3 Best Hiking Trails in Los Angeles, CA

Expert-recommended Top 3 Hiking Trails in Los Angeles, California. All of our hiking trails actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

11+ YEARS IN TBR
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GRIFFITH PARK

4730 Crystal Springs Drive,
Los Angeles, CA 90027 Directions

Since 1896

Specialty:

Golf Animals Horseback Riding Camping Picnicking Jogging Picnic Spot Playground Soccer Wilderness and Swimming Area Miscellaneous Urban Park Bike Rentals Students and Guide Visits Tennis Dogs Allowed Walking Students and Guide Visits

"Griffith Park is an ideal spot that approximately covers 4,310 acres of land. The park has the highest peak, and visitors can explore impressive views of the city. Hikers can use the 53-mile hiking path, fire roads, and bridle paths. The park’s breathtakingly intricate and visually captivating network of trails meanders and ascends through the landscape, ultimately guiding visitors toward the observatory perched atop the commanding heights of Mount Hill. The park also offers orientation charts at the parking lot entrance near Griffith Observatory. A service road connects the observatory to various hiking trails on and around Mount Lee. Griffith Park also features multiple family attractions and cultural and educational facilities. Spacious picnic areas, restrooms, and barbecue grills are also available.

2026 Update: This park features an extensive network of hiking trails that cater to both casual walkers and more adventurous hikers. The paths wind through shaded groves, open meadows, and gently rolling hills, providing a mix of sun and shade along the way. Throughout the trails, visitors encounter panoramic scenic overlooks, meticulously maintained picnic areas, and strategically situated zones ideal for observing local wildlife, establishing the location as an exceptional destination for families, avid fitness enthusiasts, and devoted nature aficionados alike. The trails are well-marked and maintained, offering a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for visitors of all ages."

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Price:

Train Tickets Per Person $5
Easter Bunny Visit & Photo Per Photo $7

Contact:

(323) 644-2050

Mon-Sun: 5am - 10:30pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

11+ YEARS IN TBR
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RUNYON CANYON PARK

2000 North Fuller Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90046 Directions

Since 1984

Specialty:

Water Fountains Group Tours Picnic Park Recreation Center Outdoor Activities Bird Watching Hiking Children's Play Area Nature Trails Dog Walkers Walking Kid-friendly Hikes

"Runyon Canyon Park spans 161 acres in the Hollywood Hills, part of the Santa Monica Mountains. The elevation gain of the trail is 228 meters to 237 meters, which is generally considered an easy to moderately challenging trail. The high point is 1,320 ft (402 m) in the park. The park ensures two scenic ridges surround the main canyon that offer a great view of Griffith Park and the San Gabriel Mountains. The park also offers stunning views of the ocean, the city, and the mountains. The park features various facilities, like a spacious parking area and restrooms for the convenience of the visitors. The park also provides free daily yoga classes.

2026 Update: Runyon Canyon Park offers some of the city’s best hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, challenging climbs, and breathtaking panoramic views of Downtown LA, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign. The park boasts a diverse array of trail options, encompassing everything from leisurely, gently graded paths to rigorous, steep ascents, thereby accommodating hikers of all skill levels and ensuring that each visitor can select a route that is precisely suited to their abilities and preferences. It is also a dog-friendly destination, complete with an off-leash dog area, making it perfect for pet owners. Along the trails, visitors will encounter amiable fellow hikers, breathtaking and pristine natural landscapes, and strategically positioned local vendors providing an array of refreshing beverages and gourmet snacks. With a welcoming atmosphere, incredible city views, and a mix of terrain, Runyon Canyon is a must-visit for anyone looking to hike, exercise, or simply connect with nature in Los Angeles."

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Contact:

  • info@friendsofrunyoncanyon.org
(818) 243-1145

Mon-Sun: 6am - 6:30pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Elysian Park Trail - Los Angeles, CA Hiking Trails
Elysian Park Trail - Los Angeles, CA Hiking Trails
Elysian Park Trail - Los Angeles, CA Hiking Trails
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ELYSIAN PARK TRAIL

Elysian Park Drive,
Los Angeles, CA 90012 Directions

Since 1886

Specialty:

Hiking Trails Walking Running Jogging Parking Lots Dog Park and Picnic Shelters Kid-Friendly Hiking

"Elysian Park Trail has an easy hiking and cycling trail in a pretty neighborhood with mature trees and open spaces. Hikers can enjoy hand-curated trail maps with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. The trails in Elysian Park range from 144 to 380 feet in elevation gain, offering a perfect option for your next trip. This 2.4-mile loop trail is near Los Angeles, California. This route is generally considered easy and takes an average of 56 minutes to complete. This area is trendy for running and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail remains accessible throughout the entirety of the calendar year and offers a consistently enchanting and visually rewarding experience, making it an exceptionally appealing destination to explore during any season or at any point in time.

2026 Update: This park features a variety of hiking trails suitable for all levels, from gentle strolls to moderate inclines, meandering intricately through expanses of fully matured, towering trees and sweeping, open stretches of lush, verdant green landscapes. Hikers can enjoy multiple route options, including quieter, less-traveled paths, with opportunities to reach scenic overlooks like Angel’s Point for sweeping views of downtown Los Angeles. The terrain includes some uphill stretches, so proper footwear is recommended, but the trails remain manageable for most visitors. The trails are dog-friendly, allowing pets to accompany hikers, and provide a natural outdoor experience ideal for connecting with nature, getting exercise, and enjoying panoramic city vistas."

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Contact:

(213) 485-5054

Mon-Sun: 5am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report: