Truth #1: Los Angeles is a vast patchwork of hiking areas, with nearly 1 million acres in the Los Angeles area. Angeles National Forest alone has 700,000 acres and mountains over 8,000 feet to explore.
Truth number two: even the most comprehensive hiking guide can’t possibly cover every rocky nook and cranny, and part of what makes this region so exciting is that it’s there: there’s a vast sense of adventure, and there’s still uncharted territory ahead.
We asked Times readers about their favorite hidden or popular hiking spots that weren’t featured in recent guides.
And our request reminded us of truism #3: Hikers can keep their favorite rest spots secret to avoid too much traffic. We received a few letters along the lines of, “I don’t want to tell you, because it would be too crowded! LOL!” or “I’ll keep it a secret, because I don’t want any trash or crowds.”
We can respect that.
Here are some hiking trips shared with us by our readers.
Victory Trailhead Loop
Distance and Elevation Gain: 5.1 mile loop, 408 feet
Why? “The local trails have everything anyone could want, there are caves to explore, and overall it’s a great way to get some daily exercise.”
Why it’s special: “It’s in the countryside, but it doesn’t feel that way when you’re walking the trails. It feels like you’re somewhere very remote. It’s a great way to calm your mind without having to go very far.”
Address: Upper Las Virgenes Canyons Open Space Preserve, west end of Victory Boulevard in Woodland Hills.
—Jose Arias, San Fernando Valley
A view of the Hollywood sign with the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains in the background from the top of a hiking trail at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area.
(Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times)
Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area
Distance and Elevation Gain: 2.8 mile loop, 393 feet
Why? “If you walk the whole loop, you’ll gain a lot of elevation and get some good exercise, but you’ll also get some really amazing, unobstructed panoramic views.”
What’s special: “The best part is that you can bring your dog (on a lead, but please bring water for you and your dog!).”
Address: Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, 4100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles
—Steven Matthews, Los Angeles
Janelle Matthews is catching her breath after conquering Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook and the Culver City Steps in August 2023.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Scenic Overlook at Baldwin Hills and Culver City Steps
Distance and Elevation Gain: 1.4 mile loop, 334 feet
Why? “Stairs, stairs and more stairs.”
What’s special: “Climbing four times as many floors is roughly the same as taking the stairs to the top of the Empire State Building. Even the zig-zag climb is good exercise. (There are lots of dogs, but it’s against the law!)”
Address: 6105 Hetzler Road (near Jefferson Boulevard), Culver City
—Steven Matthews, Los Angeles
The Caballero Canyon Trail begins at Reseda Boulevard in Tarzana and winds its way up the dirt Mulholland Drive.
(Myung J. Chung/Los Angeles Times)
Caballero Canyon Trail
Distance and Elevation Gain: 1.4 miles round trip, 558 feet
Why? “It’s the perfect escape from the oppressive heat that, in that particular part of town, is notorious for turning your armpits yellow. The trail’s appealing features include a dazzling variety of flora and fauna, breathtaking panoramic views, minimal crowds, and an inexplicable abundance of parking. It’s a veritable paradise smack dab in the middle of the sweltering heat.”
What’s special: “I love the challenging rock climbs and the breathless climbs. Sometimes I have to run up the trail and jump over a snake or two sunbathing or sleeping. Harmless, but intimidating. Not to mention the wild rabbits that hop to and fro as I lumber along the path. That lusty serenity that no amount of yoga or meditation can ever give me. I say it’s no small amount of nirvana.”
Address: Topanga State Park, 4047 Reseda Blvd., Tarzana
—Tommy Vinh Bui, Pacoima
Sunrise at Forrestal Nature Preserve, a coastal sage scrub habitat.
(Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times)
Forrestal Preserve Loop
Distance and Elevation Gain: 2.9 mile loop, 757 feet
Why? “I like to do a loop along Pirate Trail, Mariposa Trail, Flying Main Trail, Fossil Trail and then return to my starting point via Forrestal Drive.”
What makes it special: “Amazing ocean and coastline views. For the past two springs in April and May, the hillsides are covered in wildflowers. There’s also a little stream, which is very rare in Palos Verdes.”
Address: 32201 Forrestal Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes
—Jay Bacon, Palos Verdes Estates
Los Leones Trail
Distance and Elevation Gain: 4.0 miles round trip, 1,046 feet
Why? “I like this hike because it’s easy to access and has beautiful views. It’s also good exercise, but not too difficult to do every week.”
What’s special: “For me, there’s a sense of peace here. Even though I’m only 20 minutes from home, I feel like I’m on a mini vacation.”
Address: 585 Los Liones Drive, Pacific Palisades
—Janet Haddad, Santa Monica
Griffith Park Trail on the way to Griffith Observatory.
(Jacqueline Pinedo/Los Angeles Times)
Griffith Zoo to Observatory Loop
Distance and Elevation Gain: 7.4 mile loop, 1,702 feet
Why? “It’s challenging, but the views are enjoyable and it’s a worthwhile walk in nature all year round.”
What’s special:[Taking] It controls the height on such a tough hike.”
Address: Griffith Park, Carousel Lot 1 or 2, 4668 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles
—Jamie Vargas Sr., San Bernardino
Upper Cabin Trail Loop
Distance and Elevation Gain: 8.8 mile loop, 2,683 feet
Why? “It’s a secluded, magical place, and it’s fun to hike up to the backside of Sandstone Peak.”
Why it’s special: “Wildflowers like nothing I’ve seen around LA in the spring. And it’s absolutely magical when the clouds roll in as you hike to the peak above the flowers. On the way back there’s a dangerous little eroded canyon that you have to carefully navigate, but that makes the reward at the end all the more amazing.”
Address: 4124 1/2 Potrero Road, Thousand Oaks
—Panit Buranapramesto, Gardena