Best Backpacking Destinations in Los Angeles, United States
1. Griffith Park
A sprawling city park offering hiking trails, the Griffith Observatory, and stunning views of LA.
- Nature Trails: Provides over 80 miles of scenic trails for exploration
- Stargazing Opportunity: Home to the Griffith Observatory, a popular spot for stargazing
- Cityscape Views: Offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign
2. Runyon Canyon Park
A popular hiking destination with panoramic city views and celebrity spotting opportunities.
- Hollywood Celebrity Sightings: Known for sightings of Hollywood celebrities on the trails
- Off-leash Dog Park: Features an off-leash dog park at its summit
- Vibrant Community: Home to a diverse and active hiking community
3. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
A vast wilderness area offering numerous trails, scenic views, and wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to see local wildlife such as coyotes, mountain lions, and bobcats
- Multiple Trails: Features over 500 miles of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels
- Coastal Views: Offers stunning coastal views and access to beaches like Malibu and Zuma
4. Topanga State Park
A lush wilderness park offering challenging hikes, stunning waterfall views, and solitude.
- Challenging Hikes: Known for its steep, challenging trails suitable for experienced hikers
- Waterfall Views: Features stunning waterfalls like Escondido Falls and Solstice Canyon Falls
- Peaceful Solitude: Offers a peaceful, quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city
5. Eaton Canyon Natural Area
A picturesque canyon with a waterfall, easy trails, and picnic areas.
- Easy Trails: Features an easy, paved trail suitable for all skill levels
- Waterfall Views: Includes a waterfall at the end of the main trail
- Picnic Areas: Offers picnic areas for relaxing and enjoying a meal outdoors
6. Palos Verdes Peninsula
A beautiful coastal peninsula offering hiking trails, beaches, and stunning ocean views.
- Coastal Hikes: Provides numerous scenic hiking trails along the coast
- Beaches: Features beautiful, secluded beaches like Abalone Cove and Point Vicente
- Marine Life: Offers opportunities to see marine life such as sea lions, dolphins, and whales
7. Angeles National Forest
A vast wilderness area offering camping, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities.
- Camping Sites: Features numerous campgrounds for overnight stays
- Hiking Trails: Offers over 750 miles of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels
- Mountain Biking: Features over 350 miles of mountain biking trails
8. Wilson Park and Botanic Garden
A beautiful park with botanical gardens, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
- Botanical Gardens: Features a variety of exotic and native plant species
- Hiking Trails: Provides easy, paved trails suitable for all skill levels
- Picnic Areas: Offers picnic areas for enjoying a meal outdoors
9. Vernon Wash National Recreation Trail
A challenging trail that follows the historic Arroyo Seco waterway through urban LA.
- Historical Significance: Follows the route of an ancient waterway used by Native Americans and early settlers
- Urban Exploration: Provides a unique glimpse into urban Los Angeles' history and development
- Challenging Terrain: Features steep, challenging terrain suitable for experienced hikers
10. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
A large urban park offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and a botanic garden.
- Botanical Garden: Features a beautiful botanical garden showcasing native and exotic plants
- Hiking Trails: Offers easy, paved trails suitable for all skill levels
- Picnic Areas: Provides numerous picnic areas for enjoying a meal outdoors
11. King Gillette Ranch
A beautiful ranch offering hiking trails, horseback riding, and historic buildings.
- Horseback Riding: Allows for guided horseback rides through the ranch
- Historic Buildings: Includes historic buildings such as the King Gillette Mansion and Stables
- Scenic Trails: Features scenic trails suitable for hiking and biking
12. Solstice Canyon
A popular canyon with easy hikes, waterfalls, and historic structures.
- Easy Hiking Trails: Offers easy, flat trails suitable for all skill levels
- Waterfall Views: Includes a beautiful waterfall at the end of the main trail
- Historic Solstice Cottage: Features a historic cottage built by early settlers
13. Santa Monica Mountains Outlying Peaks
A challenging hiking destination offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Challenging Hikes: Features steep, challenging trails suitable for experienced hikers
- Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains
- Remote Locations: Provides a remote, secluded hiking experience away from crowds
14. Rose Valley Falls
A hidden gem offering an easy hike to a picturesque waterfall.
- Easy Hiking Trails: Offers an easy, paved trail suitable for all skill levels
- Waterfall Views: Includes a beautiful waterfall at the end of the main trail
- Secluded Location: Provides a peaceful, secluded hiking experience away from crowds
15. Temescal Canyon Park
A scenic canyon park offering challenging trails and stunning ocean views.
- Challenging Trails: Features steep, challenging trails suitable for experienced hikers
- Ocean Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Malibu coastline
- Peaceful Solitude: Provides a peaceful, quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city