SoCal has some of the most beautiful hikes in the entire country! From jaw-dropping coastline trails to otherworldly desert landscapes, there is so much to explore! In this article I’m going to be focusing on all the amazing natural landscapes and trails in the following areas of Southern California:
If you are trying out any of these trails for the first time, I highly recommend you download the AllTrails app. This will help you avoid getting lost or stranded. For all SoCal hikes, don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen! Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real dangers when hiking in Southern California. I’d recommend that you bring a sports drink like Gatorade or electrolyte tablets that can be added to your water like Nuun. It is always a good idea to have some snacks on hand as well. If you start to feel dizzy on the trail, find shade. Hydrate with electrolytes and/or eat a salty snack or energy bar with your water. If the dizziness doesn’t go away or it turns into a headache, head back to your car. It doesn’t matter how physically fit you are, don’t push it when it comes to heat exhaustion. On hot days, it can be best to avoid midday hikes altogether and instead aim for sunrise or sunset hikes instead when the weather is cooler. Also, even for city trails, it is a good idea to have solid hiking shoes with ankle support.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is probably the most well known city in Southern California, but tourists may not realize how many beautiful parks and hiking trails there are to explore in and around LA. Griffith Park, home to the world famous Hollywood Sign, is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. If you are looking to explore the best hiking Southern California has to offer, this is a city you don’t want to miss!
Hollywood Sign Hike
The Hollywood Sign, which sits on top of Mount Lee in Griffith Park, can be seen from many locations in and around Hollywood, but nothing beats getting up close. The Hollywood Sign Hike via Canyon Drive not only gets you up close to the front of the sign, but you actually hike to the top of Mount Lee and get to look down on the sign for a very cool and unique view with the city in the background. Plan 3 ½ hours for this hike if you want to stop for photos and snack at the top.
Griffith Park Observatory & Mt. Hollywood
This is one of my favorite SoCal hikes. It features not only the iconic Griffith Park Observatory, but you also get to see pretty decent views of the Hollywood Sign and the city. On a clear day you can see the ocean. There are a couple different trails that will get you up to the Observatory or you can drive up if you are pressed for time. After exploring in and around the Observatory, head to the back of the parking lot to tackle the hike up to the top of Mount Hollywood. The views looking down on the Observatory are spectacular, especially at sunset.
Runyon Canyon
This is a very Hollywood hike. People tend to dress in their cutest hiking gear hoping to see and be seen. If you are hoping to see a celebrity on a hiking trail and actually be able to recognize them, Runyon Canyon is your best bet. It is centrally located and still a good workout, but expect crowds.
Malibu
Malibu, about an hour outside of Los Angeles, is home to some of the most beautiful Southern California hiking trails. In the spring, the wildflowers are an especially beautiful treat on most of these trails.
Sandstone Peak
Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains and makes for one of the best hikes in Malibu. You can either do the shorter hike straight up to the top or you can take the longer loop trail. If you have the time, I’d recommend the longer trail, but either are great and worth the drive from the city.
Charmlee Wilderness Park
Charmlee Wilderness Park a great family-friendly hiking area in Malibu with stunning ocean views. In the spring this is a great place to see wildflowers. You can follow the Ocean Overlook Trail Loop or can just wander and explore. It is hard to get lost at Charmlee.
Los Leones Canyon Trail
Los Leones, spelled Los Liones interchangeably, is another Malibu hike featuring gorgeous ocean views. This hike has some solid incline, which makes for a great workout. The views at the top are lovely for sunset, but be careful after dark. Make sure to have a headlamp with you to help you get back to your car safely.
San Gabriel Mountains
A little over an hour from Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Mountains are home to some of the most challenging hikes near the city. Do not underestimate these hikes. None of the hikes listed below are recommended for beginners.
Mount Baldy
This is a serious workout and a bucket list trail for serious hikers in SoCal. Check weather conditions before heading out. People die hiking Mount Baldy every year, generally in the winter. Summer and Fall is the best time of year for this hike. Plan for this to be an all day adventure.
Echo Mountain
Echo Mountain is a classic hike in the San Gabriel Mountains. You can hike up to see the ruins of an old hotel and railway system before returning or you can continue up to Inspiration Point.
Bridge to Nowhere
This is an exciting, unique, and difficult hike that includes river crossings and an opportunity to go bungee jumping. The Bridge to Nowhere hike is a difficult all day adventure, but worth it as long as you plan ahead and are in decent shape.
Joshua Tree
About a 3 hour drive from Los Angeles, depending on traffic, this is my favorite weekend getaway. Joshua Tree offers some of the most unique hiking opportunities in SoCal. Joshua Tree is a National Park, so you’ll need to either have a National Park annual pass or buy a $30 weekly pass to enter. Spring is an especially lovely time to explore the park as more things will be in bloom during this time. I wouldn’t recommend hiking in the summer due to the heat. The most popular entrance to the park is the West Entrance, which is located in Joshua Tree, CA. During busy weekends, you’ll have a much easier time heading to the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms, CA, which is about 15 minutes away.
Inspiration Peak
Keys View has one of the easiest to access panoramic views in the park. It is also the start of the Inspiration Peak Trail. This is a short trail that is especially great for sunrise or sunset.
Panorama Loop from Black Rock Canyon Campground
This is my favorite hike in Joshua Tree. While officially a part of the park, it is officially in Yucca Valley and closer to town. You can access it without going through any of the main Park entrances, so you’d need a park pass or to pay to visit this area. The Panorama Loop also tends to have less crowds than trails in the main part of Joshua Tree National Park. Black Rock campground is great too if you want to stay overnight.
Heart Rock
Near Arch Rock, you will find a cool rock that looks like a giant heart. Heart Rock can be tricky to locate, so use your GPS or ask people on trail where to find it. It is a short hike that makes for some fun photos
I hope you have a blast exploring all the amazing hikes SoCal has to offer, and I hope to see you out on the trail!
