Despite its reputation as a sprawling urban metropolis, Los Angeles does provide quick access to the outdoor, whether the ocean or the mountains. There are countless easy, moderate and challenging treks within a short drive of the city, including the popular Los Liones Trail. This 7.3-mile hike from Pacific Palisades takes you a beautiful overlook in Topanga State Park. Hikers in the know consider it one of the best hikes in the LA area, taking you through a lush riparian canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy the trek – and an introduction to other favorite hikes in Los Angeles.

Where Is the Los Liones Trail?

From the Pacific Coast Highway, take Sunset Boulevard 0.3 mile and turn left onto Los Liones Drive. You’ll find parking on the right side of the road, with several trailheads to the east. There are picnic areas and restrooms nearby.

What Is the Los Liones Trail Like?

You’ll climb up a gentle, moderately shaded grade through the canyon at the south end of Topanga State Park. Follow the ivy- and chapparel-lined hike past peeks at Santa Monica Bay. Pass what appears to be a tiny stone amphitheater. At 1.3 miles and 550 feet above sea level, you’ll reach a clearing with views of the Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica and the ocean. Once you’ve reached the top of Los Liones Trail, you’ll join up with East Topanga Fire Road. If you’d like, you can push on to the Parker Mesa Overlook at 1,525 feet (and another 2.6 miles). Or, you can turn around for a 2.6-mile roundtrip hike. From Parker Mesa Overlook, on a clear day, you can see Santa Monica Bay, Catalina Island and as far inland as the San Bernardino Mountains.

No dogs or bikes are allowed on this hike. No fee or permit is required.

What Are Some Other Top Hikes in the LA Area?

Caballero Canyon

This 3.4-mile roundtrip hike follows a flat, brush-lined single track past green hills, a dry creek bed and eventually up a hill above Caballero Canyon. Once you’ve reached the end, you can go past the rusty yellow gate to an unpaved stretch of Mulholland Drive. Sit on the bench here to take a rest and enjoy the valley views.

Fryman Canyon Loop

This lovely loop trail is the probably the closest to LA, making it a convenient morning hike. Park in the Wilacre Park lot and climb the paved, tree-lined Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail. As you get near the top of the hill, you’ll get increasing views of the valley below you. Once the trail turns to dirt, you’ll find a few bench lookouts. Pass the Tree People’s Coldwater headquarters, go around the bowl above the canyon, then through the yellow gate into a residential neighborhood. Follow Iredell Lane down the hill to Iredell Street, then take a left on Fryman Road. Follow this back to the parking lot.

Getty View Trail

This 3-mile roundtrip hike takes you through the exclusive Bel-Air neighborhood. Take the Moraga Drive exit of 405 North, cross Sepulveda Boulevard, take a left on Bellagio Road and drive to the dead end. Hike the wide fire road, from which you can see the opposite ridge and The Getty Center. As the canyon appears to your right, you’ll have an inside peek behind Bel-Air estate gates – from a distance.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

Reach this state park off La Cienega, where you’ll immediately see geese and ducks swimming in Gwen Moore Lake. Take a left into the parking lot and walk left to the fire road. From here, climb past the Autumn’s Peak and Christine’s Point covered benches to see the Blair Hills oil derricks. To your left is Century City, downtown LA and the San Gabriel Mountains. When you’re done with your hike and back at the parking lot, take a right on Olympic Forest Drive to visit Doris’ Japanese Gardens.

Bee Rock (Old Zoo Hike)

For this 4-mile loop, park in the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round lot. Walk past the white barricades, then before you reach more barricades, take a left on the third fire road. Take a right at the fork and climb the fire road overlooking the Wilson Golf Course and Verdugo Mountains in the distance. As you pass onto a paved road, you’ll see the animal enclosures and cages remaining from the original LA Zoo. From here, take a left on the paved road, walk through a hole in the fence, climb to a fork in a dirt road and take a right. The fenced-in lookout of Bee Rock is above you. Go back down the trail and when you reach a dead end, take a left. Take a right at the next fork, navigating rocks and logs. At the road, turn left. Take the stairs down a rocky path overlooking a golf course and the valley. Descend the switchbacks and take a right at the fire road. At the fence, hang a right. Climb the high fire road to the parking lot.

Eagle Rock Hike

Park at Trippet Ranch ($10 for the day). You’ll pass horse stables and picnic tables on your way to the paved Musch Trail. Take a right toward Musch Camp, go across a small bridge and continue down a winding trail. Follow the switchbacks up the hillside, starting to see the Santa Monica Mountains in the distance. Continue through a meadow, then take a right on Eagle Junction. Take a left at the fire road and wrap around a hillside. When you see the “Eagle Rock” sign, take a right. Climb the rock! The farther up you go, the better the views.

Los Angeles Hiking Tips

A few things to keep in mind when hiking in the Los Angeles area. Carry your cell phone. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. Keep to the center of the trail to avoid contact with poison ivy and wildlife like rattlesnakes and tarantulas.