Outdoors · Hub guide
Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles: Hikes, Parks and Trail Updates
Los Angeles has mountains, canyons and coastline within the city limits. This guide covers the best places to hike, bike and get on the water, along with current trail closures after recent fires.
Outdoors at a glance
- Easiest big-view hike Griffith Park trails to the observatory and Mount Hollywood
- Mountain range in town The Santa Monica Mountains, managed by state, federal and local agencies
- Fire-related closures Parts of Topanga State Park, Eaton Canyon and Runyon Canyon’s West Trail
- Red flag days Santa Monica Mountains parks close together under a shared protocol
- Best hiking season Late fall through spring
- Alerts Ready LA County and each park’s official page
In this guide
Outdoor time in Los Angeles is easy to fit into a trip. You can hike above Hollywood in the morning and be on the beach by afternoon. Since the January 2025 fires, though, some parks have closed or partly reopened, so check the official page for any trail before you go.
Trail updates and fire closures
The 2025 fires burned large areas in the Santa Monica Mountains and above Altadena. California State Parks has started a recovery planning process for Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, and parts of Topanga remain under a partial closure order. Check Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park for current access.
Eaton Canyon Natural Area in Altadena is closed through December 31, 2027. At Runyon Canyon, the park is open sunrise to sunset but the West Trail is closed after the Sunset Fire.
In October 2026, park agencies in the Santa Monica Mountains set up a coordinated closure protocol for Red Flag Warnings. On those days, expect many state, federal and local parks in the range to close together. Watch Ready LA County and the National Weather Service for warnings.
Griffith Park
Griffith Park is the easiest place to start. Trails climb from the Greek Theatre, Fern Dell and the observatory parking area toward Mount Hollywood, with views of the Hollywood Sign, Downtown and on clear days the ocean. The Griffith Observatory grounds are free, and the building is closed on Mondays. Parking near the observatory fills up on weekends, so go early or take the DASH Observatory bus.
Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon sits right above Hollywood and is popular for its quick climb and city views. It is open sunrise to sunset. The West Trail is closed after the Sunset Fire, so use the main routes and follow posted signs. Bring water; there is little shade.
Santa Monica Mountains
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
A patchwork of federal, state and local land. The National Park Service site lists open trails and visitor centers.
Temescal Gateway Park
Canyon trails above Pacific Palisades, managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Check lamountains.com before you go.
Malibu Creek State Park
Rock pools, oak woodland and the former M*A*S*H filming site, inland from Malibu.
Point Mugu and Leo Carrillo
Coastal hikes and tide pools on the far western edge of LA County.
San Gabriel Mountains
North of the city, the San Gabriel Mountains rise above Pasadena and the Valley. The Angeles National Forest has long trails, waterfalls and winter snow at higher elevations. Fire recovery and road work affect some areas, so check the Angeles National Forest site for closures and permits before driving up.
Biking and walking paths
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail follows the beach for miles along Santa Monica Bay, passing Santa Monica, Venice and the South Bay beach cities. The Los Angeles River path has sections through Elysian Valley and the Valley. Metro Bike Share and e-scooters are easy to rent near the coast.
On the water
Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and surfing are popular along the coast, especially in Marina del Rey, Long Beach and Malibu. Whale watching trips leave from Long Beach, San Pedro, Marina del Rey and Redondo Beach. Gray whales pass in winter and spring; blue whales are often seen in summer. Ferries to Catalina Island leave from Long Beach and San Pedro.
Gardens and easy outdoor time
For something gentler, try the gardens at The Huntington in San Marino, Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge or the Getty Center’s Central Garden. Echo Park Lake and Lake Balboa are good for a flat walk.
Outdoor activities by type
| Activity | Where to go |
|---|---|
| City views | Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon (main routes) |
| Mountain trails | Santa Monica Mountains, Angeles National Forest |
| Beach biking | Marvin Braude Bike Trail |
| Kayaking and paddleboarding | Marina del Rey, Long Beach |
| Whale watching | Long Beach, San Pedro, Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach |
| Gardens | The Huntington, Descanso Gardens, Getty Center |
Hiking safety
Before you hike
- Check closures the same day. Fire recovery and red flag closures change quickly.
- Start early. Shade is limited on most LA trails and afternoons get hot.
- Carry more water than you think. At least a liter for short hikes, more in summer.
- Watch for rattlesnakes. Stay on trail and look before you step or sit.
- Know your exit. Cell service drops in canyons. Tell someone your plan.
- Leave no trace. Pack out all trash and do not smoke on trails.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best hikes in Los Angeles?
Griffith Park trails to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon’s open routes and trails in the Santa Monica Mountains are popular. Check closure pages before you go.
Is Runyon Canyon open?
Yes, from sunrise to sunset. The West Trail is closed after the Sunset Fire.
Is Eaton Canyon open?
No. Eaton Canyon Natural Area is closed through December 31, 2027.
Are parks closed on red flag days?
Many are. Since October 2026, Santa Monica Mountains park agencies use a shared protocol to close parks together during Red Flag Warnings.
When is the best time to hike in Los Angeles?
Late fall through spring has the coolest temperatures. In summer, hike early in the morning.
Where can I go whale watching near Los Angeles?
Tours leave from Long Beach, San Pedro, Marina del Rey and Redondo Beach. Gray whales pass in winter and spring.
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Photo credits
Featured image: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain