West L.A. is home to a treasure trove of hiking trails waiting to be explored. From an easy hike through a beautiful canyon to a trek to the Hollywood Sign for panoramic vistas over the city, here’s a look at the best hiking trails in West Los Angeles. These are just a few of the many excellent hiking trails in West L.A. With so many diverse options, you’re sure to find the ideal hiking trail for your next adventure. Bookmark this guide for a strenuous yet fun hike! 

Los Leones Trail, Topanga State Park

Situated in Topanga State Park, the Los Leones Trail is a challenging hike that takes hikers on a steep climb to the Parker Mesa Overlook, almost 1,300 feet above sea level. At the top, hikers are rewarded with unobstructed vistas of the Pacific Ocean and verdant hills. At the trail’s end is a clearing with a bench where you can view the Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica below. On a clear day, there’s even a view out to Catalina Island. This is an excellent option if you’re looking for a difficult hike with awe-inspiring views.

Directions: ​​From the PCH, take Sunset Boulevard 0.3 miles and turn left onto Los Liones Drive. There are two staging areas, both on the right side of the road, along with multiple trailheads to the east. Fire Station 23 is on the corner.

Temescal Canyon Trail, Pacific Palisades

If you’re looking for a moderately challenging hike with stunning views, make your way to the Temescal Canyon Trail. This picturesque trail is located in the Pacific Palisades and offers striking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains. This 3.8-mile loop trail begins at Temescal Gateway Park and climbs the canyon. The trail then returns along a ridge high above the Pacific Ocean. This trial is my go-to hike for a good workout amidst nature. 

Directions: The trail can be accessed from Temescal Gateway Park via the Temescal Ridge Trail or the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) trail. From PCH, head inland on Temescal Canyon Rd for 1 mile. Continue past Sunset Blvd to enter the park. From the main parking lot, follow the park road. Keep left at the fork. Temescal Ridge Trail is on the left after 100 feet. The MRCA trail is farther along on the left after the building.

Hike to the Hollywood Sign, Mount Lee

Trekking to the Hollywood Sign is a well-loved activity for tourists and locals. Two primary hiking trails lead to the Hollywood sign. The Mt. Hollywood Trail is the most well-known trail. This easy trail is about 5.3 miles long and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. This trail provides spectacular views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign. This hike is perfect for when you have friends visiting from out of town! 

Directions: ​​From Los Feliz Boulevard, take Vermont Avenue into Griffith Park. Follow signs to the observatory and park at the north end of the lot farthest from the observatory near the signed and landscaped Charlie Turner Trailhead.

Paradise Cove to Point Dume Trail, ​​Malibu

The Paradise Cove to Point Dume trail is a beautiful coastal hike that takes about two hours to complete. This moderately challenging trail is used for birding, hiking, and running. ​​The trail begins at Paradise Cove, a stunning beach with a pier. From there, the trail climbs up to Point Dume, a headland with gorgeous vistas of the coastline. The trail then flows along the coast, past beaches, tide pools, and arresting rock formations. Before beginning this hike, ensure that it is low tide, as some sections of the trail can be impassable at high tide.

Photo of the author and her husband on Temescal Canyon Trail Taken on the author’s camera.