10 Must-Hike Los Angeles Trails: Your 2025 Guide To Stunning Views, Hidden Gems, And Crucial Closures
Los Angeles is a hiker's paradise, a sprawling metropolis where urban canyons meet rugged mountains, offering breathtaking escapes just minutes from the city's hustle. As of late 2025, the trail landscape is constantly evolving, with new parks opening and essential updates on popular routes that every Angeleno and visitor needs to know before lacing up their boots.
This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise, providing you with the freshest, most current information on the top 10 trails, crucial closures, and the hidden gems that will define your hiking adventures this year. Forget the old, crowded lists—it's time to explore the best of the new Los Angeles wilderness.
The 2025 LA Hiking Trail Report: Crucial Updates and Alternatives
Before planning any trip, always check the current status of your chosen trail. The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation frequently updates its alerts, especially following fire seasons or heavy rain. Knowing the latest closures is key to a successful, safe, and frustration-free hike.
Important 2025 Trail Closures and Construction Alerts
- Eaton Canyon Trails Closure: A major update for 2025 is the continued closure of the popular Eaton Canyon Trails. Due to ongoing safety risks and necessary infrastructure work, the main trails remain closed through much of the year. Hikers seeking a waterfall experience should look for alternatives like the Bridge to Nowhere hike (East Fork Trail) or trails in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
- Pellissier Village Trailhead: The Pellissier Village Trailhead is currently closed for construction as part of L.A. County’s trail network expansion. Always check the L.A. County Trails website for the latest reopening date.
- Angeles National Forest Road Closures: Check conditions before heading to higher elevations. As of late 2025, Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) is closed from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap, impacting access to some of the area's most challenging routes.
Anticipated New Openings (Summer 2025)
- Caballero Creek Park: Exciting news for the Valley area! Caballero Creek Park is a much-anticipated project located at the confluence of the Los Angeles River. Construction is projected to finish and the park is anticipated to open by Summer 2025, providing new multi-use trails for the community.
The 10 Best Los Angeles Hikes for Every Intention
Whether you're looking for a quick, dog-friendly workout or a full-day mountain challenge, this list covers the essential hikes in Los Angeles for 2025.
1. Best for Iconic Views: The Mount Hollywood Trail (Griffith Park)
While Runyon Canyon remains popular, the Mount Hollywood Trail offers arguably the best panoramic views of the entire city. It's a moderate 5.3-mile loop that takes you directly behind the Griffith Observatory and provides stunning, close-up vistas of the Hollywood Sign and the Los Angeles skyline. This is a fantastic option for a sunset hike, as the East Observatory Trail portion is renowned for its golden hour glow.
2. Best Dog-Friendly Alternative: Wisdom Tree/Wonder View Trail (Cahuenga Peak)
Looking for a Runyon Canyon alternative where your pup can roam? The Wonder View Trail to the Wisdom Tree on Cahuenga Peak is a challenging 3-mile out-and-back trail. It’s a popular spot for dog owners, offering spectacular views of the Hollywood Sign and the San Fernando Valley. The trail is steep but short, making it a great workout for both you and your dog.
3. Best Hidden Coastal Gem: Terranea Discovery Trail (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Escape the crowds of Malibu and head south to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The Terranea Discovery Trail is a lesser-known coastal hike offering breathtaking ocean views, tide pools, and a serene, resort-like atmosphere. This easy, flat, and family-friendly trail is perfect for a relaxing morning walk or a quick nature break.
4. Best for a True Challenge: Bridge to Nowhere (Angeles National Forest)
For the serious adventurer, the Bridge to Nowhere is a demanding 10-mile round trip hike located deep in the Angeles National Forest. This trail involves multiple river crossings and culminates at an abandoned 1930s-era bridge, a popular spot for bungee jumping. It’s a true wilderness experience that requires preparation and is best attempted during dry conditions.
5. Best for Beginners and Families: Fryman Canyon Park Loop (Studio City)
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Fryman Canyon Park loop is one of the top easy hikes in Los Angeles. This 2.6-mile loop is wide, well-maintained, and shaded, making it ideal for families, casual walkers, and those new to hiking. Its central location near Studio City makes it a convenient and popular choice for a quick nature fix.
6. Best for Peak-Baggers: Icehouse Canyon Trail (Cucamonga Wilderness)
If you're seeking high-elevation gains and a rigorous day hike, the Icehouse Canyon Trail is a must. Located outside the immediate LA area but a major destination for local hikers, this trail offers a challenging ascent with spectacular views into the Cucamonga Wilderness and the San Gabriel Mountains. It's a popular starting point for reaching higher peaks like Mount Baldy.
7. Best for Shaded Solitude: Mandeville Canyon Trail (Brentwood)
A true hidden gem, Mandeville Canyon offers a peaceful escape from the city noise. Located in Brentwood, this trail provides a quieter, more secluded experience compared to the bustling trails of Griffith Park. It's a great spot for a long, shaded walk, perfect for clearing your head without the typical L.A. crowds.
8. Best for History Buffs: Echo Mountain Hike via Sam Merrill Trail (Altadena)
The Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain is a moderately difficult 5.4-mile round trip hike that combines stunning views with fascinating history. At the top, you'll find the ruins of the "White City," the remnants of the Mt. Lowe Railway and a resort from the early 1900s. The views over the San Gabriel Valley are expansive and rewarding.
9. Best for a Quick Sunset View: Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
For one of the easiest and most accessible sunset views, head to Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. The park features a small but mighty trail system that provides stunning views of the city, the Hollywood Sign, and even the ocean on a clear day. It's an excellent spot for a quick, post-work walk without committing to a major mountain trek.
10. Best for a Local's Secret: Briar Summit Open Space Preserve (Laurel Canyon)
Tucked away north of Laurel Canyon, the Briar Summit Open Space Preserve is a 52-acre park that feels miles away from Hollywood. This underappreciated trail offers striking views and is home to a variety of native plants, including laurel sumac. It's a short, sweet, and quiet escape that only local experts tend to know about.
Essential Gear and Safety for Los Angeles Hiking
Hiking in Los Angeles, especially during the warmer months, requires specific preparation. The climate is notoriously dry and hot, and trails can be exposed, rocky, and steep. Your gear can make the difference between a great day out and a miserable experience.
LA Hiking Essentials Checklist
- Hydration is Non-Negotiable: Always carry more water than you think you need. Dehydration is the number one risk on exposed LA trails.
- Supportive Footwear: Even on "easy" trails like Fryman Canyon, supportive hiking shoes or boots are crucial. Los Angeles trails often feature rocky, uneven, and dusty terrain.
- Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are mandatory. Many popular trails, including Runyon Canyon and parts of Griffith Park, offer very little shade.
- Layered Clothing: Start with moisture-wicking layers. Even in summer, a lightweight, windproof shell (like a Marmot Precip jacket) is advisable for early morning starts or high-elevation trails in the Angeles National Forest.
- Navigation: A map (digital or physical) is essential, especially on complex routes like the Bridge to Nowhere or in the Santa Monica Mountains. Don't rely solely on cell service.
- Trail Etiquette: Always pack out what you pack in, and be mindful of the "right of way"—hikers going uphill generally have the right of way.
From the urban views of the Mount Hollywood Trail to the rugged solitude of the Icehouse Canyon Trail, Los Angeles offers a hiking experience for every skill level and desire. By staying updated on current closures and preparing with the right gear, you are ready to explore the stunning natural beauty that defines Southern California in 2025.
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