Posted by You know the feeling.
That ache in the back of your mind that reminds you about exploring nature and taking advantage of all that Los Angeles has to offer.
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Still, the idea of trekking through hills and heat and hard terrain kind of makes you cringe.
Well, consider that excuse incinerated. That’s because there are plenty of places in the city where you can be outside, see nature, and not totally overexert yourself beyond your capabilities.
Furthermore, if you can navigate the 9 easiest hikes in the city of Los Angeles, there’s no reason you can’t step your game up and make an outdoor hike part of your normal routine.
Baby steps, right? Right.
Either way, see you on the trail.
[RELATED: 9 Hikes You Can Do in L.A. With No Parking or Trail Fees]
1. Hollywood Sign Hike (via Beachwood)
To get to the starting point take Beachwood Dr. all the way north till you can’t go any further (A dirt parking lot will be there. Space is limited). Follow the trail as it winds up the hill and enjoy the epic view at the top. Total hike length is 4.3 miles, and will take between 1 to 3 hours depending on your pace.
[UPDATE 6/1/2015: They had the Beachwood Entrance closed for awhile but it was recently re-opened (in January 2015) to the public for use. Still, parking can be a pain, so if you want an alternative to that try going via Bronson Canyon as we’ve done with our We Like L.A. groups in the past. That hike is around 6 miles total]
2. Huntington Beach State Park
Not so much a hike as a walk on the beach. There is a flat multi-use trail that runs parallel to the ocean. Total hike length is about 4 miles, and will take around 1 hour (and yes, I get it’s not in L.A. County, but it’s close, and it’s super beginner style!)
3. Monrovia Canyon Park
Fairly flat, not many climbs this is great for a beginning hiker. The total hike length is a shade under 6 miles and will take from 1-3 hours, depending on your speed.
4. El Dorado Nature Center
One of the hidden gems of Long Beach, the nature center is just off the 605 Freeway and features a range of wildlife filled with streams, ponds and lots of small fury critters running about. Perfect for kids, so you’ll see a lot of families here on the weekends. The trail is almost 2 miles long and will take 1 hour or less to walk through. Keep in mind it costs $5 (per car) to enter on the weekdays and $7 on the weekends.
5. Eaton Canyon
https://instagram.com/p/0OOsj8wMWH
A 3.8 mile hike that crosses over a streams and ends at a beautiful 40 foot waterfall. Will take 1 to 3 hours to traverse. May want to check it out on the weekdays as it will get very crowded on the weekend.
6. Sturtevant Falls
Great beginner hike as you’ll hug a relatively flat path guarded by shade and winds its way towards a modest waterfall near the end.
Total length is 3.7 miles. Will take 1 to 3 hours to do it depending on pace.
7/8. Cheeseboro Canyon
7. Cheeseboro Wildlife Trail
A super quick 2 mile hike perfect for kids with lots of wildlife and a breezy, flat path trail. Should only take around 1 hour. Make sure to bring your own water (no drinking sources nearby!).
8. Modelo Trail Nag Loop
Also located at Cheeseboro Canyon, this is a 3.9 mile loop with lots of signage making it easy to navigate. Will take 1 to 3 hours depending on your pace.
9. Johnson’s Pasture Trail
(view some Photos at everytrail.com)
A simple out and back trail located in the inland empire. It’s only 2.3 miles there and back so should take only 1 hour or less. Another great beginner level hike.
What’s your favorite easy hike in or around Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments below!
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