Take a hike! Literally and figuratively. One of the best parts about living in Los Angeles is that you're in a metropolis with rustic pockets. Whether you're into the great outdoors or need some exercise, this list of hiking trails in Los Angeles will set you on the right path.
Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve
Location:Between Hurricane St. and the Marina Del Rey Harbor Channel, one block inland from Venice Beach
Features: A 16-acre saltwater estuary, connects to Grand Canal, a migratory route for birds
Eaton Canyon Park
Location: 1750 N. Altadena Dr. in Pasadena
Features: Horse trails, waterfall, shallow pool, three miles round trip
Escondido Falls
Location: 27200 Winding Way (leads from parking to the trail head) in Malibu
Features: View of the beach, rock climbing, waterfalls, takes approximately just over one hour each way
Fern Dell at Griffith Park
Location: Fern Dell Park on Fern Dell in Griffith Park, Los Feliz
Features: Stream, views of the observatory, ferns and lush plant life, charming, narrow, easy to follow and not at all out of the way (there's a restaurant a stone's throw away from the trail)
Fryman Canyon Park/Loop
Location: 8260 Mulholland Dr. (park location), not far from Laurel Canyon Blvd., between W. Hollywood and Studio City
Features:Really rustic with shaded areas (good to go with a friend rather than alone), can end at Tree People, parking available
Inspiration Point Loop Trail
Location: 1501 Will Rogers Park Rd. in Pacific Palisades; loop starts by the horse stables
Features: A two-mile hiking loop that begins and ends at the home of Will Rogers, views, trail overlooks the LA basin from Downtown to the ocean, quiet but not desolate
Malibu Creek/Century Lake
Location: Malibu Canyon Rd. and Mullholland Highway (Malibu Creek State Park)
Features:Volcano cliffs, a four-acre lake, the trail is about three miles long, beautiful views
Millard Canyon
Location: Sunset Ridge (trail head is at the top) near Alta Dena
Features: Waterfall, views, gold mine, trail starts on the gated paved Sunset Ridge fire road
Portola Trail
Location: Park Row Dr. (parking), trail begins at the Portola Trail Historical Monument, in Elysian Park
Features: Five miles round trip, grass, oaks and rubber trees, views, shady glens, not too busy
Runyon Canyon
Location:Two blocks north of Hollywood Blvd. at Fuller and Vista in Hollywood
Features: Yoga classes, off-leash dog walking, friendly singles scene
