The best city hikes and walks around Los Angeles
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Urban hiking trails around Los Angeles offer a unique blend of city accessibility and diverse natural landscapes. The region is characterized by its proximity to mountain ranges like the Santa Monica Mountains, deep canyons, and the Pacific coastline. This allows for routes that combine urban views with natural features such as chaparral, oak forests, and unique rock formations. Many trails are integrated into expansive urban parks, providing varied terrain within the city limits.
Best urban hiking trails around Los Angeles
- The most popular urban hiking route is Venice Beach to Santa Monica Pier loop, a 7.5 miles (12.1 km) trail that takes 3 hours 3 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers extensive ocean views along the Pacific coastline.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Beachwood Canyon Stairs, an easy 3.1 miles (5.1 km) path. This route navigates urban staircases, providing views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.
- Local hikers also love the Ascot Hills Trail, a 2.0 miles (3.2 km) trail leading through urban hills, often completed in about 58 minutes.
- Hiking around Los Angeles is defined by coastal paths, urban hills, and trails through canyons and parklands. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to more challenging ascents.
- The routes in Los Angeles are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 1100 reviews. More than 17000 hikers have used komoot to explore Los Angeles's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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12.1km
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This Venice Beach to Santa Monica Pier walking route offers a quintessential Southern California experience, blending lively beach culture with expansive ocean views. You'll stroll along a mostly flat, paved path, transitioning from the eclectic energy of Venice Beach, with its street performers and the famous Venice Skatepark, to the classic amusement park charm of the Santa Monica Pier. Expect continuous sea breezes and a dynamic backdrop of beach life, making for a memorable coastal journey.
Planning your visit is straightforward, though starting early in the morning or later in the afternoon is recommended to avoid peak crowds, especially on weekends. The trail is easily accessible, but parking can be tricky in both Venice and Santa Monica, so exploring public transport options might save you some hassle. This moderate 7.5-mile (12.1 km) loop, with only 69 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 3 minutes, making it a great option for a relaxed day out.
What makes this trail truly stand out is its seamless connection between two distinct, iconic beach communities. It's not just a walk; it's an immersion into Los Angeles' vibrant coastal scene, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and urban culture. You'll pass historic landmarks like the Santa Monica Pier, which also marks the end of Route 66, and experience the lively atmosphere of the Venice Beach Boardwalk, making it a fantastic choice for a family-friendly outing.
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5.06km
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Hike the easy 3.1-mile Beachwood Canyon Stairs in Griffith Park, climbing 567 feet through historic Hollywoodland with panoramic views.
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2.80km
00:42
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An easy 1.7-mile loop through Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park, featuring shaded paths and the historic War Memorial.
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3.20km
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The Ascot Hills Trail offers a refreshing urban escape, winding through a mix of wide dirt paths and narrower sections that feel surprisingly like countryside fields despite being in Los Angeles. You'll encounter undulating terrain with gradual climbs, leading to spectacular panoramic views of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline, the San Gabriel Mountains, and even the Hollywood Sign from viewpoints like the one in Ascot Hills Park. After significant rainfall, the park transforms into a vibrant green space dotted with wildflowers, though it can be less colorful in the summer heat.
This easy 2.0-mile (3.2 km) hiking route, with 404 feet (123 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 58 minutes, making it ideal for a quick outing. The park's extensive network of trails allows you to customize your hike, choosing routes that match your fitness level. It's also a dog-friendly spot, perfect for a walk with your leashed companion, and generally less crowded than other popular LA hiking destinations.
What truly sets Ascot Hills Trail apart is its exceptional city views and urban accessibility, providing a readily available natural escape within a major city. It's a fantastic alternative to more famous spots like Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park, offering a more secluded experience, especially on weekdays. The ever-changing scenery, from lush green after rain to golden hues in summer, ensures a unique visit every time.
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2.01km
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Enjoy an easy 1.2-mile loop around Echo Park Lake, featuring skyline views, lotus blossoms, and the historic boathouse.
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Tips from the Community
Popular large, free public skating facility at the beach, with a variety of options for all skill sets. Smooth concrete as of 2025.
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Ascot Hills is a great place for a quick hike with solid views of L.A. The trailโs not too long but has some good uphill sections. If you make it to the top, the city viewsโespecially at sunsetโare totally worth it.
