Best Hikes Near Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles has a reputation for traffic and concrete, but the Angeles National Forest begins less than 30 minutes north of downtown and covers 700,000 acres of the San Gabriel Mountains. Add in the accessible trailheads near Altadena and Monrovia, and you have serious hiking within reach of one of America's largest cities. For context on how the Angeles compares to the national parks nearby, see our overview of national forests vs. national parks. Here are the trails worth knowing.
The Short List
For a quick waterfall fix with minimal effort, start with Eaton Canyon Falls or Switzer Falls. If you want to earn your view, Mount Baldy via Devil's Backbone is the benchmark summit in the San Gabriels. Bridge to Nowhere is the best all-day option if you want distance and variety without summit-grade elevation gain.
Angeles National Forest (30 minutes to 1.5 hours from Los Angeles)
The San Gabriel Mountains form the northern wall of the LA basin. Most visitors never leave the canyon floors, which means the higher routes stay comparatively quiet.
Mount Baldy via Devil's Backbone
10.2 miles out-and-back, 2,400 ft elevation gain, strenuous
The Devil's Backbone ridge walk to the summit of Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy, 10,064 ft) is the signature challenge hike in Southern California. The upper section follows a narrow spine with exposure on both sides and views that stretch from the Pacific to the Mojave on clear days. Start at Manker Flats trailhead; the ski lift is optional but adds about a mile each way if you skip it. Best from October through June. Snow and ice possible from December through March (microspikes recommended). Adventure Pass required.
Read the full Mount Baldy via Devil's Backbone trail guide
Eaton Canyon Falls
3.8 miles out-and-back, 400 ft elevation gain, easy
Eaton Canyon is the most accessible waterfall hike in the San Gabriels, starting from a nature center parking lot in Altadena. The trail follows the canyon bottom to a 40-foot falls where the creek drops into a small pool. Simple, crowded on weekends, and consistently good after rain. No permits required. Good year-round; the falls run strongest from February through April. Adventure Pass not required at Eaton Canyon.
Read the full Eaton Canyon Falls trail guide
Switzer Falls
4.4 miles out-and-back, 500 ft elevation gain, easy-moderate
From the Switzer Picnic Area in the Arroyo Seco drainage, this trail drops into a shaded canyon and follows the creek to a two-tiered waterfall. The canyon walls are steep and the tree canopy makes it feel remote despite the short drive from Pasadena. The lower falls require a short scramble to reach the base pool. Adventure Pass required. Best from November through May.
Mt. Wilson via Chantry Flat
14.4 miles out-and-back, 3,200 ft elevation gain, strenuous
A long day to the historic Mount Wilson Observatory (5,710 ft), starting from the Chantry Flat trailhead in Arcadia. The trail climbs through chaparral and oak woodland past winter-fed streams before reaching the summit plateau, where the observatory domes and TV antennas mark the top. The drive up from the San Gabriel Valley is about 40 minutes. Adventure Pass required. Best from October through May.
Bridge to Nowhere (East Fork San Gabriel River)
9.0 miles out-and-back, 900 ft elevation gain, moderate
The trail follows the East Fork of the San Gabriel River upstream to a 1936 WPA bridge that was orphaned when a flood destroyed the road connecting it. Getting there requires crossing the river multiple times (expect wet feet through at least April) before the canyon narrows into a dramatic gorge. The bridge itself is a strange, satisfying payoff. Popular with bungee jumping operations in summer. Adventure Pass required. Best from October through May when water levels are manageable.
Read the full Bridge to Nowhere trail guide
Monrovia Canyon Falls
1.8 miles out-and-back, 300 ft elevation gain, easy
A short family-friendly hike in Monrovia Canyon Park (a city park abutting the national forest) to a 30-foot waterfall. The canyon is narrow and shaded, and the trail is paved partway. Entry fee applies. Closed Tuesdays. Good year-round; best after winter rain.
When to Hike Near Los Angeles
October through June is the primary season. Spring (March through May) is the best combination of wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, and moderate temperatures at all elevations.
July and August are manageable below 3,000 feet if you start before 8 a.m. Above that elevation, temperatures are tolerable but sun exposure on exposed ridges like Devil's Backbone is punishing in midday heat. Many experienced local hikers avoid the mountains entirely in late summer.
January and February bring the best waterfall conditions. Snow is common above 5,000 feet; check road closures on the Angeles National Forest website before heading up. The Sturtevant Falls trail in the upper San Gabriel River canyon is one of the best winter-season waterfall hikes in the forest and stays accessible even when higher routes are closed.
Weekday mornings are strongly preferred at Eaton Canyon and Chantry Flat, which reach capacity quickly on weekend mornings from March through May.
Getting There
The Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) is the spine of the San Gabriels and provides access to most of these trailheads. It closes periodically for snow and fire damage, so check conditions before driving up.
- Eaton Canyon (Altadena): 15 miles from downtown LA, about 30 minutes
- Switzer Picnic Area: 30 miles via I-210 and CA-2, about 45 minutes
- Chantry Flat (Arcadia): 25 miles, about 45 minutes via I-210
- Mount Baldy (Manker Flats): 50 miles, about 1 hour 15 minutes via I-10 and Mt. Baldy Road
- Bridge to Nowhere (Azusa): 35 miles, about 50 minutes via I-210 and East Fork Road
Most trailheads in the Angeles National Forest require a National Forest Adventure Pass ($5 daily, $30 annual) displayed in your vehicle. The America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) is also accepted and covers entry at all national forests and most federal recreation sites. Buy an Adventure Pass at outdoor retailers in the area before heading out.
Los Angeles has more hiking than most cities its size, and Angeles National Forest sits close enough that a full-day trail is a realistic Wednesday option, not just a weekend commitment. Practice Leave No Trace principles on every outing, especially at the heavily visited waterfall trails. The trick is timing: go early, go on weekdays, and let the waterfall season guide your choices. For summit options beyond Mount Baldy, the San Gabriel Peak and Josephine Peak trails offer quieter routes to views that rival anything else in the San Gabriels.