Hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains

Stretching through Malibu toward downtown Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains are a beautiful coastal range packed with enticing trails. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area spans 40 miles west to east across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties from Point Mugu to Griffith Park. A network of federal, state, and city parks protect over 150,000 acres of the Santa Monica Mountains, offering miles and miles of hiking trails. ... Read more.
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Los Angeles

Hermit Gulch Campground
on Santa Catalina Island

Campgrounds | Los Angeles
Hermit Gulch Campground on Santa Catalina Island
The only campground in the city of Avalon on Catalina Island is Hermit Gulch. The campground is located a mile from the center of town on Avalon Canyon Road just before the Botanical Gardens. For hikers, the adjacent Hermit Gulch Trail provides a single-track ascent to the Trans-Catalina Trail on the ridgeline above Avalon. The campground is made up of 43 sites, each with its own picnic table. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Catalina Island · Tent Camping
By: Seth Smigelski Published: February 2, 2010 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Los Angeles

Hermit Gulch Trail – Trans-Catalina Trail Loop
on Santa Catalina Island

Los Angeles | Trails
Trail Rating:
Hermit Gulch Trail – Trans-Catalina Trail Loop on Santa Catalina Island
Take an 11.75-mile hike over the ridges above Avalon on Hermit Gulch Trail - Trans-Catalina Trail Loop, gathering amazing ocean views, in two directions at times, as well as perspectives over the pristine interior of the island. This hike offers a scenic loop on picturesque southeast end of Santa Catalina Island. Those staying at Hermit Gulch Campground are already at the trailhead for the C-shaped loop. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Catalina Island · Free Trails · Ocean Views
Distance: 11.75 miles · Elevation change: 1600 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 28, 2010 Last updated: April 9, 2026
Los Angeles

Hermit Falls
in the San Gabriel Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails
Trail Rating:
Hermit Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains
This 2.6-mile round trip hike visits a short waterfall downstream from Sturtevant Falls in the Angeles National Forest. Hermit Falls receives fewer visitors than its neighbor but is a popular swimming hole for cliff jumpers in the spring and summer. The trailhead is at 2,180 feet, while the falls are at 1,430, making this is an upside down hikes where the uphill comes at the end. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Adventure Pass · Angeles National Forest · Arcadia · Cliff Jumping · Closed · Creeks · Water Slides · Waterfalls · Dog-Friendly Trails · Los Angeles Waterfalls · Mountain Biking Trails · San Gabriel Mountains
Distance: 2.6 miles · Elevation change: 750 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 27, 2010 Last updated: February 15, 2026
Los Angeles

Santa Anita Canyon Loop
in the San Gabriel Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails
Trail Rating:
Santa Anita Canyon Loop in the San Gabriel Mountains
See the best that Santa Anita Canyon has to offer. Visit Hoegees Camp, Mount Zion, and Sturtevant Falls on one hike leaving Chantry Flats in the San Gabriel Mountains. In John W. Robinson's excellent guide book, Trails of the Angeles, Santa Anita Canyon Loop is described as: One of the best [loop hikes] in the San Gabriels. It's hard to argue with that distinction. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Adventure Pass · Angeles National Forest · Arcadia · Creeks · Waterfalls · Wildflowers · Mountain Biking Trails · San Gabriel Mountains
Distance: 9.5 miles · Elevation change: 1800 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 26, 2010 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Los Angeles

Mount Zion via Upper Zion Trail
in the San Gabriel Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails
Trail Rating:
Mount Zion via Upper Zion Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains
After hiking to Spruce Grove Camp above Sturtevant Falls, why not return to Chantry Flats by crossing over Mount Zion? The trail to Mount Zion passes along the east side of a ridge leading up to the summit. The grade is gentle, and after all the demanding switches beneath Spruce Grove, the trail feels surprisingly kind. Only 400 feet of elevation separate Spruce Grove Camp and Mount Zion, which is crossed over 1. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Adventure Pass · Angeles National Forest · Arcadia · Dog-Friendly Trails · Mountain Biking Trails · San Gabriel Mountains
Distance: 1.5 miles · Elevation change: 400 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 26, 2010 Last updated: December 5, 2025
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