9 Scenic Trails in LA That Made Me Fall Back in Love with Hiking
There’s something about Los Angeles that keeps surprising me. Just when you think you know the city—its traffic, its skyline, its palm-lined streets—you discover a trail that opens it all up again. As someone who works remotely and lives out of a waterproof backpack for hiking, I’m always hunting for trails that balance effort with reward. LA, it turns out, is a goldmine for that.
Here are nine hikes I explored recently—with scenic highs, peaceful detours, and a few unexpected moments that reminded me why I love hiking in the first place.
1.Griffith Park Trails | Classic views for beginners
This 2.5-mile route is ideal for a gentle after-work hike. It gives you a double hit of LA magic—Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood sign. Go at sunset, and the skyline lights up like a movie set. I packed light with my 20L waterproof backpack, just enough room for water, a snack, and my camera.
📍 Fern Dell picnic area
2.Cave of Munits | A touch of adventure
Not your usual hike. You start easy, but to reach the cave, expect to use your hands—literally. It’s only 2.7 miles, but some parts require scrambling. If you’re up for something that feels a bit more primal, this is it. I wore trail shoes and carried my lightweight hiking bag—just the essentials.
📍 6800 Sunset Ridge Ct
3.Palos Verdes Loop Trail | Oceanfront serenity
In just 20 minutes, you’re surrounded by sea breeze and open views. The lighthouse trail is short, sweet, and stupidly scenic. Perfect for lazy-day hikers or anyone craving calm without a full cardio session. Bonus: parking was a breeze.
📍 31550 Palos Verdes Dr W
4.Mount Rubidoux Park | Crosses and castle vibes
3.5 miles and you’re at the top, looking out over Riverside. There’s something romantic about this route—stone paths, a small castle, a huge cross, all wrapped in early 20th-century charm. It’s surprisingly photogenic.
📍 4706 Mount Rubidoux Dr, Riverside
5.Chino Hills State Park | Spring in bloom
I hit this one during the mustard flower season (Jan–Feb). Hills rolled in gold, wildflowers in March. Honestly, it didn’t feel like California. More like some Swiss valley hidden in plain sight. Don't skip this if you're visiting in spring.
📍 4730 Sapphire Rd, Chino Hills
6.Antelope Valley | Orange wave of flowers
Sunset at Antelope Valley is surreal. Fields of orange poppies that stretch out forever. It’s more photo walk than hike, but still worth packing your hiking backpack for travel to carry water and layers—the wind can be wild. Just check the bloom schedule ahead of time.
📍 15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster
7.Runyon Canyon | Star sightings & skyline strolls
The most LA hike ever. It’s not the most peaceful, but it is the most social. I passed a few actors, a lot of dogs, and way too many Lululemon sets. Still, the views over the city and the access from West Hollywood can’t be beat.
📍 2000 N Fuller Ave
8.Big Pine Lakes | Worth the 3-hour drive
15 miles round trip. That’s no joke. But the reward? A surreal blue lake surrounded by snow-dusted peaks. I took my time, stayed hydrated, and camped by the water. This is the kind of place you think about weeks later while staring at your screen.
📍 On the road to Mammoth
9.Victoria Beach | For your fairytale shot
Not a hike in the traditional sense, but it involves a bit of walking and a lot of magic. There’s a stone tower that looks like it fell out of a fantasy novel. Tucked by the water, framed by cliffs—sunset here is pure dreamscape.
📍 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach
I used the same pack across all nine: my Backpackbeat Waterproof Hiking Backpack, tough enough for boulders, rainproof enough for early mist, and light enough to forget it’s there. If you’re looking for something versatile, the Backpackbeat 20L Extend has been my go-to on short trips and full-day treks alike.
👉 Click here for my waterproof backpack for hiking
