Fryman Canyon Los Angeles
Wellness

Five walking and hiking spots in LA

May 23, 2019

LA’s sunny year-round weather and spectacular canyons make hiking a popular pastime.
butterfly resting on hand
6 mile route

Mount Hollywood

This hike, located in Griffith Park, is great for an up-close look at the iconic Hollywood sign. Follow the Brush Canyon Trail up the mountain until it connects with the Mulholland Trail. Turn left and continue across the mountain until you reach Mount Lee Drive. Turn right and follow the paved path up and to the left until you’re directly behind the landmark sign. A protective fence prevents you from reaching the actual sign itself but you can still capture the perfect Instagram-worthy snapshot from this stunning viewpoint.

1.5 mile route

Runyon Canyon

Runyon Canyon is possibly LA’s most well-known and most popular hiking destination. This hike is easily accessible from the middle of the city and is suitable for all fitness levels. This popular trail tends to get crowded, especially on the weekends, so early arrival is recommended to claim a parking spot on one of the surrounding residential streets. Two entrances are located just north of Hollywood Boulevard at Vista Street or Fuller Avenue. Choose either a gradual sloping pathway to your left or a steeper staircase path to your right. Both lead to a peak with a 180° view of the LA skyline, all the way from downtown to the sea.

1.5 mile route

los angeles mountain hike trail
Los Angeles Canyon hiking trail
3 mile route

Fryman Canyon

Fryman Canyon is typically less crowded than Runyon Canyon and has a more remote feel. Drive north along Laurel Canyon Boulevard, past Mulholland, until you reach the intersection of Fryman Road. Head west on Fryman Road, where you’ll find ample parking and the trailhead entrance. The route meanders across the mountain, offering scenic views of the lush hillside. The natural path comes to an end at a cul-de-sac at the top of Iredell Lane. Walk down the lane through the residential neighbourhood, turning right on Iredell Road and continue downhill. When you reach Fryman Road, turn left and head back to the trailhead parking area.

3 mile route

2 or 6.5 mile route

Los Liones Canyon

To the west of LA is Los Liones trail, which rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and sprawling California coastline. The trailhead is located off Sunset Boulevard just north of Pacific Coast Highway. Turn onto Los Liones Drive from Sunset Boulevard and continue towards the clearly marked trail entrance where there’s plenty of parking. The Los Liones Trail continues for 1.3 miles through the mountain, opening up to a flat scenic overlook. Head back down the way you came or continue on to the left, following the path to the higher elevation Parker Mesa Overlook for a seven-mile out and back journey.

Los Angeles view from mountain hike
San Vicente Mountain
0.6 or 2.5 mile route

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

On the opposite side of the Los Angeles basin is the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, which offers an expansive view of the city. From the 10 Freeway, take the Overland Avenue exit heading south then turn left on Jefferson Boulevard. The trailhead begins where Jefferson Boulevard meets Hetzler Road. From here you can choose between a gradual sloping dirt path (approximately 2.5 miles roundtrip) or a steep staircase covering a fraction of the distance. Either way you’ll enjoy a breathtaking vista at the top.

We wish you happy hiking around the scenic surroundings of Hotel Bel-Air. Don’t forget to take your sunscreen and some water!

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