Only in Los Angeles will you see women hiking in stiletto boots.
Just a few miles from Hollywood Boulevard, tucked away in the Hollywood Hills, on a trail that leads to a path to the Hollywood sign, you realize that in L.A., you really can never get away from it all.
But then at the peak of the Hollyridge trail ““ as you are elevated away from the traffic, the smog and the metropolis lifestyle ““ you unexpectedly find one of the most breathtaking views of L.A.
Surrounded by the mountains and coast, L.A. and its surrounding areas are dotted with wooded trails accessible for easy to strenuous workouts and a quick escape from the city.
“It allows you to experience a lot of different worlds. In Southern California, you see the ocean on the left and ice caps on your right. You can’t see that kind of diversity anywhere else,” said Cora Shea, the Outdoor Adventures Program director.
Hollyridge Trail, Hollywood Hills (Directions from UCLA)
Distance: 3 miles
Sight: the Hollywood sign
The road signs near the trail claim that there is “No Access to the Hollywood Sign,” but, as an unexpected surprise, there is indeed a path that comes fairly close to the famous letters.
The hike, a relatively light workout, offers a slightly uphill path that goes as close as permitted to the sign.
The trail is surrounded by mountains mixed with green and dry bushes, and throughout the hike, the city scenery is consistently within sight.
At the end of the main trail, along with a pretty close view of the sign, you are surrounded by a remarkable landscape where the Pacific Ocean meets the coast at one side of the horizon and the landmark buildings of downtown L.A. paint the other side.
Though there are smaller, more surreptitious trails that do lead up to the “˜D’ of the five-story sign, along the way, you will encounter security cameras and “No Trespassing” signs.
Whether you decide to brave those obstacles or not, both trails are worthwhile, as they offer a different yet enjoyable side to Hollywood.
The Grotto Trail, Circle X Ranch (Directions from UCLA)
Distance: 3 miles
Sights: mountains, creeks, cave area
Located in northern Malibu and as a part of the Santa Monica Mountains, this trail is one of many in Circle X Ranch that elevates you away from the city life and into more peaceful, secluded surroundings.
From the top of the trail to the bottom, the scenery is absolutely stunning ““ a surprise that such a setting could exist so close to L.A.
The trail is all downhill, but a nice, sturdy exercise will come out of the uphill hike back to the trailhead.
But throughout the path, the grass-covered and red mountains that layer the area can easily be appreciated.
When you reach the bottom of the path, the flatness of the land is an amazing contrast to the enormity of the surrounding mountains.
Following the trail and hiking through a few creeks, you will find a rocky, boulder area that creates a nice cave and waterfall area to enjoy.
Jack Gillooly, a park ranger in the Santa Monica Mountains, said because of the diverse and unique scenery, the trails at Circle X Ranch are among his favorite in the state park.
If you have time, try the other trails around the area as well, such as the Mishe Mokwa trail, which has the highest peak in all of the park.
Temescal Ridge Loop, Topanga Canyon (Directions from UCLA)
Distance: 3.6 miles
Sights: mountains, residential neighborhoods, L.A.
Don’t be confused when the road to the trail leads you through a residential neighborhood and you end up in front of a gated community in the Pacific Palisades. Tucked neatly in front of the gates is a half-mile path that leads to the Temescal Ridge Trail.
One of the closer trails to campus, with the distant sirens and car honks in the background, you feel as though you have never really left L.A.
After hiking with the view of the ocean and local neighborhoods at your side, there’s a certain point in the trail where you are surprisingly yet pleasingly met by the sight of L.A.
“There doesn’t seem to be as much of a hiking culture in Southern California as there is in Northern California. There’s a lot of really gorgeous places nearby that we don’t take advantage of,” said Emily Field, an Outdoor Adventures guide.
The hike is a mix of uphill and downhill winding paths that provide a steady variation of workouts.
As you climb higher up the trail until its peak, the panoramic view blends different aspects of the city and nature. The coastal stretch includes views of the Santa Monica Pier. This trail eventually runs into the four-mile Temescal Canyon loop, which has views of the ocean, wooded canyons and seasonal waterfalls.