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LA Hiking

The best hikes within an hour or two of UCLA. No car? Many are Metro-accessible.

Runyon Canyon

Hollywood Hills

Off-leash dog park + city views. Crowded but quick. Great for a weekday workout.

1.5–3.5 milesEasy–Moderate

Griffith Observatory Loop

Griffith Park

Iconic LA views. Park lower and hike up. Combine with observatory visit.

4 milesModerate

Sturtevant Falls

Angeles NF

45 min from campus. Beautiful 50-ft waterfall. Popular on weekends.

3.8 miles RTEasy

Mt. Lowe via Cobb Estate

Angeles NF

Long approach, big views. Start early. No permit required.

10 miles RTStrenuous

Eaton Canyon Falls

Altadena

Another waterfall close to Pasadena. Family-friendly.

4 miles RTEasy

San Jacinto Peak via Tram

San Bernardino NF

90 min drive. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up, hike to the summit. Mind-bending transition from desert to alpine.

11 miles RTModerate

Mugu Peak Loop

Point Mugu SP

Santa Monica Mountains. Coastal views, wildflowers in spring. Combine with beach time.

8 milesModerate

Nicholas Flat – La Jolla Canyon

Point Mugu SP

One of the best day hikes near LA. Remote feel, waterfall, swimming hole.

9.5 milesStrenuous