L.A. California offers a plethora of outdoor activities for locals and foreign tourists alike. Hiking is one of the popular activities and there are some easy hikes in Los Angeles. there are several options available whether you’re a newbie hiker or an expert hiker seeking a short and simple hike.
These hikes are so better for people looking to disconnect from city life and reconnect with nature. deciding which one to go might be difficult with so many routes to explore. Some trails have well-maintained paths, while others have challenging terrain that is excellent for those seeking a more adventurous experience.
Several of these trails include historic sites, natural springs, and waterfalls. You may find some animals such as rabbits, deer, and coyotes on the way. Most of these trails are for everyone, who wishes to hike alone or with a group of friends
We’ll look at some of the top easy hikes in Los Angeles in this article. Each trail’s important aspects, such as difficulty level, distance, and scenic overlooks, will be highlighted. So, take your hiking boots, sunscreen, and water bottle, and let’s go exploring!
14 Popular Easy Hikes In Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory Trail
The Griffith Observatory Trail is a popular hike located in Griffith Park that is an easy hike in LA and one of the best sunrise hikes in Los Angeles, perfect for beginners and families with children. The trail is approximately 2.5 miles long and will take 1-2 hours to complete.
The walk begins at the Griffith Observatory parking and goes up the hillside. The trail is providing breathtaking views of the Los Angeles cityscape and the Hollywood sign. The path is well-kept making it suitable even for strollers and wheelchairs.
You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the city and neighboring mountains once you reach the top of the trail. The Griffith Observatory itself is also a popular attraction, with exhibits and telescopes available for visitors to explore.
Caballero Canyon
Caballero Canyon is another famous easy-hiking Los Angeles area, recognized for its easy difficulty level and gorgeous vistas. Hikers may enjoy the natural splendor of the Santa Monica Mountains on this journey. The trail is 3.6 miles long and 1.5 to 2 hours take to reach the top.
The track is classified as moderately challenging, with some steep sections and rocky terrain, although it is usually regarded as a suitable option for beginner and intermediate hikers.
Hikers can watch birds, reptiles, and possibly even snakes on the trail. The hike also provides stunning views of the neighboring mountains and Los Angeles.
It’s worth noting that the trail may get rather hot during the summer months, so carry plenty of drink and sunscreen. Also, It’s better to wear comfortable hiking shoes with sufficient traction, as the terrain can be treacherous in some places.
Runyon Canyon Trail
Runyon Canyon Trail is a popular hiking trail located in the Hollywood Hills and It is considered an easy hike in L.A. This 3-mile-long hike offers scenic views of downtown Los Angeles. By the way, The trail is also dog-friendly and allows dogs on leashes.
Even though the trail is reasonably straightforward, the high inclines and rocky terrain can make it difficult. It is better Hikers should wear good hiking shoes and have enough water.
Fryman Canyon Park
Fryman Canyon Park is another popular hiking trail located in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles, California. The park offers several hiking trails, including the Betty B. Dearing Trail, which is considered one of the easy hikes in Los Angeles.
The Betty B. Dearing Trail is approximately 3 miles round-trip and offers scenic views of the San Fernando Valley. The trail path is so flat with a few modest inclined, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. It is well-known for its playground and dog park.
Fryman Park also has picnic sites, making it a popular destination for families and dog owners. It is important to know that dogs must be kept on a leash when on the trails.
Hikers should wear appropriate hiking shoes and pack plenty of water, as with any outdoor activity. Overall, Fryman Park is a great option for those looking for easy hikes in Los Angeles with beautiful views and additional amenities.
Eaton Canyon Trail
Eaton Canyon Trail is considered one of the easier hikes in Los Angeles. and is a great option for beginners or families with kids. This popular hiking trail is located in the San Gabriel Mountains in Pasadena near Los Angeles.
This 3.5-mile-long trek ends with a stunning waterfall. The trail is largely flat, anyway, there are also a few rough places.
Eaton Canyon trail can get crowded on weekends, so it is recommended that hikers arrive early to avoid crowds and find a parking spot.
the trail can be closed during the rainy season because the waterfall can be dangerous.
Solstice Canyon
Solstice Canyon is a beautiful hike in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu. The hike is rated as moderate since it has some steep sections. but there are some flat and easy sections that make the trail suitable for hikers of any level.
The distance of the trail is about 2.6 miles and It is round-trip with features a stunning waterfall, historical ruins, and scenic views of the ocean and mountains. The trail also offers picnic areas and restrooms for visitors.
