Hikes to Los Angeles Waterfalls

Numerous waterfalls can be seen on hikes around Los Angeles. Most LA waterfalls are at their best in the early months of the year when rainstorms and runoff from snow provide the fullest flows. Some waterfalls dry out completely in the fall, so timing is important. The list below offers a general ranking of LA's waterfall hikes based on two criteria: the beauty of the falls and the quality of the trail to the tumbling waters. ... Read more.
Caballero Canyon Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains
Located on the north side of the Santa Monica Mountains in Tarzana, Caballero Canyon Trail is a straightforward dirt single track that ascends 625 feet over 1.7 miles to an unpaved section of Mulholland Drive. Caballero Canyon Trail makes a satisfying 3.4-mile round trip hike (or ride if you take your mountain bike), and extensions are available to places like San Vicente Mountain. ...Read more.
Distance: 3.4 miles · Elevation change: 625 feet
By: Published: January 16, 2013 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Rocky Peak in the Santa Susana Mountains
Rocky Peak is a panoramic 2,715-foot summit on the border between Los Angeles and Ventura counties in the Santa Susana Mountains. The county line-straddling peak stands at the center of a 4,800-acre park bearing the same name. The shortest hike to Rocky Peak takes Rocky Peak Trail from Rocky Peak Road through Rocky Peak Park. Oh boy, we're off to a rocky start. ...Read more.
Distance: 4.75 miles · Elevation change: 900 feet
By: Published: October 30, 2012 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Amir’s Garden in Griffith Park
Amir's Garden is no mere garden; it's one of two unique and awesome picnic areas on the east side of Griffith Park. The most surprising place for a picnic is probably the Old Zoo Picnic Area, where you can dine alongside old animal pens. Amir's Garden is the most pleasant place for a hike-in picnic, with a selection of picnic tables surrounded by a volunteer-supported sanctuary of flowering greenery. ...Read more.
Distance: 1 mile · Elevation change: 275 feet
By: Published: October 29, 2012 Last updated: April 20, 2026
Mount Hollywood, Mount Bell, and Mount Chapel in Griffith Park
If you're interested in getting some exercise with panoramic views over Griffith Park, consider hiking a loop to the summit's of three park peaks: Mount Chapel, Mount Bell, and Mount Hollywood. Starting from Hollyridge Trail at the top of Beachwood Drive, this 5.7-mile loop ascends 675 vertical feet, from 950 feet at the trailhead to 1,625 feet at the summit of Mount Hollywood, the tallest of the three peaks. ...Read more.
Distance: 5.7 miles · Elevation change: 675 feet
By: Published: October 28, 2012 Last updated: April 7, 2026
Hollyridge Trail to Mount Lee and the Hollywood Sign in Griffith Park
Hikers have several ways to reach the Hollywood Sign atop Mount Lee in Griffith Park. For a short steep hike, you could cross Cahuenga Peak for a tough 3-miler. For a lengthier 6.4-mile trek, you could hike from Brush Canyon Trail to Mount Lee. Hollyridge offers something in the middle, a 3.5-mile round trip hike that climbs 750 feet to the Hollywood Sign. ...Read more.
Distance: 3.5 miles · Elevation change: 750 feet
By: Published: October 21, 2012 Last updated: April 9, 2026