Hiking is a passion of mine which I truly enjoy. This is a trail that allows the flexibility of…read morebeginner to advanced workouts. For starters if you are into running, jogging or bike rides this trail is perfect. I enjoy the running aspect as I love a great workout. If you enjoy some chill time or a read this is a great spot as well. From enjoying a great sunrise or sunset this is a great spot.

Descanso trail is 3.1-mile loop trail in La Canada Flintridge, California near the Descanso…read moreGardens. Generally, it is considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 26 min to complete. However, it took me 2.5 hours (out-and-back) because of multiple rest stops to enjoy the awesome view. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Overall, it's one of a nicest hiking spot in LA county.

This hike going up the firebreak ridge to Lawlor, then to Strawberry Peak saddle and back is about…read more4.8 miles round trip. The hike starts at the same trailhead as Strawberry peak. You will continue on for about 1 mile, then see the steep ridge ahead that will take you directly to the peak. The climb is a little less than 1000 feet elevation in 0.6 miles. This ascent is very steep, and there will be some rock scrambling/climbing and loose gravel and scree to contend with. At times it may be difficult to get a foot hold. Take your time. At the top, the mountain starts to flatten and you will follow the trail to the right to Mount Lawlor peak (marked with a partial telephone pole). I would recommend to take the firebreak trail to Strawberry Peak saddle (about 0.7 miles) to descend, as it will be much safer. The trail is overgrown in parts and there is some rock scrambling down as well, but the trail is mostly visible and easy to follow. At the saddle, take a hard left and follow the single file trail back to the trailhead. This part of the trail is quite easy. If you are looking for a challenging alternative to Strawberry Peak, this hike fits the bill. parking - adventure pass required if you park in the designated parking lot (which is closed at this time due to covid-19 restrictions). Alternate parking is available across the street

Great hike but get ready for a tough ascent and a tougher descent. The first couple of miles are…read morefairly easy, the trail is straight forward and clear until you reach your U turn to head up to the summit (this is where it splits for strawberry peak) That trek up is tough, lots of climbing over rocks and spiky bushes. At times it feels like you've lost the trail but just keep heading up. I did not see anyone on my way up to the summit or down and I started around 10:30am. So this is definitely the path less traveled which I appreciate when I'm hiking. The way down is fairly straight forward, again it doesn't look much like a trail and there was LOTS of challenges- spiky bushes, loose dirt, it's a kicker for sure. If you're confused where to go basically continue on the trail south and it's a straight shot down. Very literally straight down. There's some cables to hold on to so keep an eye for those they're very helpful! I checked my GPS a couple times to make sure I was heading in the right direction but again it's really just down. A couple of things: WEAR PANTS!!! The spiky bushes are real and even with capris my legs are all cut up. Definitely wear hiking boots to protect your ankles on the way down. I'm writing this review during Covid 19 shelter in place, so the main parking lot is closed but there is a small parking lot just past the paved one where you can park and walk up. This trailhead as of when I'm writing this review is open and you're able to hike it still!

Such a unique and beautiful hike!!!! We even got to see some very hard snow that was almost gone,…read moredue to the rain and winds. I would highly recommend that at least 50% of the group have the trail downloaded, and you carry extra phone chargers. A few people who were with us almost got lost. It is very easy to do so if you are not paying attention. There is also one portion that becomes very steep. Take your time and bring a stick or poles if you need to. Other than that, the views are breathtaking, so enjoy! I would 1000% do this trail again, but only in a larger group with more experienced hikers. Hoping they are able to locate Monica Reza!! Please, please, please, do not leave anyone behind on their own. This is not an easy trail to guide yourself. There was a lovely man we met on the trail who hikes this consistently, and he cautioned us against losing people.

