Guides
Plus the L.A. zoo, hiking and rides on historic trains, a carousel and ponies
As the largest municipal park with urban wilderness areas in the country, Griffith Park is easily a destination in itself. Much more than a city park, this urban parkland has numerous trails and historic attractions sprawled over 4,210 acres. Elevations range from 384 to 1,625 feet above sea level, and landscape changes from coastal sage brush to oak...
A great easy to moderate hike if you are visiting or new in town with great views of the Hollywood sign. The total hike is a little over 4 miles and will take about 1-2 hours depending on your hiking speed, resting or taking in the beautiful views. At the top is a great 360 degree view behind the famous sign.
Will Rogers SHP
The Inspiration Loop Trail provides a great opportunity to leave the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and quickly escape into the Santa Monica Mountains. Thanks to the generous gift of Betty Rogers we can learn about the importance of Will Rogers and share his love of nature and mankind. In addition to touring the historic Ranch House and learning...
A moderately difficult hike in Topanga Canyon State Park. Lush greens and beautiful views make this trail a hit!
A 7+ mile hike from the Pacific Palisades to a popular overlook in Topanga State Park. The first part of this hike – the Los Liones Trail – is one of the most lush riparian canyons I’ve ever seen in the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s gently graded, moderately shady, and definitely worth a look even if you have to fight crowds. Afterward, the...
A 7 mile hike with views of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and nearby mountains.
Eagle Rock is about 7.3 miles from Los Liones Rd off the PCH. The views during the hike include downtown LA, Sta Monica bay/beach, the mountains and Topanga Cyn Rd. The trail is mostly sunny, some parts are steeper than others, and some are shaded and cooler. One of the best views are sunsets.
Fire Road Trails at Topanga State Park
Topanga is both extremely accessible and rugged. It is a natural park lying within Los Angeles and is within easy day-use reach of over 12 million regional residents. This hike: Many of the park's trails can be accessed from Trippet Ranch. Two miles from Trippet is Eagle Junction with access to the Eagle Spring loop trail. Eagle Rock is one of...
2.604 mile dirt road near Verdugo City / Montrose, California
Whiting Woods Motorway is 5.208 miles long round trip. It is fairly steep consequently there are fewer mountain bikes common at other hikes in the Verdugos. Starting at the end of Whiting Woods Road, passing through the locked gate you quickly start climbing, 2.604 miles to go. The road starts out steep, get used to it, this is going to be...
The trailhead and first ¼ mile are in a quiet residential area and crosses private property PLEASE stay on the road and don't disturb the residents or the road will be closed to public use. This trip follows Burbank Power & Light Road from Oliver Canyon Debris Basin Rd to a saddle on the ridge 1.8 miles 770 ft gain. While this seems not too steep...
Hike to the highest point in the City of Los Angeles from Haines Cyn Ave in Tujunga
This trip starts at the end of Haines Cyn Ave in Tujunga, parking can be a challenge but as a fall back position you can park at the city property near the intersection with Apperson St. Proceed through the locked gate POI 1 and past the Debris Basin, which is the site of the now long gone City of Tujunga water department to POI 2 another locked...
Trips
There are six sets of granite steps in Beachwood Canyon, below the Hollywood Sign. These historic landmarks were built in the 1920's when Hollywoodland was created, and they link high streets and low streets in the hills. This trail links them all together for a good cardio workout that takes about an hour. Go in the morning or evening to avoid the heat!
Temescal Canyon Loop (Harder path)
Pacific Palisades, California, United States
Hiking | 4.2 miles (7.5 miles away)
Hiking | 4.2 miles (7.5 miles away)
Trails iPhone 3G app used with default Hiking settings. This time around I chose the harder path, turned around at skull rock, and came back down the easy way.
A close and convenient mini-hike in the heart of Los Angeles.
Full write up at Modern Hiker.
Eagle Rock and Temescal Peak
Topanga Oaks, California, United States
Hiking | 7.3 miles (10.8 miles away)
Hiking | 7.3 miles (10.8 miles away)
Full write up at Modern Hiker.
Hike from Lake Hollywood to Cahuenga Peak
Universal City, California, United States
Hiking | 2.9 miles (5.4 miles away)
Hiking | 2.9 miles (5.4 miles away)
This is a trail that goes the long way around to Cahuenga Peak. I took some pictures along the way to show the nice views.Cahuenga Peak needs to be saved from developers. The City has until April 30, 2010 to raise $12.5 million to buy the peak and make it part of Griffith Park. Here is a link to a site with more information about saving the peak. http://www.savehollywoodland.org
I went to this famous trail with two other friends. I was told that there might be celebrity sightings. Well, we did see quite a few good looking men and women, but no famous faces. The trail starts very gentle grade. Then, we could see the Hollywood sigh and the downtown high-rises. The view is magnificent, far stretching to the sea. The last quarter mile, we came down to the mountain. The...
Franklin Canyon Park
Trousdale Estates, California, United States
Hiking | 2.5 miles (3.4 miles away)
Hiking | 2.5 miles (3.4 miles away)
First, head to the Sooky Goldman Nature center to get a map of the park. Then go through a very shady lake and a small pond, then go on the ranch trail.Free parking.
This is a great trail off the normal path. You should probably be somewhat athletic, and wear pants if you don\'t like plants and things touching your legs. Point of interest: On the path I met a mountain biker that said he just saw a mountain lion! Maybe I'm not the brightest crayon in the box, but I went looking for it. Unfortunately I didn't get to see the big cat.
I had been looking at this tree everyday for months while I worked at the Warner Bros lot in Burbank. If you have ever driven down Olive Ave/Barham in Burbank you are sure to see a lone tree at the top of the Barham Pass. The tree is all by itself and begs at you to come find it, and so I did. Taking the Hollywood Ridge Trail which is used a lot...
