When visiting California you should consider walking in LA. There are some great areas for walking with some stunning views. Some walks are quite easy but some demand a moderate degree of fitness. Here are five walks in Los Angeles to start with:
The Heart-of-Hollywood Hike brings the walker on a loop around the Runyon Canyon; a total distance of just under 5 kilometres. Cloud’s Rest is an amazing viewing point of the canyon and Hollywood Hills. Every so often, one will even spot a famous face around here! Those with dogs will welcome the fact that around here, their pets are allowed off the lead once they remain under control. The trail’s beginner level of difficulty means that it is very popular, so if one is looking to go “off the beaten track” as it were, this is not it. Nevertheless, it is a very enjoyable trail, overlooking luxurious estates, the Sunset Strip and Hollywood Sign.
The Topanga State Park Trek follows the Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook. Just over 11 kilometres in length (there and back), the reward for one’s efforts is the spectacular landscape that can be seen at Parker Mesa Overlook. The first 3 kilometres or so is full of zigzag bends and steeply sloping hills, bringing the walker to approximately 396 metres above sea level. As a result, it is certainly a challenge, but the views at the summit while one enjoys a well deserved picnic are guaranteed to be worth it.
The Will Rogers State Park Trek is a combination of the Inspiration Point Trail and part of the Rustic Canyon Loop; a total distance of approximately 9.6 kilometres. Here, walkers will have the opportunity to check out the former private ranch of the famous American cowboy after whom the trail is named. Start your journey at the marker for Inspiration Point Trail, beside the main ranch house. After approximately 1.6 kilometres, follow the sign for Inspiration Point. After taking in the magnificent scenery, follow Backbone Trail until it meets Rustic Canyon. This path will take one back to Will Rogers Park.
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Griffith Park boasts two trails; the 4 kilometre Griffith Observatory West Trail and the 3 kilometre Brush Canyon Trail. The Griffith Observatory West Trail allows the hiker to look out over the Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles Basin and Griffith Observatory during their trek. Meanwhile, the Brush Canyon Trail allows the hiker to get away from it all; this path is not quite as popular as many other routes, so there is a good chance one will have it to themselves for long stretches. It also offers great scenery, such as views over Mount Hollywood Drive.
The Santa Monica Mountains Waterfall Trek follows the Escondido Canyon as far as the spectacular, 15 metre-high Escondido Falls. The journey there and back covers 6.7 kilometres. A word to the wise; this gently sloping path traverses Escondido Canyon Creek repeatedly, so if the weather has been wet the hiker may wish to bring a change of footwear, which is advisable while walking in LA. Eventually, one will find themselves at the bottom of the Escondido Falls. Here, there is a pool which is ideal for cooling down. For a better view of the Falls, climb up the side to the upper level, at just under 30.5 metres-high.
