| Although Los Angeles County is home to over 9 million people, making it the most populous county in the United States, LA County still features several open spaces and dedicated trails for active Southern California hikers. In fact, the mountainous regions that border downtown LA and extend north are home to several of California’s best hikes. From isolated wilderness areas to trails that run adjacent to suburban neighborhoods to challenging switchbacks with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Los Angeles has plenty of hikes to excite and challenge hikers of all backgrounds! |
The GoHikeIt team has explored several regions in Los Angeles and here are our top 5 hikes in Los Angeles:
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| Griffith Observatory Hiking Trail |
5) Griffith Observatory Hiking Trail: One of the most photographed and documented locations in Los Angeles, The Griffith Observatory features scenic trails that transcend throughout Griffith Park. Throughout the trails there are scenic overlooks of downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Century City and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean. If you plan on going early, allow enough time for parking as the Griffith is one of LA’s most popular outdoor areas.
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| Murphy Ranch LA Hiking Trail |
4) Murphy Ranch – Rustic Canyon Hiking Trail: When we think of World War II historical ruins, cities such as Budapest, Berlin, or Prague may enter the mind. However, Los Angeles is actually home to a former Nazi sympathizer camp. It’s hard to believe that just a couple of miles north of the Riviera Country Club in the Pacific Palisades, lies the ruins of Murphy Ranch, a World War II stronghold, featuring a water tank, power plant, and living areas for sympathizers of the The Third Reich. Following the day after Pearl Harbor, the US government raided the camp and closed it down. A fire eventually destroyed all of the buildings, however the concrete remains still stand today for hikers to explore.
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| Trans-Catalina Los Angeles Hiking Trail |
3) Trans-Catalina Hiking Trail: “Catalina” probably does not come to mind when one thinks of Los Angeles hiking, however Catalina and its neighboring island, San Clemente Island, are the two major islands that fall within Los Angeles County limits. Once a popular celebrity weekend getaway location, Catalina has evolved into an ecosystem of activity for adventure enthusiasts of all backgrounds. From zip lining to fishing to snorkeling to biking, Catalina has something to offer for everyone, including hikers! The Trans-Catalina Hiking Trail extends throughout the island, which allows hikers to start it either from Avalon or Two Harbors, the island’s two popular cities and ports. After you finish your hike, try a Buffalo Milk, the island’s signature drink!
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| Bridge to Nowhere Hike |
2) Bridge to Nowhere Hiking Trail: The Bridge to Nowhere, an arch bridge constructed in the 1930s with literally no connecting roads (hence the name), is a popular destination for hikers. The 10-11 mile round-trip hike is recommended for intermediate or advanced hikers as the conditions in the San Gabriel Mountains can be challenging for new hikers. The hiking trail features river crossing, boulder hopping, and if you are feeling brave, bungee jumping at the bridge!
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| Point Mugu Malibu Hiking Trail |
1) Malibu Point Mugu Hiking Trail: If you want to escape the city and be surrounded by nature, the Point Mugu Hiking trail is for you! Some of these other hikes could have come in at #1; however, we selected Malibu because the trail leaves you with sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is less crowded then the other hikes on this list. If you want to explore the best of Malibu and have fun “away from it all,” this hike is for you!
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