Escape the Asphalt on the Best Hidden Hikes in LA

These underrated hikes across LA will take you from waterfalls to ruins, sandstone formations, and beyond, with hardly another hiker in sight.

california hiker atop strawberry peak hike in the san gabriel mountains near los angeles
Photo by Karl Hess for Thrillist
Photo by Karl Hess for Thrillist

Nobody walks in LA? Well, that's probably because we're all too busy hiking—the City of Angels is a hiker's paradise, with a dazzlingly diverse landscape and a wealth of out-of-the-way wilderness gems within easy access when the cars and concrete grow tiresome. We've compiled 10 of the best hikes that aren't Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park because, while classics, those paths are fully beaten.

From rocky crags at the crown of the Santa Monica Mountains with a commanding view of the sea, to rugged vistas in the beautiful Angeles National Forest that make you feel like you've left the city far behind, to flatter, family-friendly treks that all ages can tackle, keep reading for some of the best hikes in LA, including the most underrated excursions the Southland has to offer.

ridges and rocks on sandstone peak hike in Malibu outside LA
Photo by Karl Hess for Thrillist

Malibu
Distance: 3.0 Miles
This classic trail winds its way to the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, and rewards hikers with spectacular views of the ocean, coastline, and Catalina Island. At 3 miles out and back it’s rated as moderate, but it can require some scrambling as the final peak is a jumble of jutting rocks, so wear your grippiest shoes and come prepared for wind and prolonged sun exposure. A fun extra: there’s a logbook stowed at the top in a metal box, so those who make it up can record their accomplishments for all who follow, and read the past entries by people from all over the world.

buddhist meditation center on the hike at turnbull canyon in la
Photo by Karl Hess for Thrillist

Whittier
Distance: 2.4 Miles
This short but scenic hike leads to the best views in Whittier. It’s perfect for families and beginners, and more hardy adventurers can link to longer and steeper trails from the canyon as well. Aside from the scenery, one of the highlights is a beautiful orange, multi-tiered structure, a Buddhist meditation center, that sits nestled amongst the trees on the ridgeline and adds to the charm of the panoramic cityscape vistas. Parking is limited at the trailhead and can go quickly so getting there early is always a good idea.

Glendale
Distance: 3.9 Miles
When you’re ready for a challenge, or maybe it’s time to burn off yesterday’s late-night burrito, head to Glendale’s charming Brand Park to take on this demanding loop up through the Verdugo Mountains. Most people hike the trail counter-clockwise, but either way it’s steep going and will get your quads burning in no time. If you’re a hiking pole person, definitely bring them along. All that hard work pays off with abundant views of the San Fernando Valley and the Downtown skyline from an airy perch up by the radio towers. Once you’ve soaked it all in, head back down to Brand Park and check out the Japanese Tea House & Friendship Garden for some well-earned relaxation.

view from the top of strawberry peak hike in san gabriel mountains near la
Photo by Karl Hess for Thrillist

Angeles National Forest
Distance: 7.2 Miles
The San Gabriel Mountains are one of LA’s great backcountry playgrounds, and hiking Strawberry Peak is a perfect way to bask in their majesty. This trail packs a lot of varied scenery, and 1700 feet of climbing, into an awesome alpine outing that will have you feeling a million miles away from LA’s smog and sprawl. Most of the way is a gradual ascent, but the final approach to the peak is a short but tough climb, so make sure to bring plenty of snacks and water, and remember that it will all be worth it when you’re standing at 6,165 feet surveying the bountiful mountain beauty all around you. Parking in the Angeles National Forest requires an Adventure Pass.

chumash trail sign on hiking path in simi valley near la
Getty Images / Myung J. Chun

Simi Valley
Distance: 1.2 miles
This trail connects the Mugu Lagoon tidelands with the La Jolla Valley, and it may be the best way to appreciate the beautiful area that the Chumash people once called home. After you brave the steep shoulders of Mugu Peak, keep pushing and you’ll arrive at a gorgeous overlook at the top: sweeping views of the stunning Ventura and Santa Barbara County coastlines, Santa Monica Mountains, and the Channel Islands.

wildflowers on the topanga canyon loop trail hiking path
Flickr/Don

Calabasas
Distance: 2 miles
This kid-friendly out-and-back two-miler in the Santa Monica Mountains leads to a graffiti-covered cement platform that once served as a fire lookout point. Now it offers a vibrant backdrop worthy of your Instagram photos—particularly during sunrise when it looks like you’re floating above a sea of clouds. The best part? No two visits will ever be the same—not if the graffiti artists have anything to say about it. Look out for the entrance after the intersection of Saddle Peak and Stunt Roads.

iconic vasquez rocks hiking trail and natural area near la
Flickr/Matthew Dillon

Santa Clarita
Distance: 2.6 miles
For a Joshua Tree alternative that’s much closer and less trafficked, head to the 932-acre Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park—named after notorious bandit Tiburcio Vásquez, who used the rocks as a hideout in 1874. Although the park has several easy-to-moderate hikes throughout—ranging from this mellow 2.6-mile loop to slightly more strenuous trails—build in time to scramble around the park’s impressive geological wonders too. The spectacular sandstone formations were sculpted by wind and water into sharp angles, which creates an awe-striking desert landscape.

Azusa
Distance: 0.7 miles
Secret swings abound in Los Angeles (there’s even an Instagram account devoted to them), but this one at Crystal Lake Trail boasts a view of the only naturally occurring lake in the San Gabriel Mountains. While it was originally named for its pellucid waters, today it’s not quite as crystal clear—but no worries, you’re here for the swing: it’s off the main road, hidden in the tree line 300 feet from the lake. If you’d prefer a leisurely expedition over a true hike, this trail is for you, and you can even camp nearby if you want to really draw it out.

ruins on murphy ranch hiking trail near west la
Flickr/J Jakobson

Brentwood
Distance: 3.4 miles
The Murphy Ranch Trail is definitely one that will spark some discussion—it takes you through an abandoned Nazi compound nestled in the middle of the mountains. The dummies that thought Germany would win and take over America built a little sanctuary here, which makes this a wild walk through alternate history. Your inner Indiana Jones will geek out over engine parts, crumbled huts, and even an overturned '40s VW Bus nestled into the woods. A word of warning in case you plan on bringing a four-legged friend (or a four-year-old): this hike involves climbing up a pretty punishing set of stairs.

view of solstice canyon trail from hiking path in malibu mountains
Flickr/antcity

Malibu
Distance: 3 miles
We’ve been fans of this place off the Pacific Coast Highway for years thanks to its lovely waterfall and sweeping vistas, but this loop hike is truly unforgettable because of the ruins of an abandoned mansion. The Roberts Ranch House was destroyed in a forest fire, but the original foundation, an old bathtub, a bomb shelter, and several fireplaces remain mostly intact and incredibly fun to survey.

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Karl Hess is a comedian, writer, outdoors-enjoyer, and sandwich enthusiast living in Echo Park, LA, CA.