If maintaining your current level of fitness is important to you, especially when you’re traveling to exciting locations such as Los Angeles, However, besides going to some of the most popular attractions, and making sure that you stay in one of the most Los Angeles rental homes, we suggest you read this LA bucket list Suggests it’s well worth exploring as many hiking trails as you can. Which will be far more pleasurable and rewarding than running for miles in a generic hotel gym.
1. Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon is one of the most easily accessible hiking trails in Los Angeles and is located a stone’s throw from Hollywood in Los Angeles’ picturesque mountains. If you’re up for a challenge you may want to take on Runyon Canyon’s dirt path, which is extremely steep in sections and is guaranteed to increase your heart rate. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an easier route, Runyon Canyon also boasts pathed pathways, which are highly recommended if you’re not used to walking up steep hills on a regular basis.
Once you get to the top of Runyon Canyon, which stands at a towering 675 feet, you’ll be able to enjoy remarkable views of Los Angeles, including the iconic Hollywood Sign. While a trip to the summit and back to your starting point is only 3 miles, due to the elevation of Runyon Canyon’s challenging track, try to allow 1.5 hours for a round trip.
While you drag yourself up Runyon Canyon also make sure to keep your eyes peeled as this particular track is known to attract A-list celebrities as well as fit locals and intrepid, adventurous tourists.
2. The Sara Wan Trailhead Hike
If you’d prefer to hike a coastal trail which offers amazing sea views, it’s well worth adding the Sara Wan Trailhead Hike to your LA trip itinerary. This stunning track starts at the Corrall Canyon, which is located in Malibu and winds its way along Malibu’s hilly landscape. This particular hike is only 2.4 miles in length and is achievable for individuals with a basic level of fitness.
If you’re an animal love you’re in luck as many hikers report seeing rabbits and lizards on their hikes. So, it’s definitely worth keeping a vigilant eye out for any movement along the track.
3. The Rancho Palos Verdes Hike
The Rancho Palos Verdes Hike is located within the gorgeous Portuguese Bend Reserve. The latter of which features over 399 acres of lush parklands, which are just waiting to be explored. If you’d prefer to take on a hike, which isn’t crowded, it’s well worth hiking this particular trail over Runyon Canyon as it’s located outside of the heart of Los Angeles and therefore attracts fewer hikers. Especially during weekdays. When you may well get to enjoy the entire track to yourself!
During your hike, you’ll be gifted with beautiful views of Catalina Island, which is a short boat ride from Long Beach, Los Angele’s premier port and will also be able to enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
4. Echo Mountain Hikes
If you’re a serious hiker, who frequently hikes with hiking equipment such as hiking poles and hiking boots, you may prefer to head to Echo Mountain. Which features half day and full day hikes as well as shorter hikes, so you’ll be sure to satisfy your urge to explore the great outdoors if you plan a day trip to Echo Mountain.
One hiking trail which you may want to explore is the Sam Merill Trail, which leads straight to the top of Echo Mountain. This challenging hike is 2.5 miles long and reaches an elevation of 1503 feet. While this hike is only 2.5 miles long, you should allow between 2-3 hours to complete the entire trip to the summit of Echo Mountain and back!
5. Mount Hollywood Hike
The Mount Hollywood Hike starts at the famous Griffith Observatory parking lot and gradually climbs upwards so that you can enjoy picturesque views of Griffith Park. On this winding hike, which is 2.9 miles long, you’ll be able to enjoy views of downtown LA, the famous Century Towers, and the San Fernando Valley. To get back to your car simply follow the trail down back towards the Griffith Observatory car park.
6. O’ Melveny Park Hike
If you don’t care for urban views and would prefer to find and explore a world class hiking trail which boasts stunning natural views, it’s well worth hiring a rental car and driving to O’Melveny Park. The O’Melveny Park Loop is a 3.1-mile trail which features a dirt road and climbs up the mountains which overlook the awe-inspiring San Fernando Valley.
If you try to take this particular track on, during LA’s hot summer months, it’s a wise move to head out on your hike as early in the morning as possible as the O’Melveny Park Trail offers little shade and can skyrocket in temperature quickly.
7. Bronson Canyon
Bronson Canyon is far more challenging than Runyon Canyon and is a 6.5-mile hike which winds its way upwards towards the Hollywood Sign. So if you want to get as close to the Hollywood Sign as you can, without breaking the law, it’s well worth taking on the Bronson Canyon trail. Which is one of the most rewarding hikes in LA and offers amazing views. As a bonus, you can take a detour to the Bronson Cave, where scenes from one of the Batman movies were filmed!
As this hike should take you several hours to complete, it’s crucial to pack water as well as one or two healthy snacks such as a snap lock bag of nuts or a fruit or two.
8. The Escondido Falls Hile
The Escondido Falls Hike is a relatively easy 4-mile hike, which is located in Malibu and which leads to a stunning waterfall. Which is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch. As this particular track is far flatter than most of the tracks listed above, this particular hike is suitable for individuals of all fitness levels! To complete this hike, allow two hours.
So if you’re a keen hiker and love exploring new trails as a way of maintaining your current level of fitness, it’s well worth referring back to this handy guide, when you choose to fly to LA for a whirlwind trip of a lifetime!
