Our 5 Favorite Hikes in L.A.
Summer has officially come to a close, but there is still a little time to enjoy the warm weather.
We like to spend our weekends at Liquid I.V. exploring and looking for new adventures in the great outdoors. Los Angeles is known for its temperate weather, movie stars, and beautiful beaches. Epic hikes aren’t necessarily the first thing that come to mind when people think of our urban sprawl. Hiking is one of our go-to activities because it offers a perfect way to get a little exercise while briefly escaping from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Step outside and enjoy nature in all her glory 
Here’s a countdown of our team’s 5 favorite hikes in the Los Angeles area:
5. Runyon Canyon
This hike in Hollywood is another short and relatively easy trail loop that is incredibly accessible. The downside is that it is one of the most popular hikes in Los Angeles and is always crowded. The upside being that you are likely to run into some celebs along the way! The people watching doesn’t get any better than on this hike. There are a variety of different loops and on a clear day you can get great views of Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign, and even the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Trailhead address: 1854 North Fuller Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046
4. Escondido Falls
Waterfalls aren’t something that come to mind when you think of Southern California because of the dry climate. But waterfalls can be found here and Escondido Falls is one of the best when it is flowing with water. The hike to Escondido Falls is 3.8 miles roundtrip with 400 feet of total elevation change. It’s a fairly easy hike to Lower Escondido Falls and easy for kids to manage. Upper Escondido Falls is much more impressive, falling approximately 150 feet before landing in the pool below. Brave climbers can make their way up behind the falls where they will most definitely get wet. Attempt at your own risk.
Trailhead address: 27807 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
3. Sandstone Peak
This moderately challenging hike takes you up to the highest point in the Santa Monica mountains at 3,111 feet. The 6.1 mile roundtrip loop takes around 3 hours and gains an impressive 1,656 feet of elevation. What we love about this hike is how much there is to see and how different it feels each time you do it. It never gets old. Reaching the summit is both rewarding and gorgeous. On a clear day you can see miles upon miles of mountains and coastline.
Trailhead address: 12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu, CA 90265
2. Bridge to Nowhere
This hike is not for the feint of heart. 10 miles round trip with 809 feet of elevation gain and an estimated 7 hours make this the most challenging hike on our list. This hike in the San Gabriel Mountains leads to an abandoned bridge on a washed away road spanning across the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. You will be forced to cross water several times and there are ample opportunities to swim so we recommend wearing shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. There are plenty of great opportunities to take a swim. Once you get to the actual bridge often times you will have the fortune of getting to watch bungy jumpers plunge off the edge towards the river below. Be sure to pack plenty of water and Liquid I.V. on this hike. Getting dehydrated on this trail is no laughing matter and could be seriously dangerous.
Trailhead address: Camp Bonita Road, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Azusa, CA 91702
1. Los Liones Canyon Trail
This picturesque hike in the Santa Monica Mountains begins in the Pacific Palisades at the end of Los Liones Drive. Los Liones Trail is a 2.6 mile roundtrip hike that ends with stunning views of Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean. There’s a great bench just before the junction where you can stop to take a quick break and snap some photos.
Trailhead address: 580 Los Liones Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Get outside and hit the trail for an adventure this weekend! And don’t forget to hydrate!
