Full coverage: L.A. Walks

April 20, 2013

L.A. Walks

Santa Monica Beach, with a power-up option

This beach-and-bluffs walk in Santa Monica is a great way to soak up some scenery, take in some salty air and learn a little local history. It can be a gentle walk or a generous workout — depending on whether you use any (or all!) of the four massive staircases that connect the top of the walk to the bottom.

March 23, 2013

L.A. Walks

Follow the winding path at Elysian Park

Elysian Park near downtown L.A. is a huge space containing great networks of trails and commanding broad city and mountain views. This introductory walk might make you a regular visitor.

February 23, 2013

L.A. Walks

Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area waterfowl viewing

Near the junction of the 405 and 101 freeways, in the green space below the Sepulveda Dam, is a haven for many species of winged wildlife. Nearby are a hidden Japanese garden, an archery range and a string of cricket pitches.

January 19, 2013

L.A. Walks

Hermon Park to views in Debs Park near downtown

Here is a lovely country-in-the-city walk, with delightful views, varied greenery and an unlikely hilltop lake — all within 15 minutes of downtown Los Angeles.

December 22, 2012

A Griffith Park hiking path for newcomers

Griffith Park is L.A.'s largest city park, but at 4,200 hilly acres it's so large, and so mountainous, that hikers unfamiliar with the area may not know where to start. Here's a beginner's guide to a mellow, uncrowded walk with great views.

November 24, 2012

City views from Baldwin Hills park

Most folks probably don't look to Culver City for hiking trails with majestic city views. But the 57-acre Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook State Park has them, plus a set of stairs massive enough to be visible, like the Great Wall of China, from outer space. The huge workout is matched by the heavenly scenery.

October 27, 2012

L.A. Walks

Silver Lake Meadow

Silver Lake has recently been named the hipster capital of cool. Its reservoir and meadow provide great walking and a green urban outpost right in town.

September 22, 2012

L.A. Walks

King Gillette Ranch in Malibu

UPDATE: There have been developments at the King Gillette Ranch since our last visit. The park now offers a new interagency visitor center and two hours of free parking, in addition to its $7 paid parking lot.

6:01 PM PDT, August 23, 2012

Walk along the L.A. River near Griffith Park

This is an unexpectedly verdant walk surrounded by urban sprawl, where the Los Angeles River, gradually being allowed to return to its natural state, is home to an amazing array of native fish, fowl, joggers and cyclists.

July 21, 2012

Cherry Canyon in La Cañada-Flintridge

This is a short, steep hike that begins on a trail amid the mansions of La Cañada-Flintridge, with massive mountain and city views — a real workout with a real payoff.

June 23, 2012

L.A. Walks

Naples in Long Beach

Spend a hot summer day on a cool summer walk around the Naples district of Long Beach. It's flat and breezy and makes a sweet sunset stroll too.

May 26, 2012

L.A. Walks

Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir

I only recently discovered this hidden country-in-the-city hiking spot, set below Mulholland Drive, west of Coldwater Canyon, and just minutes from Beverly Hills or Studio City. Although less well known than nearby Runyon or Fryman canyons, it may look familiar on your first visit: Bits of TV shows, such as Bonanza," and movies, such as "It Happened One Night," were shot here.

April 28, 2012

L.A. Walks

Southwest Museum / Eldred stairs

You don't have to fight the crowds in Santa Monica Canyon to get a great stairway workout. You can hike the historic wooden Eldred stairs in Highland Park and get great city and mountain views in the bargain.

March 24, 2012

L.A. Walks

Hollenbeck Park / Boyle Heights

A gentle, flat walk in an urban setting, this is an East L.A. oasis in the midst of historic Boyle Heights, filled with old city history and fine downtown views. It's a popular weekend destination for local families for Saturday strolling or Sunday picnicking.

January 2, 2012

L.A. Walks

Radio Hill

This is an unexpectedly bucolic walk through city-center neighborhoods unknown even to most Los Angeles natives. It offers great downtown views and unlikely encounters with nature and history.

December 5, 2011

L.A. Walks

Malibu's Sandstone Peak

If you're up for a long walk in the Malibu hills that features ocean and city views and varying terrain, head for the Sandstone Peak trail head.

November 7, 2011

L.A. Walks

Beachwood Canyon and the Hollywood sign

Along the way are fantastic views of the Hollywood Reservoir, some famous homes and a visit to some of the area's secret public staircases.

October 3, 2011

L.A. Walks

Will Rogers State Park

This is a casual, low-impact mountain hike that begins and ends in a scenic, historic spot ideal for weekend picnics and perfect for wowing out-of-town guests.

2:25 PM PDT, September 6, 2011

L.A. Walks

Rancho Palos Verdes, Del Cerro Park

Sure, it's a little tough, but the rewards are worth the sweat: classic coastal chaparral, views all the way to Santa Catalina Island and a sweet breeze.

11:32 AM PDT, August 22, 2011

L.A. Walks

The Arroyo Seco in Pasadena

This is a lovely country-in-the-city walk, flat and undemanding, offering rare views of the untamed river -- less than five minutes from Old Town Pasadena.