If you love hiking, this section of the best hikes in Southern California is a must-visit. It’s very easy for me to narrow down my current favourites; after in-depth research, I’m sure the 10 best hikes in Southern California on this list will appeal to your heart.
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Top 10 Best Hikes in Southern California
A popular activity in Southern California, there are plenty of hills and mountains to hike, and in the nice weather, it feels wonderful to get outside and do some physical activity.
Southern California is a hiker’s paradise, offering a diverse array of trails through spectacular landscapes – coastal cliffs, serene deserts, lush forests and majestic mountains – that offer endless adventures and breathtaking views for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. If you’re really looking for the best hiking trails near Los Angeles, you’ll find your best choice in the next heading.
Best Hikes in Southern California Reddit
There are so many hiking trails around Southern California that this list could be endless; of them, here are my top 10 favourite hikes around Southern (and Central) California! You can also read:- Affordable Romantic Getaways Northern California.
Runyon Canyon Park (Los Angeles)
If you’re willing to go, Runyon Canyon is a very beautiful place to hike; it’s a great place to spot celebrities, see the Hollywood sign, spot a hidden statue, and get a nice hike in. You can also enjoy the paved path on a moderate climb.
The West Trail, which I hiked, is more rugged and steep in places. In fact, Runyon Canyon Park (Los Angeles) will give you sweeping views from Catalina Island to the Santa Monica Mountains on a clear day.
Summarizing Runyon Canyon Park in Los Angeles for hiking:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA |
| Size | 160 acres |
| Best Known For | Scenic views of Los Angeles, Hollywood Sign, and Griffith Observatory |
| Hiking Trails | – Runyon Canyon Loop (3.5 miles, moderate difficulty) – East Trail (steep and challenging) – Western Trail (easier, gradual incline) |
| Trail Types | Dirt paths, loop trails, and out-and-back routes |
| Elevation Gain | Up to 700 feet |
| Dog-Friendly | Yes, with an off-leash area for dogs |
| Parking | – Street parking available (limited) – Nearby paid lots |
| Amenities | Benches, water fountains, yoga area |
| Hours | Open daily from sunrise to sunset |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon (to avoid heat and crowds) |
| Difficulty Levels | Easy to moderate, with some steep sections |
| Wildlife | Squirrels, birds, and occasional coyotes |
| Rules | – Dogs allowed off-leash in designated areas – Stay on trails to protect natural habitat |
| Nearby Attractions | Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Park, and Universal Studios |
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (San Diego)
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a coastal state park in San Diego, California. They are best known for the success of Tiger Woods, where he won the Junior World Championship and eight PGA Tour titles.
Torrey Pines hike is worth it for the Easy hikes in Southern California because there is a wonderful spot to spend a day enjoying the breeze, views, and wildflowers.
Summarizing Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, San Diego, CA 92037, USA |
| Size | 2,000 acres |
| Best Known For | Rare Torrey pine trees, stunning coastal views, cliffs, and diverse hiking trails |
| Hiking Trails | – Guy Fleming Trail (0.7 miles, easy, ocean views) – Razor Point Trail (1.3 miles, moderate, scenic cliffs) – Beach Trail (1.2 miles, steep descent to the beach) |
| Trail Types | Loop trails, coastal cliffs, and out-and-back routes |
| Elevation Gain | Up to 300 feet |
| Dog-Friendly | No (dogs are not allowed in the reserve) |
| Parking | – Paid parking lot available – Limited free street parking nearby |
| Amenities | Visitor center, restrooms, picnic areas |
| Hours | Open daily from 7:15 AM to sunset |
| Best Time to Visit | Morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds |
| Difficulty Levels | Easy to moderate, with some steep sections |
| Wildlife | Lizards, rabbits, squirrels, and native bird species |
| Rules | – No dogs or bikes – Stay on designated trails – No collecting plants or rocks |
| Nearby Attractions | La Jolla Cove, Del Mar Beach, Birch Aquarium |
Mount Baldy (San Gabriel Mountains)
Mount Baldy (San Gabriel Mountains) is very popular for mountain hiking in Southern California as it is the center of Southern California’s skiing and summer hiking. Height: 3,068 meters (6,224 feet). You can also enjoy this mountain, which towers over one of the world’s great cities, for its distinct personality.
