Getting acquainted with the numerous hiking trails in Los Angeles is the perfect way to discover why L.A. is the ideal place to get outside. Most of the hikes listed here are easy to moderate, so it's not necessary to be an experienced hiker to enjoy them. However, it's always wise to keep a few things in mind when you're planning an excursion. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, carry plenty of drinking water, use sunscreen and wear sunglasses. Take along a camera, make sure you stay on the trails and have fun.

Runyon Canyon

Trail: Runyon Canyon Loop

Distance: About 3 miles round-trip

Special Feature: The views at Cloud's Rest, the off-leash policy for dogs and the occasional celebrity sighting

Getting There: From Hollywood Blvd., head north on Fuller Ave. Park at the end of Fuller (free parking) and enter the well-marked park. Take the trail to the right and complete the loop counterclockwise.

By no means is this hike a wilderness experience, so if you're looking for solitude, you might want to try other trails. On the other hand, this is a great hike for people-watching, and it gives beginning hikers a chance to check out the Hollywood Hills and the amazing views at the trail summit, known as Cloud's Rest. Whether you're wearing the latest hiking gear or just sneakers and sun hats, this is a fun hike highlighted by million dollar mansions and priceless views of the Hollywood Sign, the Sunset Strip and the L.A. Basin.

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Griffith Park Trails

Trail: Bronson Canyon

Distance: Less than a mile roundtrip

Special Feature: "To the Batcave!"

Getting There: From Franklin Ave. in Hollywood, go north on Canyon Dr. until the road ends, at the "Camp Hollywoodland" parking lot. Cross the small, red concrete bridge on the right (east) side of the road. Walk around the vehicle barrier, keep left and follow the unpaved road for the short walk into Bronson Canyon.

Located in the southwest section of Griffith Park and easily accessible from Hollywood, Bronson Canyon has been a popular location for generations of filmmakers who make use of its remote-looking, somewhat alien setting. Bronson Canyon has been featured in classics like The Searchers and Invasion of the Body Snatchers, as well as more recent films like Star Trek VI and Army of Darkness. "Bronson Cave" is actually a 50-foot long tunnel, the remnants of a quarry that was founded in 1903 and originally called Brush Canyon. The tunnel entrance is best known as the mouth of the Batcave from the 1960s Batman TV series.

Trail: Griffith Observatory West Trail Loop

Distance: About 2.5 miles

Special Feature: Views of Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign and the LA Basin

Getting There: The hike starts at the Fern Dell picnic area near Los Feliz Blvd. You can pick up the trail near the creek past the restrooms. Stay to the right and head uphill toward the Griffith Observatory. You'll be able to stop and enjoy views of the city along the way. As the path flattens out, you'll see a trail to the right leading up to the observatory. On the way back, stay right all the way down the hill. The trail will curve around a bit and then take you back to the Fern Dell picnic area.

Trail: Brush Canyon Trail

Distance: About 2 miles

Special Feature: Peace and quiet, as well as spectacular views near Mount Hollywood Dr.

Getting There: You can park in the lot on Canyon Dr., located just past Bronson Park. From there, head uphill past the gate and pick up the trail on the fire road heading toward the Pacific Electric quarry. You'll pass a park and a picnic area and then climb out of the canyon. After about 3/4 of a mile, the trail intersects with the Mulholland Trail. Follow the trail to the right and continue another 1/4 mile to Mount Hollywood Dr. To get back, follow the same route, taking a left at the Mulholland Trail junction.

Griffith Park is the tenth-largest municipally owned park in the United States and one of the largest urban parks in North America, spanning over 4,300 acres of land. Discover the best attractions and activities in Griffith Park with our guide.