Hikes In LA That You Must Try Right Now
By Lauren Brose ‘15
Hikes are a great way of toning your body (a natural lift for your backside, ladies!), getting your suggested 30 minutes of cardio in, as well as simply venturing outside the concrete confines of USC and downtown. The best part: you get to chat to your friends throughout the entire trail and be close to nature. One of my biggest accomplishments was hiking the tallest mountain in South Lake Tahoe called Mt. Tallac. It took me nearly the entire day and I was gasping for oxygen as I literally crawled the last quarter mile. In my defense, oxygen was becoming sparse considering the increased elevation and change in altitude but I felt the greatest surge of endorphins imaginable when I finally reached the top. Never had a PB&J tasted so heavenly. Maybe you’re not about that 12.5 mile hike. Instead, I outlined a handful of hikes around Los Angeles that range from less than two miles to up to seven miles.
The Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon
Distance: 2.4 miles
This hike starts on PCH in Malibu and is the perfect hike for a relaxing afternoon. Enjoy the ocean breeze and ocean views of Santa Monica beaches as you hike the trail.
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Distance: 1.5 miles
Less than two miles long but consisting purely of an upward slope of stairs and a beautiful overlook. This hike is your best friend and your worst enemy… it’s nature’s Stairmaster that will tone your body but don’t expect it to be a casual walk in the park.
Parker Mesa Overlook via Los Liones Trail
Distance: 2.6 miles
Located in Topanga State Park, Los Liones Trail is located in the Santa Monica Mountains and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. If you hike on a clear day, Catalina Island is visible. This hike is best if done during cool weather so now is the perfect time to check it out!
Solstice Canyon
Distance: 2.6 miles
Hikes in Malibu are my favorite. As an Orange County native, I really start to miss the beach and driving to Malibu is my slice of home. Solstice Canyon is a moderate hike that includes picnic tables near the creek at the start of the trail. Take your dog with you and hike to the 350 foot waterfall! When I hiked Solstice Canyon in July it was way too crowded so I suggest visiting during other times of the year.
Runyon Canyon
Distance: About 3 miles round-trip
There have been celebrity sightings and if you own a dog they have a leash-free policy. At approximately three miles round trip, it’s a great way to get your daily cardio in as well as getting to scope out million dollar mansions, the Hollywood Sign, the Sunset Strip and the L.A. Basin.
Griffith Park: Hollyridge Trail to Hollywood Sign
Distance: 3.5 miles
This hike takes you up close and personal to the top of Mount Lee to the 30 foot tall Hollwood sign in addition to views of Hollwood Lakes and several sets for studios such as Disney and Warner Bros. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, there’s several ways to hike to the Hollywood sign including a 6.4 mile hike starting from Brush Canyon.
Eaton Canyon Trail
Distance: Just under 4 miles
The Eaton Canyon Natural Area is a 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve located at the San Gabriel Mountains. It includes a 40-foot waterfall with a small pool at the base. In addition to hiking trails are equestrian trails, picnic areas and lush areas for witnessing live animals in their natural habitats.
Escondido Canyon
Distance: 4.2 miles round-trip
Features a 50-foot-high Escondido Falls is situated at the end of the trail— it should be noted that it’s the most active during springtime. If you’re into climbing, there’s multi-tiered levels that overhang the falls with the highest tear standing at 100 feet tall.
Griffith Park: Northside Loop
Distance: 7 miles round-trip (4.5 hours including breaks)
This is the most challenging hike on the list but includes several perks for avid hikers. This loop is significantly less crowded, a great hike year round and is fully immersed into the park including 360 views of mountains and the city.