Summarizing Mount Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mount Baldy, CA 91759, USA (San Gabriel Mountains) |
| Peak Name | Mount San Antonio (commonly known as Mount Baldy) |
| Elevation | 10,064 feet (highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains) |
| Best Known For | Panoramic views, challenging hikes, and snow activities in winter |
| Hiking Trails | – Baldy Bowl Trail (8.4 miles, difficult, steep climb) – Devil’s Backbone Trail (7.6 miles, strenuous, narrow ridges) – Bear Canyon Trail (12 miles, very challenging, high elevation gain) |
| Trail Types | Loop trails, summit climbs, and out-and-back routes |
| Elevation Gain | Up to 3,900 feet |
| Dog-Friendly | Yes, but dogs must be leashed |
| Parking | – Manker Flats Campground (Adventure Pass required) – Additional parking near trailheads |
| Amenities | Restrooms, parking, and a ski lift during certain seasons |
| Hours | Open year-round (dependent on weather conditions) |
| Best Time to Visit | Late spring to early fall for hiking; winter for snow sports |
| Difficulty Levels | Moderate to very strenuous, suitable for experienced hikers |
| Wildlife | Deer, mountain lions, squirrels, and various bird species |
| Rules | – Adventure Pass required for parking – Stay on marked trails – Be prepared for changing weather |
| Nearby Attractions | Mount Baldy Village, Icehouse Canyon, and Ski Lifts to Baldy Notch |
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail (Pasadena)
The Eaton Canyon Falls Trail is a very popular 3.5-mile hiking trail in Pasadena, California, that leads to a 40-foot-tall waterfall.
Summarizing the Eaton Canyon Falls Trail in Pasadena:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA |
| Trail Length | 3.5 miles round trip |
| Best Known For | Scenic waterfall, shaded hiking trail, and family-friendly environment |
| Hiking Trail | Eaton Canyon Falls Trail (out-and-back trail to a 40-foot waterfall) |
| Trail Type | Dirt path with creek crossings and rocky sections |
| Elevation Gain | Approximately 400 feet |
| Dog-Friendly | Yes, dogs allowed on a leash |
| Parking | Free parking lot available at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center |
| Amenities | Visitor center, restrooms, picnic areas |
| Hours | Open daily from sunrise to sunset |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon (to avoid heat and crowds) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to moderate, suitable for beginners and families |
| Wildlife | Birds, squirrels, lizards, and occasional deer |
| Rules | – Dogs must be leashed – Stay on designated trails – Do not climb on the waterfall |
| Nearby Attractions | Eaton Canyon Nature Center, Mount Wilson Observatory, and Old Town Pasadena |
Joshua Tree National Park Trails
Joshua Tree National Park trails are recommended for year-round walking and some are wheelchair accessible. If hiking in the summer, start walking these trails before 9 a.m.
summarizing Joshua Tree National Park Trails:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Joshua Tree, CA 92252, USA |
| Size | 794,000 acres |
| Best Known For | Unique desert landscapes, striking rock formations, and iconic Joshua Trees |
| Popular Trails | – Hidden Valley Trail (1 mile, easy, loop trail with rock formations) – Ryan Mountain Trail (3 miles, moderate, summit view of the park) – Barker Dam Trail (1.3 miles, easy, loop trail with historical dam and wildlife) – Keys View Trail (0.5 miles, easy, panoramic desert views) – Cholla Cactus Garden Trail (0.25 miles, easy, walk through cactus field) |
| Trail Types | Loop trails, out-and-back routes, and moderate to challenging summit hikes |
| Elevation Gain | Ranges from 100 to 1,000 feet depending on the trail |
| Dog-Friendly | Yes, dogs allowed on paved roads and campgrounds (not on trails) |
| Parking | Multiple parking areas throughout the park (fees may apply) |
| Amenities | Visitor centers, restrooms, picnic areas, campgrounds |
| Hours | Open year-round, 24 hours (visitor centers and campgrounds have specific hours) |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring and fall (mild temperatures) or early morning/late afternoon for cooler conditions |
| Difficulty Levels | Easy to challenging, with options for all levels of hikers |
| Wildlife | Desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, coyotes, lizards, and numerous bird species |
| Rules | – Stay on designated trails – No off-roading or camping outside of designated areas – Dogs must be leashed in designated areas |
| Nearby Attractions | Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, and the Barker Dam |
Escondido Falls Trail (Malibu)
Escondido Falls Trail (Malibu) has sliding rocks, is very unstable, and the path goes straight up. Couldn’t find the end of the trail even with the Allrail.