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Echo Lake is the heart of Echo Parkโeverything happens around it. Walking, riding, or running here is always pleasant. From this spot, you get a nice view of the lake, can watch the ducks, or even hop on a swan boat for a break.
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From this point, you get a nice view of Echo Lake with the skyline in the background. Itโs a good spot for a photo.
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At the corner of S. Venice Blvd. and Oceanfront Walk, the massive Luminaries of Pantheism mural honors sixteen great thinkers. Lao Tzu and Rumi to Einstein and Emily Dickinson. The mural was painted by Levi Ponce, designed by Peter Moriarty, and conceptualized by Perry Rod. The two-story artwork reaches across an entire block and was unveiled in 2015 by The Paradise Project.
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In 1905 developer Abbot Kinney decided that what America needed was its own Venice. After the initial construction the area saw it's popularity decline throughout the 1940's when many of the surrounding sidewalks were condemned. Eventually the city saw the error of its ways and the neglected canals were refurbished and reopened in 1993.
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As a city known for its beaches L.A. has no shortage of famous seaside locales, but Venice Beach is perhaps the most famous of them all. It has been featured in countless films, TV shows, and music videos. Partly because of the great views of the Pacific Ocean, but also because of the eclectic mix of people that visit Venice Beach every day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many urban hiking trails are available in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles offers a vast network of urban hiking opportunities. Our guide features over 160 curated routes, ranging from easy strolls through city parks to more challenging paths with significant elevation changes, all within or very close to the urban core.
What kind of terrain can I expect on urban hikes in Los Angeles?
Urban hikes in Los Angeles offer incredibly diverse terrain. You can find coastal paths with ocean views, trails through chaparral and oak forests in areas like Griffith Park, and even unique geological formations such as those at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. Many routes also incorporate city stairs and paved paths.
Are there any urban hikes in Los Angeles with notable landmarks or viewpoints?
Absolutely! Many urban trails offer iconic views and pass by famous landmarks. For instance, trails in Griffith Park provide stunning vistas of the city skyline, the Hollywood Sign, and the Griffith Observatory. You can also find routes leading to viewpoints like the Wisdom Tree on Burbank Peak or the back of the Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee.
Are there family-friendly urban hiking options in Los Angeles?
Yes, Los Angeles has many urban trails suitable for families. Routes like the Echo Park Lake Loop offer easy, flat paths perfect for a leisurely walk with children. Parks like Griffith Park also have numerous accessible trails that are great for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on urban hikes in Los Angeles?
Many urban trails and parks in Los Angeles are dog-friendly, though leash laws almost always apply. Popular spots like Runyon Canyon Park are well-known for being great places to hike with your canine companion. Always check specific park regulations before heading out.
What is the best time of year to go urban hiking in Los Angeles?
Urban hiking in Los Angeles is enjoyable year-round due to the mild climate. However, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the most pleasant temperatures. During these seasons, the weather is typically cooler, and the landscapes are often at their most vibrant, especially after winter rains.
Are there any urban hikes that feature waterfalls?
While many famous waterfalls are a bit outside the immediate urban core, Los Angeles does have accessible waterfall hikes. Eaton Canyon, for example, is a popular spot with the Eaton Canyon Waterfall. Other notable falls like Millard Falls and Sturtevant Falls are also within a reasonable distance, offering refreshing destinations.
What do other hikers enjoy most about urban hiking in Los Angeles?
The komoot community highly rates urban hiking in Los Angeles, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the incredible variety of trails, the stunning city and ocean views, and the unique blend of natural beauty with urban accessibility. The ability to quickly escape into nature from the bustling city is a frequently highlighted aspect.
Are there urban hikes with good public transport access or parking?
Many urban trails in Los Angeles are accessible via public transport, especially those within major city parks like Griffith Park. For routes requiring a car, parking is often available, though it can be limited and sometimes requires a fee, particularly at popular trailheads. Always plan ahead for parking, especially on weekends.
Can I find circular urban hiking routes in Los Angeles?
Yes, Los Angeles offers numerous circular urban hiking routes. These loops are perfect for exploring an area without retracing your steps. An example is the Venice Beach to Santa Monica Pier loop, which provides a scenic coastal experience. Many trails within Griffith Park and other city parks are also designed as loops.
Are there easy urban hikes suitable for beginners?
Los Angeles has a great selection of easy urban hikes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. Trails like the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park Loop offer minimal elevation gain and well-maintained paths, making them ideal for a gentle introduction to urban hiking.
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