I bagged a peak this summer!! And the Waterman Mountain loop trail has become my number one fave…read morelocal trail here in SoCal. Getting up to Waterman peak isn't terribly technical - more of a straightforward moderate hike on well marked trails with tons of biodiversity and beautiful views. I hiked it towards the end of June and there were beautiful native SoCal blooms scattered along the trail - with so many native bees! The hike is through a burn scar (from the Peak Fire in 2021 I think) - so it can be a bit barren and burned up in places but it's heartening to see how well the area is recovering. I also ran into countless Pygmy Nuthatches (a lifer for me!!), White-headed Woodpeckers, squirrels, chipmunks, and even some cute tiny spiders! But this is Black Bear and Mountain Lion country so be vigilant and carry bear spray. All in all, I hiked around 6.4 miles with around 1380+ feet elevation gain. The trails are narrow in a lot of spots and mostly consists of rocks, loose dirt, and fine gravel. The first half of the trail is through forest and burn scar. The last half after the peak and old ski resort (long closed) is very exposed fire road with no shade and minimal views. On subsequent hikes I tend to skip that part and just turn around after the peak bc I like that part of the trail better lol. The peak of Waterman Mtn sits at 8030 feet. There's a great sign at the peak made by @peakart125 (on instagram) - it's lovely and makes for a fun way to celebrate making it all the way up! There's a sort of false peak right before the actual peak so I highly recommend making sure you've downloaded the trail map on AllTrails before heading out since cell signal is minimal to nonexistent on the trail. The views from the peak are a tad obstructed by rocks and trees - but you still get nice pocket views of Twin Peaks, the valley, and Mt Wilson observatory. It's also interesting to explore the old ski resort near the peak. There's tons of equipment and a chair lift but it doesn't look like it's been opened for years probably. AllTrails also shows a bathroom up there but I didn't find one so come prepared. There's a bathroom next to the paved parking area in a campground entrance at the trailhead. There's plenty of parking - almost all paved. You'll need an adventure pass to park bc it's in the Angeles National Forest - but they accept America the Beautiful passes too! I pretty much had the trail to myself on the weekday early morning. I only ran into two people - turned out it was search and rescue looking for missing hiker Monica Reza who went missing the weekend before my hike (I think she was last seen June 22nd, 2025). I helped a bit in the search on my way out but no luck. My understanding is she's still missing (I included a photo - they're still looking for volunteers to help search if you're interested!) - be aware and keep a lookout if you do the trail! They also have Instagram and FB pages for updates.

This was easily one of my favorite hikes around LA, mostly because it was such an unexpected…read moreadventure. My friend originally wanted to hike the Brown Dam hike, but last minute suggested this trail and I'm so glad she did. We parked near the Angeles Crest Highway and followed the trail up to the La Cañada Teepee. The hike itself was long but relatively easy, and we were lucky that the weather was slightly overcast that day which it made the trek much more comfortable. We knew we were close when we saw the mailbox along the trail with a chain blockading the road to the teepee. That's when we ran into two Kenyan women who gave us a quick heads-up about what was ahead: stunning lavender fields, a cool telescope (I thought it was a model of the Griffith Observatory--haha), and even a little maze hidden within the flora and bushes as you get closer to the teepee structure. The sisters also mentioned that the area is actually private property, but the owners generously allow people to visit. We didn't run into the owner's, but we were able to explore and enjoy the incredible views and the massive teepee structure at the top. It truly felt like stumbling upon a hidden gem right in Los Angeles--one of the best surprises in such a long time. Highly recommended if you are an avid hiker. Best, Lina C.

This is a fun hiking destination! You can approach from the east or the south and you won't be…read moredisappointed.

Mt Wilson was an amazing hike, utterly beautiful. The observatory at the top and the picture…read moreopportunities were fun. We hiked on a perfect weather day and enjoyed ice cream at Mother Moo Creamery at the bottom. Wonderful experience. Please come and create your own adventure.

+ Fun hike! Good exercise if - it weren't for the fires…read morecausing destruction. Mt Wilson trail is now in disrepair and inaccessible. No notice of when it'll reopen. - Before driving 1 hr up there, I searched online "mt wilson forecast" to check for road/trail closures. The websites don't mention any. I drive up there, turns out Mt Wilson is closed! D:{ + But thankfully Chantry Flat just 5min drive away is open. + Decent single restroom at the Mt Wilson trailhead. + There's a restaurant at Mt Wilson summit, near the Observatory haha . Moderate amount of shade on these trails. - Lots of flies on these trails trying to fly into my mouth.

This is the highest point in the city and a decent leg burner if you do the loop ascending…read morenortheast from Deukmejian Wilderness, head west to the peak and descend southwest. Plated shoes and hydration vest are a must on this loop. A machete would have been nice on the last part of the descent due to overgrowth.