summarizing the Escondido Falls Trail in Malibu:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 27100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA |
| Trail Length | 3.8 miles round trip (to the upper falls) |
| Best Known For | Scenic waterfall views, lush surroundings, and a peaceful hike |
| Hiking Trail | Escondido Falls Trail (out-and-back trail to two-tiered waterfalls) |
| Trail Type | Dirt path with creek crossings and rocky sections |
| Elevation Gain | Approximately 700 feet |
| Dog-Friendly | Yes, dogs allowed on a leash |
| Parking | Free parking available along Pacific Coast Highway (look for the designated trailhead sign) |
| Amenities | Restrooms (at the trailhead), no other facilities along the trail |
| Hours | Open daily from sunrise to sunset |
| Best Time to Visit | Winter to early spring (when the falls are flowing best, especially after rainfall) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate, with some steep and rocky sections |
| Wildlife | Squirrels, birds, lizards, and occasional deer |
| Rules | – Dogs must be leashed – Stay on marked trails – Do not climb on the waterfall rocks |
| Nearby Attractions | Malibu beaches, Point Dume State Beach, and the Getty Villa |
Griffith Park Trails (Los Angeles)
The largest urban-wild municipal park in the United States, Griffith Park is filled with trails, trees, trains, and attractions. Having been featured in numerous films, the park is one of the most famous municipal parks in North America.
summarizing the Griffith Park Trails in Los Angeles:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA |
| Size | 4,310 acres |
| Best Known For | Scenic views of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign, and iconic landmarks like the Griffith Observatory |
| Popular Trails | – Griffith Park Trail to the Hollywood Sign (6.4 miles, moderate, panoramic city views) – Mount Hollywood Trail (3 miles, moderate, summit view) – Bronson Canyon Trail (1 mile, easy, great for views and photos) – Ferndell Trail (1 mile, easy, shaded path along a stream) – The Western Canyon Trail (1.5 miles, moderate, connecting to multiple park trails) |
| Trail Types | Loop trails, out-and-back routes, moderate to challenging summit hikes |
| Elevation Gain | Ranges from 200 to 1,000 feet depending on the trail |
| Dog-Friendly | Yes, dogs allowed on most trails (must be kept on a leash) |
| Parking | Multiple parking areas throughout the park (free and metered parking) |
| Amenities | Griffith Observatory, picnic areas, restrooms, horseback riding stables |
| Hours | Open daily from sunrise to sunset |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat |
| Difficulty Levels | Easy to challenging, with options for all levels of hikers |
| Wildlife | Birds, squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, and the occasional bobcat |
| Rules | – Dogs must be leashed – Stay on marked trails – No off-trail hiking |
| Nearby Attractions | Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, LA Zoo, Los Angeles Police Academy, and the Greek Theatre |
Solstice Canyon (Malibu)
Solstice Canyon in Malibu has lovely hikes, historic ruins, and a beautiful waterfall. This is a peaceful trail with moderate difficulty and stunning coastal views.
Summarizing Solstice Canyon in Malibu:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 3455 Solstice Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, USA |
| Trail Length | 1.8 miles round trip |
| Best Known For | Waterfall, scenic canyon views, and historic ruins of the Roberts Ranch House |
| Hiking Trail | Solstice Canyon Trail (loop trail with waterfall and ruins) |
| Trail Type | Loop trail, dirt path with creek crossings and some rocky sections |
| Elevation Gain | Approximately 500 feet |
| Dog-Friendly | Yes, dogs allowed on a leash |
| Parking | Free parking available at the trailhead (Solstice Canyon parking lot) |
| Amenities | Restrooms, picnic areas, and historic site (Roberts Ranch House ruins) |
| Hours | Open daily from sunrise to sunset |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring to early summer (when the waterfall is flowing best) or early morning/late afternoon to avoid crowds |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to moderate, family-friendly with some uneven terrain |
| Wildlife | Birds, squirrels, rabbits, and occasional coyotes or deer |
| Rules | – Dogs must be leashed – Stay on marked trails – No climbing on ruins |
| Nearby Attractions | Malibu beaches, Pepperdine University, and the Malibu Creek State Park |
Bridge to Nowhere (San Gabriel Mountains)
The trail is strenuous but doable for most beginners to mountain hiking in Southern California; the Bridge to Nowhere is a classic hike, and for good reason. The hike is 10 miles round trip, so be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a lunch to eat when you reach the bridge.