One of the highlights of the trail is the Keller House, a historic stone house built in 1865 that was later renovated into a hunting lodge and then a summer home for several Hollywood actors. The ruins of the Roberts Ranch House, a mansion destroyed by a wildfire in 1982, can also be seen along the trail.
It is better to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring enough water on warm days. Overall, Solstice Canyon is a beautiful and relatively easy hike with a variety of attractions and historical sites to explore.
Stough Canyon Nature Center Trail
Stough Canyon Nature Center Trail is also a popular hiking trail located in Burbank and This easy hike in Los Angeles is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The hike is 2.5 miles round-trip and can be seen in the San Fernando Valley, Verdugo Mountains, and Burbank as a scenic view.
Stough Canyon Nature Center Trail is known for its natural beauty, including a waterfall and several scenic overlooks. The nature center also offers educational exhibits and programs, making it a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
Like any outdoor activity, it is good to wear comfortable hiking shoes and keep enough water with you.
Overall, Stough Canyon Nature Center Trail is a great option for those looking for an easy hike with beautiful views and additional educational opportunities.
Los Liones Trail
Los Liones Trail is a famous easy hike in Los Angeles’ Santa Monica Mountains, making it a popular location for hikers of all skill levels.
The trail is about 3.4 miles and It provides views of the Pacific Sea and near canyons. The trail has a steady rise with some steeper sections, but it is mostly sheltered and well-maintained. There are some benches along the walk where hikers can relax and take in the scenery.
Franklin Canyon Reservoir Loop
The Franklin Canyon Reservoir Loop is located in Beverly Hills. It is recommended as an easy hike in Los Angeles which is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
This 2.5-mile round-trip hike provides beautiful views of the Franklin Canyon Reservoir and neighboring mountains.
The trail is generally level with occasional modest inclines, making it a fun and simple trip for families and solo hikers.
In addition to hiking, the Franklin Canyon Reservoir Loop also offers opportunities for birdwatching and fishing. The reservoir is home to some birds including ducks, herons, and hawks. Fishing is permitted with a valid fishing permit. Here, You apply for a California fishing license.
Malibu Creek State Park Grasslands
The Malibu Creek State Park Grasslands Trail is located near Calabasas and is considered an easy hike in Los Angeles appropriate for hikers of all ability levels. The Santa Monica Mountains and the park’s grasslands can be seen during this 2.5-mile hike.
The trail is largely level with a few modest inclines, making it suitable for families and beginners. The park offers many more outdoor activities such as fishing, rock climbing, and horseback riding Apart from hiking. There is also a tourist center, picnic spots, and campsites for overnight stays in the park.
O’Melveny Park
O’Melveny Park is one of the largest parks In California, with various hiking trails good for hikers of all levels, including some easy hikes in Los Angeles. The O’Melveny loop Trail is the popular hiking path in the Park. This is around 3.5 miles long. The trail offers lovely views of the San Fernando Valley and is largely flat with a few modest inclines.
For those wishing for a more challenging hike, O’Melveny Park also has numerous other trails available, including the Stoney Point Trail, which is a favorite destination for rock climbers.
O’Melveny Park has various attractions, including picnic spots, a playground, and a nature center, in addition to hiking. Hikers should wear suitable hiking shoes and pack lots of water, especially on hot days.
Portuguese Bend Reserve
The Portuguese Bend Reserve is a popular hiking destination located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles. The reserve offers several hiking trails, including some that are considered easy hikes in Los Angeles and suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Vista Trail is One of the easy hikes in the reserve, and It is 1.5 miles long. panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island are gifts you have when hiking the trail. The trail is mostly flat that making it suitable for families with children. The reserve also has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult
In addition to hiking, the Portuguese Bend Reserve also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and nature photography.
TreePeople Trail
The TreePeople is one of the easy hiking trails in Los Angeles Coldwater Canyon Park. Because the trail is deemed easy, it is a favorite location for families and first-time hikers.
This 1.5-mile track is largely flat with occasional modest inclines and includes several benches and picnic tables along the way.
Coldwater Canyon Park also has a nature center and a playground, making it an ideal family getaway.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is a large park located in the Baldwin Hills. The Bowl Loop Trail is about 2.5 miles long and provides stunning views of downtown Los Angeles. Most trails are generally flat with some minor inclines. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area also features fishing lakes, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.