If you are looking for an easy, scenic trek up to a breathtaking view, then this is the wrong hike…read morefor you! You have to put in some good sweat to climb what seems to be a neverending incline all the way to the top. This review will just focus on the trails that start at Deukmejian Wilderness Park, but there are definitely other routes you can take. Parking is free and usually plentiful at this park and restrooms are clean. We first took the Crescenta View Trail and came down via the Rim of the World Trail, roughly 10 miles roundtrip. Both begin at the Deukmejian Wilderness Park parking lot, so it is a loop if you take this route. Of course it is possible to go up Rim and come down via Crescenta as well. Expect a nearly 3,000 ft elevation gain through many switchbacks and at times, narrow cliffside paths. You'll feel colder temperatures as you near the summit. We went in mid-January and saw bits of snow here and there at the top. Things to bring: -Consider wearing hiking shoes because there are some sections with a lot rocks that can disorient the footing of people wearing just running shoes. -Bring lots of water, especially in warmer weather since this is one of the longer hikes. -Wear sunscreen; there are some trees, but overall there is very little shade. -Consider printing a map from: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/hike-mt-lukens-from-deukmejian-wilderness-park/. While we were going up we did not see a single person so it is easy to lose track of where you are if it's your first time on the trail and cell phone reception is spotty. tl;dr: A tough, local workout for a smoggy view of the land below on top of the highest elevation (a bit over 5,000 ft) within Los Angeles City limits.

The park needs more care and educational signs so people do a better job at removing trash, but…read moreoverall beautiful native habitat in the valley made accessible to the public due to the leadership and advocacy from the local Tribes. Grateful for this and hope that people, animals and wildlife can continue to enjoy this waterway and the native habitat.

Oro Vista Park was recommended to us by a friend and it was spectacular. There is plenty of…read moreparking and it is easy to get to the trail head. You can go up the river or down. We went down the river and were very pleased with the life all over the river. There was plenty of ducks, birds, squirrels and all kinds of little critters. It is at the base of Angles Crest and a very nice hike. We will be going back and doing the hike upstream next time.

Verdugo Mountains are a small, rugged mountain range of the Transverse Ranges system, located just…read moresouth of the western San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County, Southern California. These mountains offer seven different elevation trails: (a) La Tuna; (b) Hostetter; (c) Vital Link; (d) Stough trail; (e) Skyline Motorway; (f) Beaudry and (g) Las Flores Motorway. I took the Vital Link trail, a 3-5 miles with 1,275 to 1,890 ft of elevation. The Verdugo Mts have a wide variety of wild plants, trees, rodents and lizards. What I like about this mountain is its 360 degree view of LACounty. Little to no shades going to the summit, so bring sunscreen and water. Overall, I enjoyed hiking this mountains. It keep me fit af!

"There's only one hill!' said the announcer before the Verdugo Mountains 10k this morning, waiting…read morefor knowing chuckles from returning runners. Only one hill......yep. The steepest hill ever and straight up 1,735 feet! Even though I've lived in the area for almost 20 years, I had never actually hiked the fire road out of Brand Park. The Verdugo Mountains 10k gave me the opportunity at last. I'd had this 10k on my radar for several years but, quite frankly, was quaking in my running shoes at the prospect of actually doing it. I'd heard it described as extremely grueling; to be honest, if anything, this aspect of the race has been under-hyped. I'd been "training" and thought I might be kind of ready. Well.......I finished it but not in any kind of decent time for me and found this the hardest race ever. It's a given that running straight uphill is difficult. But a bigger problem was coming downhill. I'd assumed it would be possible to make up some time; but the road was SO steep and rocky that this was not to be. If anything I ran more slowly downhill than up so as not to slip and fall and to avoid killing my knees. Thankfully it wasn't just me; my friend and goddaughter agreed that this was the toughest run EVER. The http://www.runtheverdugos.com/ organization did an excellent job with this race. Staff was placed strategically to ensure safety on the trail, with plentiful water stops. Everything went very smoothly, even the pancake breakfast at the end. (Five stars for the pancakes!) The Verdugo Mountains themselves offer lovely views and wonderful cool breezes floating down the canyons. This being spring, wildflowers bloomed everywhere. If you are into high intensity workouts and challenging runs, this is the road for you. Who needs to pay money to a gym? Just drive to Brand Park, take the road past the Doctor's House, breathe deeply, and start running. Enjoy!