Whether joining the celebrities at Runyon canyon, meeting the tourists at Griffith Park or enjoying the endless view of the ocean in Malibu, there is a hike for you!

RUNYON CANYON
Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular hiking destinations. If you are looking for a good workout and some nice views, this hike is perfect for you.

Pros:
-Located in the Hollywood hills. With a view that makes you feel like you’re in paradise, it’s the perfect L.A. hike.
-Celebrity watering hole. On any given day, there’s a good chance you’ll catch an A-lister on their workout.
-Dogs are welcome off leash at the dog park. You almost feel left out if you don’t have a dog here.
-Free street parking available; however, many reviews online have complained that street parking is hard to find (con).
-30-60 minutes (1.5 miles). If you only have a small gap of free time away from school or work, this is great! The average time it takes to hike Runyon Canyon is roughly 45 minutes.

Cons:
-Closes at dusk. According to reviews on Yelp, you might get locked in the canyon and get a ticket for your car.
-If you’re not in a workout mode, exercise enthusiasts might outnumber you. Look out for trainers, runners and hardcore athletes who take up most of the trail.
-There’s a treacherous steep section. However, if you’re looking for a tough workout, this could be considered a pro. 

*To get to the trail: From Hollywood Boulevard, head north on North Fuller Avenue. Head across Franklin Avenue. The entrance to Runyon Canyon Park is at the top of Fuller.

GRIFFITH PARK
Once you get to the top of Mount Hollywood Summit, there is no way you won’t be satisfied with this hike after seeing sweeping views of L.A.

Pros:
-A view of pretty much everything Los Angeles has to offer – from the Griffith Observatory and L.A. skyline to the Hollywood Sign.
-Dogs are welcome on leashes.
-Open 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (although the trails start closing at sunset).
-Can park in the Griffith Observatory

Cons:
-About one hour to 90 minutes (2.5-3 miles). Make sure you have a good amount of time for this hike.
-Very dusty and rocky, especially during the summer.

*To get to the trail: From the 101 in Los Angeles, take the N. Vermont exit and go straight until you reach the end of the road in Griffith Park.

MALIBU-CORRAL CANYON
As the only coastal canyon in Los Angeles County, Corral Canyon has the best of California: the mountains and the ocean.

Pros:
-A near-perfect view of the ocean throughout your hike.
-Dogs are welcomed on leashes.

Cons:
-$5 to park in the lot at the trail
-60-90 minutes
-Closes at dusk
-Occasional lizard (eek!)

*To get to the trail: Drive west on Pacific Coast Highway, and pull into the parking lot on the north side of the highway before Corral Canyon Road.

ESCONDIDO CANYON/FALLS
Accessed through a drive down Pacific Coast Highway towards Malibu, Escondido Canyon is extremely scenic. However, after the first waterfall, this hike can get a bit tough and dirty; be ready for a real hike.

Pros:
-The waterfall at the end of the hike! It’s so tranquil and beautiful – the perfect reward for a strenuous workout.

Cons:
-Prepare to get your feet wet (it’s muddy)
-The hike is 4.2 miles, so be prepared
-The trail is rough and not maintained depending on the season. (Best time to go is during the spring)

*To get to the trail: Head northwest on PCH from Santa Monica. You’ll see the entrance of Escondido Canyon Park marked at the end of the pavement.

EATON CANYON
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail is located in Pasadena. The combination of its moderate trail and beauty make it a very popular and crowded trail.

Pros:
-Dogs welcome on leash
-Waterfall in the canyon
-Beautiful scenery throughout hike

Cons:
-Hard to find parking in the lot; however, street parking can be plentiful
-A lot of rocks to step on and streams to walk through during the hike
-Crowded on weekends

*To get to the trail: Take the N. Altadena exit off the 210 Freeway in Pasadena. Head north on Altadena Drive. The Eaton Canyon Nature Area is a couple of miles up the road.