Los Angeles County offers some of California's most diverse hiking experiences, from scenic coastal paths and family-friendly waterfall walks to challenging mountain summits and iconic city viewpoints. The top LA hikes include trails for every skill level, making it easy to discover the best Los Angeles trails, whether you are planning a quick outdoor escape or a full day of adventure in 2026.
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1. Griffith Observatory West Loop
For anyone exploring LA County hiking trails in 2026, the Griffith Observatory West Loop is a must-visit destination. This easy-to-moderate hike offers incredible views of the Hollywood Sign, the Los Angeles skyline, and the Griffith Observatory, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Trail Highlights
- About 2.5 miles round trip
- Easy to moderate difficulty
- Panoramic city and Hollywood Sign views
- Great for sunrise or sunset hikes
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2. Escondido Falls Trail
One of the top LA hikes, Escondido Falls Trail in Malibu, rewards hikers with a scenic canyon, creek crossings, and a beautiful seasonal waterfall. The moderate route is especially enjoyable after recent rainfall, when the falls are at their most impressive.
Trail Highlights
- About 3.8 miles round trip
- Moderate difficulty
- Seasonal waterfall
- Shaded canyon scenery
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3. Mount Baldy Loop
Known as one of the best Los Angeles trails, Mount Baldy Loop is perfect for experienced hikers looking for a true challenge. The trail climbs to the highest peak in Los Angeles County, rewarding the effort with spectacular views in every direction.
Trail Highlights
- About 11 miles round trip
- Strenuous difficulty
- Highest peak in LA County
- Stunning mountain and desert views
Before heading out, bring plenty of water, start early, and check trail conditions. The Chevrolet Colorado provides the capability and cargo space needed for mountain adventures. Contact Southern California Chevy Dealers to find the right vehicle for your next trip.
4. Solstice Canyon Trail
As part of any 2026 LA outdoor guide, Solstice Canyon Trail is a great choice for hikers who enjoy a mix of nature and local history. Located in Malibu, this easy-to-moderate trail winds past a peaceful creek, lush greenery, and the historic ruins of the Roberts Ranch house before opening to beautiful ocean views.
Trail Highlights
- About 3.2 miles round trip
- Easy to moderate difficulty
- Historic ruins and creek
- Scenic Pacific Ocean views
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5. Bridge to Nowhere
The Bridge to Nowhere is one of Southern California's most unique hiking adventures. This challenging trek follows the San Gabriel River through multiple creek crossings before reaching a historic bridge that has stood isolated in the mountains since the late 1930s.
Trail Highlights
- About 10.2 miles round trip
- Moderate to hard difficulty
- Multiple river crossings
- Historic bridge in a remote canyon
Bring plenty of water, sturdy hiking shoes, and allow extra time for this longer route. A Chevrolet Silverado offers the space and capability to carry backpacks, coolers, and other outdoor essentials. Contact Southern California Chevy Dealers to find the right truck for your next adventure.
6. Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook
Los Liones Trail is a favorite for hikers who want incredible coastal scenery without traveling far from the city. Beginning in Pacific Palisades, the trail climbs through Topanga State Park before reaching Parker Mesa Overlook, where you'll enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Trail Highlights
- About 7 miles round trip
- Moderate difficulty
- Ocean and canyon views
- Great for sunrise or clear afternoons
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7. Runyon Canyon Loop
Runyon Canyon Loop is one of the most popular city-close hikes in Los Angeles. Located in the Hollywood Hills, this easy-to-moderate trail is known for its city views, fitness-friendly routes, and dog-friendly atmosphere.
Trail Highlights
- About 3 miles round trip
- Easy to moderate difficulty
- Hollywood skyline views
- Popular with walkers and runners
Its central location makes it perfect for a quick outdoor escape before or after exploring nearby attractions.
8. Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak
For hikers looking to explore the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Mishe Mokwa Trail delivers unforgettable scenery. The route passes unique rock formations before reaching Sandstone Peak, where panoramic views stretch across Southern California.
Trail Highlights
- About 6.2 miles round trip
- Moderate difficulty
- Balancing Rock and Echo Cliffs
- The highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains
This trail is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a rewarding day hike with spectacular photo opportunities.
9. Eaton Canyon Falls
Located near Pasadena, Eaton Canyon Falls is a family favorite thanks to its gentle terrain and beautiful waterfall. The trail follows a scenic canyon with several shallow creek crossings before ending at a refreshing 40-foot waterfall.
Trail Highlights
- About 3.5 miles round trip
- Easy to moderate difficulty
- Family-friendly hike
- Seasonal waterfall
Wear shoes that can handle wet crossings and arrive early to avoid larger crowds, especially on weekends.
10. Vasquez Rocks Loop
Vasquez Rocks Loop offers one of the most unique landscapes in Los Angeles County. Famous for its dramatic sandstone formations and appearances in countless movies and television shows, this easy trail is perfect for sightseeing and photography.
Trail Highlights
- About 3 miles round trip
- Easy difficulty
- Iconic rock formations
- Popular filming location
Whether you're exploring with friends or family, this memorable hike is well worth adding to your outdoor bucket list. After planning your next adventure, stop by Southern California Chevy Dealers to find a Chevrolet that's ready for wherever the road leads.
Which ten trails top the list in LA County for 2026?
The top 10 hiking trails in Los Angeles County for 2026 are Griffith Observatory West Loop, Escondido Falls Trail, Mount Baldy Loop, Solstice Canyon Trail, Bridge to Nowhere, Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook, Runyon Canyon Loop, Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak, Eaton Canyon Falls, and Vasquez Rocks Loop.
What are their difficulty ratings and lengths?
- Griffith Observatory West Loop: Easy to moderate, about 2.5 miles round trip.
- Escondido Falls Trail: Moderate, about 3.8 miles round trip.
- Mount Baldy Loop: Strenuous, about 11 miles round trip.
- Solstice Canyon Trail: Easy to moderate, about 3.2 miles round trip.
- Bridge to Nowhere: Moderate to hard, about 10.2 miles round trip.
- Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook: Moderate, about 7 miles round trip.
- Runyon Canyon Loop: Easy to moderate, about 3 miles round trip.
- Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak: Moderate, about 6.2 miles round trip.
- Eaton Canyon Falls: Easy to moderate, about 3.5 miles round trip.
- Vasquez Rocks Loop: Easy, about 3 miles round trip.
Which hikes offer cityscape or ocean views?
Griffith Observatory West Loop features panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign. Runyon Canyon Loop also overlooks the city. Solstice Canyon Trail and Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook provide scenic Pacific Ocean views, while Sandstone Peak offers sweeping vistas across the Santa Monica Mountains and the surrounding coastline.
What permits or passes are required?
Hikes located in Angeles National Forest, including Mount Baldy Loop and Bridge to Nowhere, require a National Parks Pass or an Adventure Pass for vehicle parking. The remaining trails generally do not require a hiking permit, although standard parking fees may apply at some locations.
Which trails are dog-friendly?
Runyon Canyon Loop is one of the most popular dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles County and includes a large off-leash area. Dogs are also allowed on several other trails, including Griffith Observatory West Loop, Los Liones Trail, Solstice Canyon Trail, and Vasquez Rocks Loop, but they should remain on a leash where required. Always check current park regulations before visiting, as pet policies may change.
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