Hiking in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a sprawling and culturally diverse city renowned as the entertainment capital of the world. This is not its only allure though, and the city is also celebrated for its Mediterranean climate, world-class museums, culinary scene, and iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and the Walk of Fame. LA's unique blend of natural beauty, urban energy, and cultural richness makes it a dynamic and popular destination that is great for exploring on foot. Whether you’re out for a stroll or a hiking tour in Los Angeles, you’re in for a memorable experience.
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Los Angeles is a sprawling and culturally diverse city renowned as the entertainment capital of the world. This is not its only allure though, and the city is also celebrated for its Mediterranean climate, world-class museums, culinary scene, and iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and the Walk of Fame.
LA's unique blend of natural beauty, urban energy, and cultural richness makes it a dynamic and popular destination that is great for exploring on foot. Whether you’re out for a stroll or a hiking tour in Los Angeles, you’re in for a memorable experience.
Read on for all you need to know about hiking tours, one of the most captivating outdoor activities in Los Angeles.
What are the best hiking tours in Los Angeles?
Thanks to its diverse environment, there are several different kinds of hikes to choose from in Los Angeles. These are just a few of the most popular types of hikes on offer:
Hollywood Sign guided hike
The iconic Hollywood Sign is recognized throughout the world as the beacon of American entertainment. It has featured close-up in multiple films and television series, and its panoramic position on the Hollywood Hills makes it easy to spot.
On a guided hike to the Hollywood Sign, your guide will escort you to the best possible locations for great photo opportunities. Along with the sign itself, other notable stops or pass-bys on the tour include the Hollywood Reservoir, Lake Hollywood Park, Griffith Park and Observatory, Hollywood Film Studios in Burbank, Forest Lawn Memorial Park and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
You will also have the chance to appreciate the city with views of neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, San Fernando and Glendale. The tour also includes a bird’s eye view of the Hollywood Bowl.
Griffith Observatory hike
Griffith Park is one of North America’s largest urban parks and has many trails to explore. On a guided tour, you can expect to hike along some of the routes that surround the Griffith Observatory, giving you viewpoints across the Los Angeles Basin. Along the route, your guide will point out many famous filming locations as you make your way to the highest peak in the park.
After you have heard tales of Hollywood’s incredible history, you end the hike at the Griffiths Observatory where you will also get skip-the-line access to a tour inside where you can learn more about the starry skies above us.
Additional options such as a visit to the planetarium can be arranged at an extra cost on some of these types of tours.
Sunset hiking tour in Los Angeles
Sunset and night hikes give you a whole new perspective of the city. Your guide is the key to this memorable evening, as they will regale you with stories of Hollywood’s history as you walk between sites such as the Walk of Fame, Chinese Theater and Roosevelt Hotel before heading through the hills to Griffith Park.
Once in the park, you will be able to watch the sunset behind the Los Angeles city skyline and relax beneath the starry Californian skies.
Malibu Vineyard hike
Malibu is an area known for its rugged mountains and golden beaches. It is also a region with excellent vineyards, some of which you can visit on a Malibu Vineyard hike.
In conjunction with a moderately paced guided hike, on a Malibu Vineyard hike your guide will also take you to view Chumash Native American rock paintings, organic gardens and of course the local vineyards.
This loop is around 4 kilometers long and at the end of the hike, you will have the chance to enjoy some of the local wine and learn more about wine production in the area.
Los Angeles river eco-tour and secret stair hike
Between the glamor of Hollywood and the beauty of nature lies a complex and fascinating urban landscape. On an eco-tour, your guide will introduce you to the local flora and fauna and show you how man-made and natural habitats co-exist with one another in this city of contrasts.
You’ll get to see how the Los Angeles river is being rejuvenated and discover a side of Los Angeles that has been forgotten over the years. As you walk through this urban green strip, you’ll see signs of the old Corralitas Red Car Trail, head up into Echo Park to see early 20th-century architecture and a secret swing, before continuing on to the Elysian valley.
This tour ends at the perfect lunch stop where you can grab a bite to eat, or rent a bicycle and explore Los Angeles further on your own.
What is the price of Los Angeles hiking excursions?
Los Angeles hiking excursions range in price depending on where you go and they type of tour.
Hollywood Sign guided hike prices start at around US$30 per person. Private Hollywood Sign adventure hikes are priced on a sliding scale with costs around $60 to $100 per person depending on the size of the group.
A Griffith Observatory hike costs from US$30 per person on an organized small group basis, and a hike between the observatory and the Hollywood Sign is similarly priced. Walking sunset tours and hikes are popular activities and start from $30 each.
Malibu Vineyard hikes take place just outside of the city and cost from US$50 per person. The tour is open to people of all ages, but only adults may participate in the wine tasting aspect of the excursion.
The Los Angeles river eco-tour and secret stair hike takes you off the beaten track and starts from US$40 per participant.
If you are a seasoned hiker or trail runner, you can also opt for a private trail running or hiking experience for up to 4 people from US$250 per group. You will be able to customize your experience to suit your level of fitness and experience.
When is the best time to go hiking in Los Angeles?
The best time to go hiking in Los Angeles is typically during the late spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) months. These periods offer milder temperatures and clearer skies, making them ideal for outdoor activities like hiking.
In late spring, the weather is usually warm but not excessively hot, and the natural scenery is often at its most vibrant following the winter rains. This is a great time to experience the green hills and blooming wildflowers.
What do LA hiking tours include?
All hiking tours are led by competent and experienced guides who are familiar with the terrain and the history of the area. Free parking is usually provided for hikes in the Griffith Park area, and on a Griffith Observatory hike, you will also get a jump-the-line observatory tour.
Hotel transfers and other transport is not included and you will need to make your own way to the starting point of the hikes. Extras like lunch, snacks or refreshments are extra unless otherwise specified, as are tickets for other activities such as a planetarium show or bike hire. Hikes in Malibu Vineyards include two glasses of wine.
Where do hiking tours in Los Angeles meet?
Each hiking tour has its own meeting point. Hollywood Sign hike meeting points are usually in the nearby neighborhood, and the address will be clearly communicated before the time. Due to the nature of these tours, you should be prepared as no restroom facilities are available.
Griffith Observatory hikes may begin at the statue in front of the observatory itself, or at points such as the Greek Theater box office or close to one of the parking areas nearby.
Sunset hikes may begin on Hollywood Boulevard or another central meeting place close to the Walk of Fame and you will return to the start point at the end of the tour. Vineyard tours begin at the Malibu Wine Tours office, while eco-tours usually start at Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park.
How long do hikes in LA last?
Most hiking tours last between 2 and 3 hours, regardless of their location. The duration of the tour may be affected by the weather conditions or the fitness levels of the hikers in the group.
Is it safe to go hiking in Los Angeles?
It's very safe to go hiking in Los Angeles, and even more so with a qualified guide on a tour.
However, hiking tours may not be recommended for people with serious medical conditions such as back or heart problems. It's also recommended to have a decent level of fitness.
Can children join LA hiking excursions?
Children can join most LA hiking excursions, but some tour operators may place age restrictions for kids beneath the ages of five or above. Check with your tour outfit beforehand to ensure the whole family can participate.
What if there is bad weather?
If the weather turns for the worse on the day of your hike, you can arrange to do your tour on an alternative or day or request a full refund.
Tips before you go
- Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Layering is key, as temperatures can change.
- It's crucial to bring enough water, especially during the warmer months
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from UV rays.
- For your safety and to protect the environment, it's important to stay on the designated trails.