Los Angeles Trails

Short Hikes in Los Angeles

Only have time or energy for a quick outing? Set out on a brief hike that still delivers the goods. Here are the highest rated short hikes in Los Angeles according to the cumulative average rating from users on hikespeak.com.

1. Vanalden Cave in the Santa Monica Mountains
2. Point Dume in Malibu
3. Amir's Garden in Griffith Park
4. Skull Rock in Topanga State Park
5. Quarry Loop on the Palos Verdes Peninsula

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Vanalden Cave
This 0.6-mile hike explores a unique sandstone cave that you can stand inside and above, and the hike can be extended to 1.55 miles by visiting a nearby vista point with a panoramic perspective of the Santa Monica Mountains.Point Dume
This 1-mile hike explores overlooks on a scenic headland jutting into the Pacific at the northeast end of Santa Monica Bay in Malibu.Amir's Garden
This 1-mile hike reaches a relaxing garden on the east side of Griffith Park that is a pleasant retreat for hikers.Skull Rock
This 1.5-mile hike descends Temescal Ridge to a head-shaped formation with great views over Santa Monica Bay.Quarry Loop
This 1.25-mile loop in Forrestal Nature Reserve delivers lots of ocean views as it circles an old bowl-shaped quarry.