When most people think of Los Angeles, they picture Hollywood, beaches, the big city, and sunshine. But did you know that the area also has many natural areas to explore? In fact, Los Angeles has many beautiful hikes for nature lovers to enjoy. Check out this list of the best hikes in Los Angeles and grab a friend to spend the day with in the outdoors!

Best Hikes in Los Angeles

Malibu Creek State Park

Hollywood knows Malibu Creek State Park well: it’s the location of several TV shows, including M*A*S*H and South Pacific. (On this hike, you can still see some of the props they left behind, like old Jeeps!)

You can begin the hike in three places: Crags Road, the trailhead for South Grassland Trail, and the trailhead for Cistern Trail. (You have to pay $12 to park near Crags Road). This hike is about 5 miles in total and is easy: even children can easily climb the 200 feet of elevation on the trail. Check out this article on Hikespeak for details about the hike.

Echo Mountain

Echo Mountain provides the most odd and interesting hike on this list. In just five miles, you begin at beautiful Lake Avenue, explore old railway tracks, yell through an old metal echo phone, and then end at a resort that used to be in the area (where most people have a picnic.) Enjoy the beautiful views of the city and then head back on this well-maintained and easy-to-follow trail that is easy to follow.

Note: On the weekends, you can easily get here with the Pasadena Transit bus line from Memorial Park Gold Line Station. It takes you to the trailhead on Lake Avenue.

Eaton Canyon

One word: waterfall! Eaton Canyon has upper and lower waterfalls. (Note: sometimes the upper falls are closed, but the lower falls are usually open to the public.) The hike is just three miles long and begins at a nature center that has restrooms, water, and information for the public.

Mount Wilson

For the more serious hiker, there is Mount Wilson: a 7 mile hike that climbs 4,2000 feet in elevation! The hike ends at the Mount Wilson Observatory, which offers tours on the weekends. During this tour, the public can see the 100-inch telescope and enjoy snacks at its snack bar.

Park at Chantry Flats for this intense hike, and remember to buy an Adventure Pass to park for this hike. Visit Socal Hiker for details about this hike.

Cucamonga Peak

Yes, this hike is 12 miles long (wow!) but it is worth it: the streams and views are beautiful! This hike, called Inland Empire, begins at Icehouse Canyon. This part of the hike is easy, but then the trail to Cucamonga Peak is much more difficult. From the peak, hikers have beautiful views. For the last part of the hike, hikers can see the Baldy Bowl, which is a ring of mountains. There is a restaurant called Mt. Baldy Lodge: try the burger! It’s delicious!

You also need an Adventure Pass to park here. Additionally, you need a wilderness permit. The Mt. Baldy Visitor Center has information about both.