Fact #1: Los Angeles is a mosaic of vast hiking terrain, with about 1 million acres in the Los Angeles area. The Angeles National Forest alone offers 700,000 acres and peaks over 8,000 feet to explore.
Second truth: Even the most comprehensive hiking guide can't cover all the rugged nooks and narrow trails. This is partly what makes the area so inspiring: there's a sense of expansive adventure, with unexplored territory still ahead.
We asked Times readers for their favorite hidden and must-see hiking spots that weren't included in our recent guide.
And in our application, we were reminded of topic number 3: hikers can be reserved about their favorite getaway spots, so they aren’t overrun with foot traffic. Of the letters we received, some said things like, “I don’t want to tell you, because then it will get crowded. Haha!” and “I’ll keep it to myself. I don’t want trash or crowds.”
We can respect that.
Below are some hiking routes that readers have tried were willing to share.
Victory Trail Start Circuit
Distance and elevation gain: 5.1 mile, 408 foot loop
Because? “It has everything anyone would expect from a local trail. Caves to explore and overall a great way to get your daily exercise.”
What makes it even more special: “It’s in a very suburban area, but when you’re on the road, it doesn’t feel that way. It feels very remote and far away, which is good for clearing your mind without traveling too far.”
ADDRESS: Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, west end of Victory Boulevard in Woodland Hills
—Jose Arias, San Fernando Valley
A view of the Hollywood sign, set against a backdrop of the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains, from atop a hiking peak in Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area
Distance and elevation gain: 2.8 mile, 393 foot loop
Because? “There is a good elevation gain and a good workout if you use the entire loop, but it’s really all about enjoying the incredible, unobstructed panoramic views.”
What makes it even more special: “The best thing is that you can bring your dog (on a leash, but bring water for you and the dog).”
ADDRESS: Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, 4100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles
—Steven Matthews, Los Angeles
Janelle Matthews catches her breath after conquering the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook and the Culver City Steps in August 2023.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook and Culver City Stairs
Distance and elevation gain: 1.4 mile, 334 foot loop
Because? “Stairs, stairs and stairs.”
What makes it even more special: “Going up four times is roughly equivalent to climbing the stairs to the top of the Empire State Building. And even the switchback path allows for a bit of exercise. (You see lots of dogs, but they are not legally allowed!)”
ADDRESS: 6105 Hetzler Road (at Jefferson Boulevard), Culver City
—Steven Matthews, Los Angeles
The Caballero Canyon Trail begins at Reseda Boulevard in Tarzana, winding and climbing until it reaches unpaved Mulholland Drive.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Caballero Canyon Trail
Distance and elevation gain: 1.4 miles round trip, 558 feet
Because? “Ideal for escaping the stifling heat that turns your armpits yellow in that part of the city. Some of the attractive features of this trail are the diversity of flora and fauna that invites contemplation, the panoramic views that take your breath away, and the lack of crowds and inexplicable abundance of parking. It is a true paradise in the middle of stifling nowhere.”
What makes it even more special: “I enjoy scrambling and huffing and puffing up challenging cliffs. Sometimes I run along trails and have to jump over a sleeping, sunbathing snake or two. They’re harmless, but they scare me. Not to mention the hordes of wild rabbits running in all directions as I stumble along the trail. It’s that kind of ravenous tranquility that no amount of yoga or meditation can achieve. Nirvana is no small feat, I say.”
ADDRESS: Topanga State Park, 4047 Reseda Blvd. in Tarzana
—Tommy Vinh Bui, Pacoima
Sunrise at Forrestal Nature Reserve, a coastal sage scrub habitat.
(Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times)
Forest Reserve Circuit
Distance and elevation gain: 2.9 mile, 757 foot loop
Because? “I like to do a loop of the Pirate Trail, the Mariposa Trail, the Flying Mane Trail, the Fossil Trail and back along Forrestal Drive to the starting point.”
What makes it even more special: “Stunning views of the ocean and coastline. Hillsides covered in wildflowers the past two springs, in April and May. There’s even a small stream, a very rare sight in Palos Verdes.”
ADDRESS: 32201 Forrestal Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes
—Jay Bacon, Palos Verdes Farms
The Lions Trail
Distance and elevation gain: 4.0 miles round trip, 1,046 feet
Because? “I love this hike because it’s easy to get to and has beautiful views. Plus, it’s a good workout, but not too challenging to do every week.”
What makes it even more special: “For me, there is a sense of peace here: you feel like you are on a mini vacation, even though you are 20 minutes from home.”
ADDRESS: 585 Los Liones Drive, Pacific Palisades
—Janette Haddad, Santa Monica
The Griffith Park Trail, en route to Griffith Observatory.
(Jacqueline Pinedo / Los Angeles Times)
Griffith Zoo to Observatory Tour
Distance and elevation gain: 7.4 mile loop, 1702 feet
Because? “It is a challenge, but it is worth it for the scenery and the pleasant nature walk all year round.”
What makes it even more special: “[Taking] control of such difficult hiking heights.”
ADDRESS: Griffith Park, Carousel, Lot 1 or 2, 4668 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles
—Jaime Vargas Sr., San Bernardino
Upper Cabin Trail Loop
Distance and elevation gain: 8.8 mile loop, 2683 feet
Because? “It’s a secluded, dreamy spot, and it’s fun to climb up to the back of Sandstone Peak.”
What makes it even more special: “I’ve never seen wildflowers in the Los Angeles area in the spring. And when the clouds roll in as you hike to the top, it’s magical. The way back down has treacherous eroded miniature canyons that you have to carefully navigate, so the reward at the end makes it that much better.”
ADDRESS: 4124 1/2 Potrero Road, Thousand Oaks
—Panit Buranapramest, Gardena
