Los Angeles has mountains inside the city limits, and you can be on a trail with views of the ocean or the Hollywood Sign within half an hour of most hotels. Since the January 2025 fires, though, several well-known trails have closed or only partly reopened. This list covers hikes that were open in October 2026, notes what is still closed and explains how to check before you go. Trail lengths come from park agencies where they publish them; where we relied on hiking guides, we say so.
In this guide
It is part of our outdoor activities in Los Angeles guide.
LA hiking at a glance
- Easiest big view Mount Hollywood from Griffith Observatory
- Best near Hollywood Runyon Canyon main routes; the West Trail is closed
- Best by the coast Solstice Canyon and Escondido Falls in Malibu
- Best for swimming holes Malibu Creek State Park’s Rock Pool
- Still closed Eaton Canyon and the Sam Merrill/Echo Mountain trails, through December 31, 2027
- Red Flag days Many Santa Monica Mountains parks close together
| Hike | Area | Status in October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Hollywood | Griffith Park | Open |
| Fern Dell and Western Canyon | Griffith Park | Open |
| Runyon Canyon | Hollywood | Open; West Trail closed |
| Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook | Culver City | Open |
| Temescal Gateway Park | Pacific Palisades | Partly open; canyon trail to the waterfall closed |
| Solstice Canyon | Malibu | Open |
| Escondido Falls | Malibu | Open; lower falls only |
| Malibu Creek State Park | Calabasas | Open |
Griffith Park
Mount Hollywood
The Charlie Turner Trail starts at the north end of the Griffith Observatory parking area and climbs to the top of Mount Hollywood. Hiking guides put it at about 1.4 miles each way. The summit has views of the Hollywood Sign, Downtown and the basin. Start early, since there is little shade, and finish with the free observatory exhibits. See our Griffith Park guide and Griffith Observatory guide.
Fern Dell and Western Canyon
Fern Dell starts near Los Feliz Boulevard and Western Avenue and follows a shaded stream lined with ferns. Continue uphill through Western Canyon to reach the observatory. It is a good choice on warm days, and you avoid the observatory parking crunch.
Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon sits just above Hollywood Boulevard and is busy with locals getting a quick, steep workout. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. The West Trail has been closed since the Sunset Fire, so stick to the main routes and follow posted signs. There is almost no shade. For a Hollywood Sign view, see our Hollywood Sign guide.
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
This state park in Culver City is known for a staircase of 282 steps rising from Jefferson Boulevard to the top, with a winding trail alongside it. On clear days you can see Downtown, the Hollywood Sign, the ocean and the San Gabriel Mountains. It is open daily from 8am to sunset, and the visitor center opens Wednesday to Sunday. Parking at the top is paid by the hour or day at a machine.
Temescal Gateway Park
Temescal Gateway Park in Pacific Palisades reopened on July 17, 2026, after the Palisades Fire. The Rivas Canyon Trail and the Sunset Trail up to Temescal Ridge are open, along with the picnic areas. The Temescal Canyon Trail to the waterfall is still closed because of fire and storm damage. Stay on open trails only.
Solstice Canyon
Solstice Canyon, part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, is just off Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. A mostly flat path follows the creek to the ruins of a house burned in a past wildfire, with a small waterfall nearby. The National Park Service lists the trails as open year-round and the parking lot as open from 8am to sunset.
Escondido Falls
Escondido Canyon Park in Malibu has a trail to the lower Escondido Falls. The walk starts with a stretch along a paved road before entering the canyon. Only the lower falls are on public land; the upper falls are not open to visitors. Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority closes the park during Red Flag Warnings, so check its site the day you go. The falls are best after winter rain.
Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park, inland from Malibu in Calabasas, has oak woodland, volcanic cliffs and a creek. The walk to the Rock Pool is easy and popular, and longer trails lead to the former M*A*S*H filming site. Day-use parking costs $12 per car for the day, with hourly options. Gates are open from 8am.
Closed trails to skip for now
Some popular hikes are still closed after the Eaton Fire. Eaton Canyon Natural Area in Altadena is closed through December 31, 2027. In the Angeles National Forest, the Sam Merrill and Echo Mountain trails above Altadena are also closed through December 31, 2027, and the closure is enforced. Check the Angeles National Forest and LA County trails pages for updates. Parts of Topanga State Park also remain under a partial closure.
Red Flag Warning closures
In October 2026, park agencies in the Santa Monica Mountains agreed to close many parks together during Red Flag Warnings, when hot, dry winds raise fire risk. That includes state, federal and local parks such as Malibu Creek, Solstice Canyon and Escondido Canyon. Check the National Weather Service and the park’s own site on the morning of your hike.
Hiking safety
Before you hike
- Check the trail’s official page the same day for closures.
- Start early. Most LA trails have little shade, and afternoons get hot.
- Carry more water than you think you will need.
- Watch for rattlesnakes, and stay on the trail.
- Wear shoes with grip; many trails are loose and dusty.
- Do not leave valuables in your car at trailheads.
- Tell someone your plan if you are hiking alone.
Getting to trailheads
Only a few of these hikes are easy without a car. For Mount Hollywood, take the B Line to Vermont/Sunset and the DASH Observatory bus. Runyon Canyon is a walk uphill from Hollywood Boulevard. For the Malibu trails and Malibu Creek, you will need a car or rideshare, and phone signal can be weak in the canyons, so arrange a ride back before you start. See our LA Metro guide.
Best time to hike
Late fall through spring is the best hiking season, with cooler temperatures and green hills after rain. Summer and early fall can be very hot inland, so hike early or stay near the coast. Waterfalls flow best after winter storms. See our best time to visit Los Angeles guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hike in Los Angeles for views?
Mount Hollywood from Griffith Observatory, for views of the Hollywood Sign and Downtown. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is a shorter option.
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 there waterfall hikes near LA?
Yes. Escondido Falls and Solstice Canyon in Malibu have small waterfalls, best after winter rain. The Temescal Canyon waterfall trail is still closed.
Do I need to pay to hike in LA?
Most city trails are free. State parks such as Malibu Creek and Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook charge for parking.
Official sources: Griffith Park, LA Recreation and Parks; Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook; Temescal Gateway Park, MRCA; Santa Monica Mountains NRA hours; Escondido Canyon Park, MRCA; Malibu Creek State Park; Angeles National Forest Eaton Fire closure.
Photo credits
Featured image: Downtowngal / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0