LA Hikes

Los Angeles and its surrounding areas offer a plethora of hiking opportunities. Here are more lesser-known gems to consider:

1. Mandeville Canyon: Located in Brentwood, this hike offers a more quiet experience than many LA trails. You’ll see beautiful homes, enjoy canyon views, and encounter multiple trails that branch off the fire road.
2. El Matador Beach: While this isn’t a traditional hike, the cliffs and sea caves of El Matador on the Malibu coast make it a unique spot for exploration.
3. Wildwood Canyon: This is in Burbank and offers relatively short but steep climbs, culminating in stunning views of the Valley and the downtown skyline on clear days.
4. Temescal Gateway Park: Situated just off Sunset Boulevard, this park offers multiple trails, including ones that lead to a waterfall or offer expansive ocean views.
5. Hondo Canyon: Located off Topanga Canyon, this trail presents an array of environments, from lush, shaded oases to sunny, open chaparral, and also includes a stretch of the famous Backbone Trail.
6. Corral Canyon: This is a peaceful hike in Malibu that offers ocean views and an introduction to the area’s unique ecosystems at the Sara Wan Trailhead.
7. Nicholas Flat Trail: This trail in Malibu starts at Leo Carrillo State Beach and climbs up to Nicholas Pond, offering both ocean and mountain views.
8. Zuma Canyon: Another Malibu gem, this trail offers a network of paths that meander through ocean-view ridges and shaded canyons.
9. Dale’s Divide: Located in Palos Verdes, this trail offers panoramic ocean views and is a great spot for whale watching during migration season.
10. Big Rock Lateral: This trail isn’t as frequently traveled as others in the Santa Monica Mountains, but it provides great coastal and city views.
11. Haskell Creek Canyon: Found near Encino, this hike provides both shaded and open sections, and after rains, there’s a lovely creek to enjoy.
12. Jones Peak: Situated in the San Gabriel Mountains near Sierra Madre, the hike to Jones Peak from Bailey Canyon or Mt. Wilson Trail offers some solitude compared to the busier nearby trails.
13. Hellman Wilderness Park: Located in Whittier, it’s a less-traveled spot offering trails that climb to views overlooking the city and ocean.

Remember to check trail conditions, restrictions, and permits if required. Always hike safely, stay hydrated, and let someone know your plans, especially if you’re exploring lesser-known areas.