping for a longer journey, start at the observatory and
make your way to the Hollywood sign, the overall trip coming out to
about 7 or 8 miles, depending on whether you choose to climb over
Mount Hollywood. The park is the largest green space in the city –
there is also an abandoned zoo to explore as well as horse riding
trails and tennis courts.


Echo Mountain

Situated in Altadena, Echo Mountain is an Angeleno favourite.
Hike the mountain by way of the Sam Merrill Trail, which begins by
crossing over a ravine and turns into a series of winding
switchbacks with a relatively steep incline – you’ll be towering
above Altadena and Pasadena in no time. Walk past the historical
ruins of Mount Lowe Railway, which once linked the mountain resort
to the city, and you’ll find yourself at the top of the trail,
where picnic benches overlook Downtown LA and the Pacific. Make
sure to pack some snacks to enjoy while you watch the city light up
at sunset – the trail is open at night, making it an easy early
evening hike back down afterwards.

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