Hikes in Griffith Park

Griffith Park preserves over 4,200 acres at the east end of the Santa Monica Mountains and is one of America's largest urban parks. Griffith Park is just five miles from downtown Los Angeles, protecting an area of the "Hollywood Hills" between Interstate 5 and the 101 Freeway. [wp_ad_wide_page] A hiker's view of Griffith Observatory Discovering Griffith Park Hikes Griffith Park is a cherished recreation hub for Angelenos and tourists alike, offering something for everyone. ... Read more.
Tuna Canyon Park in the Santa Monica Mountains
Tuna Canyon Park preserves 1,255 beautiful acres in the mountains between Topanga and Malibu. Despite being relatively unknown and under-visited, the park delivers some of the grandest ocean views to be found anywhere in the Santa Monica Mountains. From ridges 1,500 feet above a silken Pacific Ocean, Tuna Canyon Park looks east toward Santa Monica Bay and west up the coast of Malibu. ...Read more.
Distance: 5.1 miles · Elevation change: 900 feet
By: Published: February 1, 2012 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Community Trail in Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Hahn Park's Community Trail is quite well named. It isn't the type of hike you would travel a long distance to visit, but if you live nearby, you are lucky to have it. The highlight of this 2.5-mile hike in the Baldwin Hills is a string of ridge-top viewpoints that looks north over Los Angeles. The 319-acre park is bordered by oil fields that limit the natural charm. ...Read more.
Distance: 2.5 miles · Elevation change: 200 feet
By: Published: January 23, 2012 Last updated: December 6, 2025
Rustic Canyon’s Murphy Ranch from Will Rogers State Historic Park
Next to Will Rogers State Historic Park is a shady canyon with a shady past. The ruins of Murphy Ranch, a compound built by Nazi sympathizers in the 1930s have been left behind to decay in Rustic Canyon. For adventuresome hikers, a trail enters Rustic Canyon from the east side of Will Rogers SHP. Beyond the end of the trail is a long unmaintained path up an overgrown canyon to the ruins. ...Read more.
Distance: 4 miles · Elevation change: 225 feet
By: Published: January 12, 2012 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Inspiration Point in Will Rogers State Historic Park
In addition to a rare polo field, renown ranch house, and a lawn that begs to be picnicked on, Will Rogers State Historic Park has plenty to offer to hikers. This is the eastern end of the 65-mile long Backbone Trail, which crosses the Santa Monica Mountains all the way to Point Mugu, and Will Rogers SHP is also home to a delightful short hike to a popular overlook. ...Read more.
Distance: 2.25 miles · Elevation change: 325 feet
By: Published: January 11, 2012 Last updated: April 9, 2026
Beacon Hill in Griffith Park
Located in the southeast corner of Griffith Park, Beacon Hill is the easternmost summit in the Santa Monica Mountain Range. The 1,001-foot hill towers over the Los Angeles River and provides panoramic views from Burbank to Santa Monica Bay. On a clear day, Beacon Hill issues a stunning panorama. The summit can be reached via a 2.75-mile out and back hike, or a 3. ...Read more.
Distance: 3.9 miles · Elevation change: 500 feet
By: Published: December 7, 2011 Last updated: December 5, 2025