Los Leones Trail

Explore the scenic Los Leones Hiking Trail in Topanga State Park (Pacific Palisades, California)

This is one of the most popular hiking trails on the westside of Los Angeles, approximately 20 minutes driving from Santa Monica, 45 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles, and 1.25-1.5 hours from Orange County.

On a clear day, you will be able to see miles along the California coastline.

Cafe 27 Topanga, Dining in Topanga
Cafe 27 Topanga, Dining in Topanga
Coastal Hike Los Angeles, SoCal Hiking
Coastal Hike Los Angeles, SoCal Hiking
California Coastline, Los Leones Hiking Trail, Hiking in California
California Coastline, Los Leones Hiking Trail, Hiking in California
Los Leones Hiking Trail, California Los Angeles Hiking
Los Leones Hiking Trail, California Los Angeles Hiking

Information

Length

4 miles out-and-back trail

Time

2-2.5 hours to complete

Elevation Gain

1050 feet

Ease
Path
Time of Year to Go

Easy-Moderate

Paved, tennis shoes OK (don't necessarily need hiking shoes)

Opened year-round, but I recommend going in the Spring or Fall, when the weather is not too hot. If you are going in the summer, start early and bring plenty of water, sunblock and sunglasses/hat, as there is little to no shade.

Parking

Free street parking + lot, fills up quickly

Recommendation for Food After

Cafe 27 for Brunch - offering good (pricey) food on top of hill in Topanga- surrounded by trees

Other Things

AllTrails Link HERE

I most recently did this trail in 2023, and pups are NOT allowed - though we saw a lot. Not sure if it's because some of the shrubbery is not maintained and there are rattlesnacks, which we saw RIGHT on the trail. Best to leave your pup at home and not risk exposing them to little critters on the trail.

In 2021- I extended this trail a bit further to complete a much longer hike - 11.3 mile, 6h, 2500ft elevation gain hike. This was called the Los Liones Canyon and East Topanga Fire Road, for those looking for a bit harder challenge. The longer hike does NOT offer much more views but and the terrain is still paved the whole way, but offers more elevation gain. For my long-distance runners, that could offer a good place to train.

Doggo- Friendly?

NO - leave your pup at home :(

Dayhike What to Bring

After years of hiking on/off and reading lots of articles of things to bring for various hikes/trips, here's my list!

There's obviously BETTER gear than this list provides, but I tried to find things that are cost-conscious over the years.

(Disclaimer: some of these links might be affiliate links, which offer me a small commission at NO cost to you! It helps support the travels to help continue information on this webiste :))

HIKING SHOES - waterproof is not necessary (GORE-TEX adds less breathability, sometimes more weight) but I only have waterproof to keep it simple for my other trip hikes that do require waterproof

  • Salomon Women's OUTPULSE Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots for Women ($100 Amazon) - lighter weight and more breathable, but not truly waterproof. I wore this for a full rain day walking around Osaka, Japan and my socks did ultimately get wet! But still my preference if you want something protective, not heavy-duty, and still (sort of) cute.

  • La Sportiva Womens Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Boot ($110 Amazon) - these are my go-to for heavy-duty protection. It is a bit less breathable. Do NOT size up (even if you wear good hiking socks) - I sized up and it was too loose

HIKING SOCKS - hiking socks are typically thicker and more supportive on the soles, to prevent blisters. There are different levels (thickness), depending on how long you will be hiking.

  • Darn Tough is my FAVORITE brand for hiking socks. They rarely go on sale, so if you see them for a few bucks off ever, its a snag. I'm a size 7 Women's and wear a small in the brand. I like the Micro Crew Height to match with my mid-top hiking shoes ($25 Amazon)

BACKPACK/WATER BLADDER - for the length of this hike, you don't really NEED a water bladder but it always helps with keeping your hands free and ensuring you stay hydrated throughout the hike. I prefer the Amazon version to Camelback given both price and cleanliness (since it has a cap you can easily remove/put back on after drinking)

  • Green 2L Hydration Bladder - you can get up to 3L, which will last you a full-day intense hike... but that can get heavy. I like 2L for each person with bringing electrolytes tablets in case. ($12 Amazon 2L)

MINERAL-BASED FACE SUNSCREEN - go for at LEAST SPF 30

  • My pick is the Shiseido Mineral Sunscreen, but it IS quite pricy ($50 Amazon for 5 Oz); you can wait for a sale on Ulta (which I've seen once!)

MINERAL-BASED BODY SUNSCREEN - go for at LEAST SPF 30

  • Over the years, I've upped my sunscreen game. Then, last year converted to mineral-based given 1) it's better for the environment and 2) it's thought to not have the chemicals that may cause cancer (oxybenzone, etc).

  • For body, I recommend the Blue Lizard Brand -- which is also NY Times' recommendation ;) ($12 Amazon for 5 Oz SPF 50) - this is the baby mineral sunscreen because I feel like it is more sensitive, but you can go for the adult version here as well ($13 Amazon for 5 Oz SPF 50)

SNACKS - the hike is relatively short, but I always try to pack some granola/protein bar/electrolyte powder in case

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