Los Angeles is known for its sunshine and heat, but not every day lives up to that image. I actually like the cool weather, and it feels perfect for a nice
hike into nature. California is extremely ecologically diverse, with many different habitats such as mountains, forests, deserts, and coastal areas. I’ve hiked many
trails across the Los Angeles area, and these are easily my favorites. If you’re looking for a great place to hike, you’re in the right spot.
Baldwin Hills Outlook: Baldwin Hills Outlook is a fairly compact hiking trail on a larger hill near Culver City. There are multiple trails leading up and down the hill, which vary in intensity, with three winding trails and a very strenuous set of stairs that lead to the top. The downsides to this park are actually related to its popularity. On the weekends, the trails can get crowded, as the park is very popular. Because of this crowding, there is a distinct lack of wildlife that can be seen on trails. The main allure of the park is not the trails, but the view. The outlook stands around 450 feet above most of the surrounding terrain, and it offers some of the best views of the city. Overall, this park is perfect for extroverts and those who are new to hiking.
Griffith Park: Griffith Park is the complete opposite of Baldwin Hills Outlook when it comes to size. It is a massive park, one that you probably can’t fully explore in a single day. It is also much greener overall, with more trees than the other parks on this list. It has more to offer than just plant life; there are plenty of landmarks in the park, with the most iconic being, of course, the Griffith Observatory. There is also the old LA Zoo, which has been left to decay, its original purpose long forgotten. There are also the Bronson Caves, which are currently closed at the time of writing this, but they are man-made caves that were used as sets for iconic movies and television shows such as Star Trek. Along with all of these landmarks, many long trails lead to breathtaking views and allow one to immerse oneself in nature. If you either want to challenge yourself with a longer hike or if you live near the park, I would highly recommend it.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area: Kenneth Hahn isn’t as large as Griffith Park, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in biodiversity. There are two main sides of the park, and they are nearly opposites. The northern side is more rocky and drier than the southern side. It is where you may see a lizard or two. The northern side also has the best views of the Los Angeles skyline, and on a good day, it is absolutely breathtaking to see. On the south side, there are more trees and a large artificial stream and lake. You’ll be able to see many birds and an occasional fish in the lake. There is a large difference in elevation between the two sides, and the northern side does not charge an entrance fee and is located on La Brea. The southern side has a ten-dollar parking fee per day, and it is located on La Cienega. Kenneth Hahn is my personal favorite because I have many fond memories of going there to take a short hike and seeing how many lizards I could spot with my parents. If you want to go for a short hike and you don’t want it to be crowded, this is the park I would recommend most.
BONUS: Ballona Creek: Ballona Creek isn’t actually a hiking trail; it is a bike trail that starts from La Cienega and snakes all the way down to the beach. The allure of this trail isn’t so much the destination as it often connects to major roads, but the journey. While it is mostly concrete, it is perfect for a weekend bike ride. There is not much plant life near the trail, but the sheer size of the waterway is impressive, and when it rains, a powerful rush of water can be seen moving through the channel. Ballona Creek is not as impressive as the other parks on this list, but it still has a unique charm.
It doesn’t matter too much which park you choose; they each have something unique to offer. What matters most is getting outside and experiencing
nature, especially in a state as biodiverse as California. I humbly recommend that you give one of these parks a try; you may be surprised by what you find.
