Los Angeles is an extremely busy city that can easily stress you. Going on hikes is a great way of relaxing and escaping the city for a bit. If you are an avid hiker or just want a weekend activity to disconnect from the heat of the city, here we break it down for you and choose our Top 5 Hikes in Los Angeles:
Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon is about a 3-mile round trip and is one of the most famous hikes in LA so it is pretty busy. If you are looking for a calm relaxing hike, you might wanna try other trails. However, this is the best people-watching trail and it gives hikers a chance to see the Hollywood Hills and fantasize about living with all the celebrities. It has amazing views at the trail summit known as Cloud's rest. This is a fun hike highlighted by million dollar mansions and priceless views of the Hollywood Sign, the Sunset Strip, and the L.A. Basin.
Franklin Canyon Park
Franklin Canyon Park
Franklin Canyon Park is about a 1-mile round-trip which makes it an easy walk around the reservoir with great views of birds and wildlife. It is a very popular location for TV and films, including the famous hitchhiking scene from It Happened One Night with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. The beautiful Franklin Canyon Lake and the Sooky Goldman Nature Center add to the amazing experience in the wild. The Franklin Lake was the “fishing hole” in the opening credits of The Andy Griffith Show. The park was also the background for the cover photo of Simon & Garfunkel’s album Sounds of Silence.
Eaton Canyon
Eaton Canyon
Including a 40-foot waterfall, the Eaton Canyon hike is just under 4 miles, a true, fun challenge for you adventurers! The Eaton Canyon natural area is a 190-acre zoological, botanical and geological nature preserve in San Gabriel Mountains. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas and a seasonal stream perfect for a cozy picnic. In addition, the nature center offers a wonderful variety of live animals for a calm, relaxing experience. To access the waterfall you shall need proper shoewear because you could be creek-crossing, so be prepared. Continue through the main canyon and you’ll arrive at a 40-foot waterfall, an especially popular destination during the summer, thanks to its cooling mist and the small pool at its base.
Will Rogers State Park
Will Rogers State Park
The Will Rogers State Park hike is a pretty long hike of a total of a 6-mile round trip. This used to be the private ranch of Hollywood star, Will Rogers and now has become a state park. To enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific ocean, go to Inspiration Point. It's a quick detour but definitely worth it. After the hike, stroll around the park and enjoy a picnic on the massive lawn in front of the house.
Solstice Canyon
Solstice Canyon
Solstice Canyon is an easy hike along a shaded trail that is partially paved. About 3-mile round trip with a tropical terrace and splendid views of the Pacific Ocean. The terrace is designed by renowned architect Paul R. Williams, who also designed homes for Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, as well as the Theme Building at LAX. If you love the space and science, this is a must-see because Solstice Canyon was one of only three sites in the world where TRW tested satellite equipment for space missions! A waterfall cascades into a pool in the rocks behind the former home. On top of that, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean are your reward for a tough hike.
It’s Hot & Sunny in LA, Protect yourself!
If you are going on a long hike in Los Angeles, make sure you plan ahead and prepare accordingly. I would take a small backpack with sunscreen with strong SPF (+80), a hat, a water bottle and proper eyewear. It is important to stay hydrated and to protect yourself from the sun. If you are an avid hiker, you should be taking care of yourself with the best possible eyewear not just for protection but also for comfort. At SportRx, we carry Best Hiking Sunglasses in prescription and will take care of you with our friendly opticians. Check the How to Guides for your next hiking adventure. Again, prescription is available, so do not hesitate to Contact Us.
