Los Angeles and Orange County Hiking

Get information on local hiking trails within the Los Angeles and Orange County area!

I started hiking solo when I moved to Los Angeles during COVID, and have since tapered down the intensity of my local hikes from longer 10+ miles to ideally sub-5 miles on the weekends (to protect my recovering injured knees). Here, I try to give you practical information but also provide breathtaking shots of the hiking scenery.

Local Hikes in Los Angeles

From the west side (Will State Rogers Park) to the Angeles Mountains, there's so much to terrain elevation to gain in hiking LA.

Backbone Trail Sandstone Peak, Malibu Hiking, Los Angeles Hiking
Backbone Trail Sandstone Peak, Malibu Hiking, Los Angeles Hiking
Los Leones Trail, Malibu Hiking, Pacific Palisades Hiking, Los Angeles Hiking
Los Leones Trail, Malibu Hiking, Pacific Palisades Hiking, Los Angeles Hiking

Palmdale, California

Strawberry Peak Trail

Pacific Palisades, California

Los Leones Trail

Malibu, California

Backbone Trail: Sandstone Peak to

Mishe Mokwa Loop

Length: 6.6 miles

Time: 3-4 hours (half-day)

Elevation Gain: 2700 ft

Ease: Hard (rock scrambling)

Length: 4 miles

Time: 2-2.5 hours

Elevation Gain: 1000 ft

Ease: Easy-Moderate

Length: 6.25 miles

Time: 3-4 hours (half-day)

Elevation Gain: 1000 ft

Ease: Easy-Moderate

Local Hikes in Orange County

In Orange County, there's less elevation gain, but more beach walks that are stunning at every turn you go. Here, you can explore the juxtaposition of beautiful waters and modern (wealthy) living in these coastal Southern California towns.

Palos Verdes, California

Corona Del Mar, California

Seal Beach, California

Length: 5.7 miles

Time: 2.5 hours

Elevation Gain: 500 ft

Ease: Easy-Moderate

Length: 0.5-1 mile

Time: 30 min, more for photos

Elevation Gain: <100 ft

Ease: Easy

Length: 2.6 miles

Time: 1 hour

Elevation Gain: <100 ft

Ease: Easy

I absolutely love the detailed information provided on local hikes in the Los Angeles and Orange County area. It has made my tagging along for outdoor adventures so much easier!

Happy Boyfriend Hiking Partner

a man riding a horse down a dirt road
a man riding a horse down a dirt road

★★★★★