Living in Los Angeles means you don’t have to choose between city energy and outdoor adventure; they exist side-by-side. The local hiking culture is a core part of the Angeleno experience, offering a way to reset, work out, and soak in incredible views. For those living in Northeast LA, this is your ultimate guide to seven diverse hikes that are close to home. Think of Given Highland Park as your personal basecamp, the perfect starting point for exploring the trails and a welcoming home to return to after a day of adventure.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles offers a vast range of hiking trails for every skill level, from easy waterfall walks to challenging mountain climbs with high elevation gain.
- Key hikes like Runyon Canyon offer iconic city views, while coastal trails in Malibu provide breathtaking ocean vistas.
- Living at Given Highland Park places you at the center of LA’s best hiking, with amenities designed for an active lifestyle.
- Proper planning is crucial; always check parking, trail conditions, and bring enough water for your hike.
Iconic LA Hikes with Unforgettable City Views
1. Griffith Park: The Crown Jewel of LA Hiking
The vibe at Griffith Park is classic LA. It’s a huge urban wilderness where you’ll see tourists, families, and seasoned hikers all sharing the same trails. The main draw is the incredible views, which stretch across the entire LA basin and include a picture-perfect angle of the Hollywood Sign.
The hike to choose is the Observatory Trail, starting from the Fern Dell Nature Trail. It’s a moderate climb that pays off big. The real parking situation here can be a headache. The main observatory lot is often full and pricey. For some great Griffith Park information, know that you can park for free near the Greek Theatre and either hike up or catch the shuttle. For a unique twist, check out the Brush Canyon trail to find the Bronson Caves, famously known as the original Batcave.
2. Runyon Canyon: The Social Summit
If you’re looking for a “see and be seen” spot, Runyon Canyon is it. This trail is a hotspot for fitness enthusiasts, dog owners, and the occasional celebrity. It offers a serious workout with rewarding panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills and downtown LA.
The full 2.7-mile loop is a real quad-burner, but there are easier paved paths if you’re looking for a more casual stroll. The parking here is extremely limited street parking, so plan to arrive early or use a rideshare service. One of the best parts about Runyon is that it’s one of the most dog-friendly hikes in the city, with large off-leash areas where your pup can run free.
Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in the canyon, so be sure to download a map before you head out.
Coastal Trails & Breathtaking Ocean Vistas
3. Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook
This trail starts in a lush, green canyon and opens up to one of the most stunning coastal views in all of Los Angeles County. The panoramic vista stretches from Santa Monica to Malibu, and on a clear day, it’s absolutely unforgettable.
The full 7-mile round trip to Parker Mesa Overlook is a challenge, but you can get a taste of the view from a lookout point just 1.3 miles in. There’s free street parking on Los Liones Drive, but it fills up fast on weekends. A key insider tip: the trail has very little shade after the first mile, so start your hike in the morning to beat the heat.
4. Solstice Canyon Loop
Solstice Canyon in Malibu is an easy, family-friendly hike that has a little bit of everything. You’ll find the ruins of a burned-down tropical home, a seasonal waterfall, and plenty of shade. It’s a great choice for a relaxed weekend outing and is also dog-friendly.
The main 3-mile loop is mostly flat, making it accessible for nearly all skill levels. The small main parking lot fills up almost instantly, so you’ll likely need to park along Corral Canyon Road and walk in. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, the Rising Sun trail offers a steeper climb with even better ocean views.
Challenging Climbs & Waterfall Quests
5. Eaton Canyon Falls
This is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the area, and for good reason. The trail is relatively easy and leads to a beautiful 40-foot waterfall. Because it’s so accessible, you should expect crowds, especially on weekends.
The 3.5-mile round trip involves some fun stream crossings and light rock scrambling. Because the trail is so popular, the free parking lot fills up almost instantly on weekends. To score a spot without having to hunt for street parking on Altadena Drive, plan to get there early!
You can find more details on trails like this on AllTrails.
6. Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail
For a hike that blends a tough workout with a dose of LA history, Echo Mountain is a must. This challenging climb has a significant elevation gain and rewards you with the ruins of the “White City,” a former mountain resort, and expansive views of the San Gabriel Valley.
The 5.4-mile trail is a steady, sun-exposed climb from start to finish. Street parking is limited at the trailhead, so be prepared to look for a spot. Once you reach the ruins, look for the “Echo Phone”—a metal horn you can shout into to hear your voice echo across the canyon. For more in-depth trail information, check out guides on Modern Hiker.
7. Switzer Falls Trail
Located in the Angeles National Forest, this beautiful, shaded hike follows a creek to a charming two-tiered waterfall. It’s a perfect escape from the city heat and offers a true sense of being in the mountains.
The 4.5-mile out-and-back trail is moderately difficult, mainly due to the multiple creek crossings. Parking requires a National Forest Adventure Pass, which you’ll need to display in your vehicle. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in the canyon, so be sure to download a map before you head out.
Find Your Perfect LA Hike: A Quick Comparison
| Hike Feature | Runyon Canyon | Los Liones Trail | Eaton Canyon Falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary View | City / Hollywood Hills | Ocean / Coastline | Waterfall / Canyon |
| Difficulty | Easy to Hard | Moderate | Easy |
| Dog-Friendly? | Yes (Off-leash areas) | No | Yes (Leashed) |
| Parking Vibe | Tough Street Parking | Easy (but fills fast) | Free lot (Fills up fast) |
Your Highland Park Hiking Basecamp: Life at Given
After a day on the trails, coming home to Given is the perfect way to recharge. Our community is designed to support an active, adventurous lifestyle, giving you the space and amenities you need to prep for your next outing and recover from the last one.
Our apartments feature in-unit mud rooms in select units, giving you the perfect spot to drop dusty boots and gear. You can warm up or cool down in our state-of-the-art fitness center or keep your equipment safe in our secure bike parking and storage lockers. Feel free to explore our community amenities online.
As a pet-friendly community, we make it easy to bring your four-legged friends along on LA’s best dog-friendly trails. After a long hike, there’s no better place to unwind than our relaxing roof deck, where you can socialize with neighbors and enjoy stunning skyline views. Ready to make this your reality? Find the perfect floor plan for your lifestyle.
Los Angeles Hiking FAQs
Eaton Canyon, Solstice Canyon, and Switzer Falls are three popular hikes with waterfalls. For the best experience, visit them in the spring or after a significant rainstorm.
The Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook offers arguably the best panoramic coastal view. Solstice Canyon and various trails in Topanga State Park also provide great ocean vistas.
Start with shorter, less steep trails to build endurance. On the day of the hike, bring plenty of water, salty snacks, wear layered clothing, and use trekking poles to save your knees on the descent.
While it’s known as a popular spot for celebrities, there’s no guarantee. It is, however, one of the best hikes in LA for people-watching and enjoying amazing views of the city.
Start Your Adventure from Highland Park
Los Angeles offers an incredible variety of hiking trails, from coastal paths to mountain peaks. Living at Given Highland Park means you get more than a luxury apartment; you get a lifestyle with direct access to the best of LA’s natural beauty. Imagine starting and ending your adventures from a home designed for you. Contact us today to schedule a tour and find your perfect home base.
