Top Walking Trails in Los Angeles Rated by Distance and Difficulty

The Mount Hollywood Trail in Griffith Park now draws more than 5,000 walkers every June, city rangers report, making it Los Angeles’ busiest hiking route for locals seeking a workout with their skyline views.

With LA’s summer sun hitting 85 degrees in many neighborhoods this week, outdoor fitness is high on Angelenos’ minds—especially for those balancing wellness goals with the rising costs and crowds of boutique gyms. Trails around Santa Monica, Malibu and the Hollywood Hills are seeing a surge as residents seek fresh air, social connection and calorie-burning walks without the price tag of a fitness class.

From Pacific Palisades to Griffith Park: Route Picks by Level

Three major walking trails now top the city’s fan charts for walkability and challenge. For beginners or social strollers, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail—known locally as 'The Strand'—offers a breezy, mostly flat walk from the Venice Boardwalk north through Santa Monica. The most popular 3-mile loop from Santa Monica Pier to Will Rogers State Beach takes about 1 hour at a gentle pace and is accessible year-round, with public restrooms and $3/hour parking at Lot 4 North on Barnard Way.

For intermediate walkers, Runyon Canyon Park remains a hub. The 2.7-mile Runyon Loop (enter at 2000 N Fuller Ave) mixes steady inclines with shaded plateaus. The route offers 500 feet of elevation gain—enough for a satisfying burn, but short enough to finish in under two hours. Mornings before 9 a.m. tend to be less crowded and cooler, according to LA Parks & Rec staff.

Advanced walkers or weekend warriors swear by the Mount Hollywood Summit Trail in Griffith Park. Beginning near the Griffith Observatory (2800 E Observatory Rd), this 6.5-mile out-and-back trail climbs more than 1,200 feet—putting your glutes to the test. On clear days, summiting before noon delivers 360-degree views from downtown LA to Burbank and the Pacific, all for the price of a free parking spot if you arrive before 8 a.m.

Data, Rankings, and What’s Next

Los Angeles Trails LA, a local nonprofit that tracks user data, says the Mount Hollywood Trail saw a 30% jump in use from 2022 to 2025. The City of LA’s most recent Open Space report shows over 40 parks with marked trails, and nearly 175 miles of official walking paths. The Griffith Parkline shuttle, started in 2024, now connects busy trailheads every weekend for $1, making car-free hiking more accessible than ever.

Outdoor recreation experts at the LA Department of Recreation and Parks recommend starting with early or dusk walks for safety and sun protection, carrying water, and checking LA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) via airnow.gov before setting out—especially for strenuous hikes in the canyons. City-run fitness groups (like WeRunLA, meeting Sundays at Echo Park Lake) often list new group walks for all levels on social media and Nextdoor.

With ongoing upgrades to park signage and more shaded benches coming by Labor Day, LA’s walking trails are set to see even more foot traffic. Whether you’re power-walking to the top of Griffith Park or cruising along the Santa Monica shore, these urban routes offer Angelenos affordable, physically-distanced ways to stay healthy—even as July’s heat and crowds roll in. For personal health concerns or specific limits, experts recommend consulting a local medical provider before tackling a new hiking route.