Must-Experience Hikes For New LA Newcomers

When you come to the greater Los Angels area to live or for an extended stay, you'll find that there is so much to do. As a result, it can sometimes seem like there is not enough time to do and see everything. One activity that you may want to add to your list is doing some hiking around the area. Bring along a comfortable pair of shoes and a good camera, and prepare to get some exercise while seeing the best sights LA has to offer. For those new to the Los Angeles area, below are some of the best hiking experiences you should certainly consider.

Runyon Canyon
2000 N. Fuller Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 666-5046
www.laparks.org

Runyon Canyon is one of the favorite hiking spots for both locals and visitors alike. This hiking spot is approximately three miles from start to finish. Dogs are welcome on the trail, and you may encounter a celebrity or two on your hike. Your views certainly won't leave you disappointed, including a great look at the Hollywood Hills and the greater Los Angeles Basin. Runyon Canyon is currently closed for several months for construction, but be sure to put this venue on your schedule for later in the summer. Work is scheduled to be completed in July.

Malibu Creek State Park
1925 Las Virgenes Road
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 880-0367
www.malibucreekstatepark.org

If you want to combine a good hike with a little television and movie history, you've come to the right place in the Santa Monica Mountains. Malibu Creek State Park is the location where the movie classic "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" was filmed, as well as the iconic television hit "M*A*S*H." Hikers can experience more than 8,000 acres of territory, with great views and a good workout to boot. The land, formerly owned by 20th Century Fox Studios, offers visitors myriad of great views and spaces, including jagged peaks, spectacular canyon vistas, oak woodlands, rolling hills of tall grass, a sizable volcanic swimming hole, world-class hiking, biking, rock climbing and more.

Mount Baldy
6700 Mount Baldy Road
www.mtbaldychamber.com

Also known as Mount San Antonio, Mount Baldy is a workout to say the least. Ascending to 10,064 feet, Mount Badly is the highest point in Los Angeles County. Hikers will discover that this peak, located within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and Angeles National Forest, is not for those individuals just looking to get into shape. That said, completing the entire hike from start to finish is approximately 11.25 miles round trip. From Devils Backbone Trail to the breathtaking views, this hike takes time and stamina, but will prove to be well worth it.

Getty View Trail
1300 N. Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90189

If you have an eye for some of the best views around the Los Angeles area, put Getty View Trail on your to-do list. At approximately 3.5-miles round trip, this hike gives individuals the opportunity to see the famed Getty Museum, the hustle and bustle of vehicles that is the 405, Westwood (home to the UCLA campus) and more. If you're lucky and avoid those infamous Los Angeles smog days, you can even catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

Topanga State Park
20825 Entrada Road
Topanga, CA 90290
(310) 455-2465
www.nps.gov

Seeing the sights around Los Angeles doesn't always mean looking out for the rich and famous. With a hike in Topanga State Park, individuals can partake in some 14,000 acres of wilderness area, and three dozen miles of trails. The park features enticing canyons and mountains, including Eagle Rock, all within the city limits of Los Angeles. Lastly, an assortment of geologic formations can be located in the park, including earthquake faults, marine fossils, volcanic intrusions and a number of sedimentary formations