summarizing the Bridge to Nowhere Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | East Fork Road, San Gabriel Mountains, CA 91759, USA |
| Trail Length | 10 miles round trip (out-and-back) |
| Best Known For | A unique, abandoned bridge in the mountains, scenic river crossings, and wilderness experience |
| Hiking Trail | Bridge to Nowhere Trail (out-and-back to an abandoned bridge with beautiful canyon views) |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back trail, dirt path with river crossings, creek beds, and rocky sections |
| Elevation Gain | Approximately 1,000 feet |
| Dog-Friendly | Yes, dogs allowed on a leash |
| Parking | Free parking available at the trailhead (East Fork Road, requires an Adventure Pass) |
| Amenities | No restrooms or other facilities at the trailhead (carry water, and be prepared for a long hike) |
| Hours | Open year-round, sunrise to sunset |
| Best Time to Visit | Late fall to early spring (when the water is flowing and the temperatures are cooler) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to difficult, with river crossings and steep sections |
| Wildlife | Birds, squirrels, lizards, and occasional coyotes or mountain lions |
| Rules | – Dogs must be leashed – Adventure Pass required for parking – Be prepared for challenging river crossings |
| Nearby Attractions | East Fork River, San Gabriel Wilderness, and other hiking trails in the San Gabriel Mountains |
Cucamonga Peak (San Bernardino National Forest)
Cucamonga Peak is one of the highest peaks in the San Gabriel Ranges in San Bernardino County, California; if you are looking for a mountain excursion in Southern California, this is perfect for you; many wildlife species are found in the area, including deer, bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep.
summarizing the Cucamonga Peak Trail in the San Bernardino National Forest:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Angeles Oaks, CA 92305, USA (San Bernardino National Forest) |
| Trail Length | 10 miles round trip (out-and-back) |
| Best Known For | Panoramic summit views, challenging ascent, and views of the Inland Empire and surrounding mountains |
| Hiking Trail | Cucamonga Peak Trail (out-and-back with steep sections and high elevation) |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back trail, dirt path with rocky sections and switchbacks |
| Elevation Gain | Approximately 4,000 feet |
| Dog-Friendly | No, dogs are not allowed on this trail |
| Parking | Free parking available at the trailhead (Icehouse Canyon Trailhead) |
| Amenities | Restrooms at the trailhead, no other amenities along the trail |
| Hours | Open year-round, sunrise to sunset |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring and fall (mild temperatures), but can be hiked year-round depending on weather conditions |
| Difficulty Level | Hard, strenuous due to steep terrain, significant elevation gain, and rocky sections |
| Wildlife | Birds, squirrels, deer, and occasionally mountain lions or coyotes |
| Rules | – No dogs allowed – Stay on marked trails – Carry plenty of water, as the trail can be strenuous |
| Nearby Attractions | Icehouse Canyon, Mount Baldy, and other San Bernardino National Forest trails |
Why Southern California is Perfect for Hikers
Southern California is an ideal destination for hikers because of its sunny weather, snow-free trails, and easy access to the Peaks, Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, San Diego County, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, and more.
With a generally sunny climate and easy access to peaks up to 11,000 feet with snow-free trails year-round, the mountains of Southern California are some of the most underrated hiking destinations in the US.
You also very well know Hiking is a great feeling and experience joy every second to reach your destination, like somewhere on your own two feet, to feel the burn in your thighs during an elevation climb, to stop and overlook a vista or finally reach the waterfall.
That is what I like about hiking.
Tips for Hiking in Southern California
Conclusion:
Now, after reading this article about hiking options in Southern California, you get so now it’s your turn to select your best choice and share your opinion with us you thought Top 10+ Hikes in Southern California.
You must visit these trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. And do share your favourite hikes or experiences in the comments.
FAQs About Hiking in Southern California:-
What is the best time of year to hike in Southern California?
The best times to go hiking in Southern California are the spring and fall months.
Are these hikes suitable for beginners?
Yes, some of the hikes in India are suitable for beginners.
Do I need permits for any hikes?
They are vital to a responsible and legal trip.
Can I bring my dog on these hikes?
Dogs are not allowed on trails in California’s nine iconic national parks and many national monuments.
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