Go hike some of Los Angeles hidden gem hiking trails, of course! Hiking improves your health and mood, lowers your risk of adverse health conditions like hypertension and heart disease, and is a fantastic activity to do alone or with a friend. Whether you are a Los Angeles resident or visitor, it's easy to get started hiking in and around this bustling city. Simply check out one or more of the following awesome warm-weather hiking trails:
If you're not interested in hiking through crowded Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park, Franklin Canyon is perfect for you. Located in Hollywood Hills, this quieter alternative to the more famous hiking trails includes a short, steep climb up a ridge to a panoramic view of the area. There is also a Nature Center and reservoir located nearby. Free parking is available, and dog lovers are invited to bring their best canine friends for a hike as well.
Located in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains, this 122-acre urban forested park includes shaded hiking paths combined with breathtaking city views. The park includes The Dearing Trail, which connects to three other Los Angeles parks: Wilacre, Franklin, and Coldwater Canyon. This short, easy three-mile loop is an easier alternative to popular Hollywood trails such as Runyon canyon. Hikers will not feel crowded on this trail, and they can even bring their four-footed friends on this dog friendly hike.
La Tuna Canyon Park features sycamore- and oak-tree-lined canyons, city views, picnicking areas, and even a waterfall. It offers moderate hiking opportunities perfect for a leisurely hiking trip that is not too intense. La Tuna Canyon Park offers a slightly off-the-beaten track feel and a wide variety of scenery to keep things interesting!
That's right! This 62-acre tract of land with its panoramic and broad hiking paths was donated by and named after none other than the famous Jeopardy! game show host, Alex Trebek. Located in the Hollywood Hills next to Runyon Canyon Park, this well-maintained network of roads is perfect for hiking parties, equestrians, and mountain bikers. With its two-and-a-half-mile long trail, this location is perfect if you're looking for a short hike with excellent panoramic Hollywood views.
This regional park is a 300-acre open nature reserve located in Montecito Heights, a central northeastern Los Angeles neighborhood. Named after the former County Supervisor Ernest E. Debs, the Ernest E. Debs Regional Park includes barbecue pits, picnic tables, and a pond, in addition to its hiking trail. Despite being completely surrounded by the city, Ernest E. Debs Regional Park is surprisingly quiet and perfect for hikers who want to get away from the noise and crush of large crowds. is Ernest E. Debs Regional Park is also a favorite haunt for a variety of birds, so if you enjoy hiking to the sound of birdsong and/or birdwatching, this is a perfect hiking spot for you.
How to Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Hiking Experience
Aside from bringing a friend or letting people know where you are going before you venture off on an independent hike, other important things to keep in mind when you go on a warm-weather hike includes proper clothing and sun protection. Hiking in sunny Southern California can require a little extra forethought, especially if you are sensitive to sun damage. Excessive sun exposure can lead to wrinkling, sunburns, even skin cancer. So it is important to wear appropriate clothing when you go hiking in and around LA.
Merely wearing long sleeves is not always enough. Instead, pay attention to the clothing's UPF, also known as Ultraviolet Protection Factor. UPF rates sun protective fabrics. Clothing made of fabrics with a UPF rating of 15-24 offers good UV protection. Ratings of 25-39 offer very good protection, and 40-50+ ratings offer excellent UV Protection.
Here at KÜHL, we offer several stylish and comfortable clothing options made of fabric with the highest UPF ratings. For example, our SILENCR™ Guide Pant combines our signature articulated design with innovative softshell technology to allow freedom of movement, strength, and durability, with UPF 50 for sun protection.
Likewise, our SHADOW™ HOODY features superior quick-drying yarn with UPF 50 rating, absorbing and blocking harmful solar radiation for all-day protection.
And of course, when you go hiking, you need to protect your face and eyes from the glare of the sun. Our SUN BLADE™ features innovative technology that reduces skin temperature and keeps you cool. Its 3D mesh allows for ventilation. It has an innovative two-way design that can be worn with either brim facing forward and, of course, also features excellent UV protection with its rating of UPF 50.
No matter where you choose to go hiking, make sure you choose the trail that best fits your fitness level and experience, and make sure you wear comfortable, protective clothing in order to have the safest, most enjoyable hiking trip.
