Unforgettable Los Angeles Hikes Near West Hollywood
Nearby hikes offer stunning views — and a great workout.
Connecting with nature might not be the first thing you associate with visiting West Hollywood. But locals know: Los Angeles is bursting with scenic trails and spectacular views. In other words, it’s a great place to take a hike!
Runyon Canyon Park
Natural beauty, stunning views and a close proximity to West Hollywood — Runyon Canyon has many draws. The park comprises three main trails: Runyon Canyon Fire Road, Western High Way Trail and East Ridge Trail, which boasts two scenic overlooks, Clouds Rest and Inspiration Point. Pro tip: Have your camera ready for an Insta-worthy shot of the Los Angeles skyline. You’ll often spot celebrities and influencers hiking, walking their dogs and enjoying the scenery at Runyon Canyon. If you prefer smaller crowds, we recommend visiting on a weekday or just after sunrise on weekends.
Griffith Observatory
One of LA’s most iconic venues, Griffith Observatory is an Art Deco masterpiece that houses a famous planetarium (prominent scenes from “Rebel Without a Cause” were filmed here), immersive exhibits and 53 miles of hiking trails in the surrounding Griffith Park. Each month, the Observatory offers a free Sunset Walk & Talk led by a park ranger and a museum guide. The hour-long, half-mile hike starts and ends on the West Terrace, with stops along the way to learn more about the park’s history. Visit the Observatory’s website for a list of upcoming hikes.
Bronson Canyon
Nestled within Griffith Park is Bronson Canyon, often referred to as Bronson Caves. The cave was formed by the Union Rock Company in the early 1900s and has become one of the most unique attractions in Los Angeles. It has also been the backdrop for several films and TV shows, like the 1960s Batman series and John Ford’s “The Searchers.” To access Bronson Canyon, start at the Brush Canyon trailhead and walk until you see a short road on the east side, which will lead you right to it. Keep hiking through the cave for a stunning view of the Hollywood Sign.
Fryman Canyon Park
The name Mulholland Drive might make you think of the David Lynch-directed film starring Naomi Watts, but the road itself borders Fryman Canyon Park, a 122-acre enclave in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains. The park is abundant in wildlife and spectacular vistas. It offers access to the Betty B. Dearing Cross Mountain Trail, which is open to hikers, horseback riders and leashed dogs. Dearing Trail is a moderately challenging 5-mile out-and-back that connects Wilacre Park, Franklin Canyon and Coldwater Canyon Park. Be sure to make a stop at the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook to marvel at the San Fernando Valley.
Temescal Gateway Park
One of the most popular parks in the Santa Monica Mountains is Temescal Gateway Park in the Pacific Palisades. With more than 100 acres of oak and sycamore canyons, there’s no shortage of native flora and fauna worth exploring. Advanced hikers are sure to love the Temescal Ridge Trail, a steep 3-mile incline that ends with a sweeping panorama of the San Gabriel Mountains and Santa Monica Bay. Other trails within the park include Viewpoint, Sunset and Bienvenido, which offer access to nearby Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park.
Paramount Ranch
During the Golden Age of movie-making, countless Western films were made at Paramount Ranch. Today, the area boasts several miles of easy-to-moderate trails, plus priceless Hollywood history. Hikers can choose from paved treks, like the .84-mile Coyote Canyon and 1-mile Paramount Ridge Trail. Or check out the unpaved trails, like Racetrack Road, a 1.16-mile out-and-back. Note: Parts of Paramount Ranch are currently being renovated, including the addition of indoor and outdoor event spaces, larger restrooms and film-production areas.
Solstice Canyon
No visit to LA is complete without spending time in Malibu. While there, a hike in Solstice Canyon should be at the top of your list. Take a stroll along the Solstice Canyon Trail, a 1.5-mile moderately challenging trek. Enjoy stops at the cascading Solstice waterfall and the historic Roberts Ranch House, designed by Paul Revere Williams, the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects. For a more advanced hike, the 1.4-mile Rising Sun Trail climbs up the canyon, ending with a jaw-dropping view of the Pacific Ocean.
Guided Hikes & Tours
If you’re unfamiliar with the area, a guided hike is a great way to see the sights. West Hollywood-based Bikes and Hikes LA offers several hiking tours, including the Hollywood Sign Hike and Griffith Observatory Hike — both of which take you on an epic journey through the Hollywood Hills. For something a bit more exotic, check out Malibu Wine Hikes, a 2-mile moderate hike through the vineyards and private estate of Saddlerock Ranch, where you can get up close with their resident alpacas, horses, sheep and donkeys. Then, shuttle over to the tasting room for a flight of wine.
Updated from the original article written by Jacqueline Fitzgerald.