Los Angeles isn’t just about its glitzy lifestyle, beaches, and Hollywood. The city also offers some of the best outdoor adventures that take you far away from the bustling streets, allowing you to explore its natural beauty. From challenging hikes up towering mountains to relaxing walks through scenic trails, Los Angeles is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing several of LA’s most iconic outdoor adventures, I’ll take you through some of my favorite hikes and trails.
Not only will I be walking you through my hiking experiences, but I’ll also show you how I’ve documented these breathtaking moments using CapCut, a platform that has revolutionized my ability to capture and share my journeys. With CapCut, I can create stunning videos, enhance photos, and even design social media content—all in a seamless process, thanks to its AI-powered tools. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone who enjoys a leisurely walk, Los Angeles has trails that cater to all levels, and CapCut is the perfect companion for making these experiences last forever.
1. Runyon Canyon: A Hiker’s Classic with a Hollywood Twist
Location: Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 3 miles (Round-trip)
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Price: Free
Why It’s a Must-Do:
Runyon Canyon is one of LA’s most popular urban hikes, and for good reason. Located just above the city in the Hollywood Hills, Runyon Canyon offers stunning views of Los Angeles, from the glimmering downtown skyline to the iconic Hollywood Sign. The trails are accessible to people of all fitness levels, making it a great option for a beginner hike or a quick workout while sightseeing.
Personal Experience:
I decided to visit Runyon Canyon on a Sunday morning to catch some early morning views of the city before it became too hot and crowded. I chose the main loop trail, which is a 3-mile loop that provides panoramic vistas of the city and Hollywood. The trailhead is easily accessible, just off of Fuller Ave. Parking is a bit tricky, as the neighborhood is residential, but there’s usually street parking available if you arrive early.
The hike itself is moderately easy, with a steady incline and a few steeper sections near the top. It’s perfect if you want a good workout without overexerting yourself. Along the way, I saw several dog walkers, runners, and people snapping photos of the views, including the Hollywood Sign—definitely a great photo op!
I highly recommend bringing plenty of water, especially in the summer months. The trail can get hot and there isn’t much shade in certain areas. Also, be aware of the loose rocks and uneven terrain, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
CapCut’s Role:
I used CapCut to capture the beauty of the canyon and the city views. I filmed parts of the hike in slow-motion, particularly when I reached the top and the camera could pan over the entire city. With CapCut’s AI-powered transitions, I was able to seamlessly move between footage of the trail and the surrounding cityscape. The AI-enhanced photo feature also helped brighten the photos I took at the summit, making the scenery pop even more.
2. Griffith Park and Observatory: A Historic Hike with Iconic Views
Location: Griffith Park, 2800 E. Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.5 miles (Round-trip)
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Price: Free (Parking fees may apply)
Why It’s a Must-Do:
Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, and the hike to the Griffith Observatory is one of the best ways to experience its vastness and beauty. Not only is this hike incredibly scenic, but it also offers an opportunity to visit one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks. The Griffith Observatory itself is an architectural gem and an essential spot for anyone visiting the city.
Personal Experience:
I started the Griffith Park hike at the Hollywood Sign View Trail, which leads directly to the Griffith Observatory. The trail is well-maintained, and while it’s moderately steep in certain sections, it’s nothing too intense for seasoned hikers. Along the way, you’ll pass through scenic chaparral and get glimpses of the city below. The last part of the hike takes you through a lush, tree-covered area that makes for a pleasant and shaded walk.
Once I reached the Griffith Observatory, the view of Los Angeles was jaw-dropping, with a clear view of downtown LA, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding mountains. I spent some time exploring the Observatory itself, which is free to visit and home to some fascinating exhibits about space and astronomy.
CapCut’s Role:
I used CapCut to create a travel vlog that highlighted my hike to Griffith Observatory. With the AI video editor, I was able to combine footage from the trail with shots from the Observatory’s viewing platform. I enhanced the footage using CapCut’s AI color grading feature, making the vivid sunset skies pop even more. I also created an AI-generated thumbnail that I used to share my video on social media. It was a great way to share my experience with my followers!
3. The Escondido Falls Trail: A Hidden Gem in Malibu
Location: 2700 Winding Way, Malibu, CA 90265
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4 miles (Round-trip)
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Price: Free
Why It’s a Must-Do:
The Escondido Falls Trail is one of Malibu’s best-kept secrets. Although it’s not as well-known as some of the other Malibu hikes, it offers an incredible opportunity to explore a hidden waterfall in the mountains, making it the perfect escape for nature lovers looking for something a little off the beaten path.
Personal Experience:
I drove out to Escondido Falls on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds, and I was glad I did. The trail begins from a small parking lot off Winding Way. The hike is mostly shaded at the beginning, with some beautiful views of the Malibu coastline. As you venture further into the canyon, you’ll hear the sound of running water, which leads you to the falls.
The first set of falls is nice, but the real magic happens when you continue past the initial waterfall and climb up to the upper falls. These are taller and more dramatic, surrounded by lush greenery. I took my time here, listening to the sound of the water, and marveling at the natural beauty.
The trail itself is a little rocky and uneven, so sturdy shoes are recommended. It’s also a good idea to bring water and snacks since there are no places to purchase anything along the trail.
CapCut’s Role:
I captured the stunning beauty of Escondido Falls using CapCut. I filmed parts of the waterfall in slow motion to showcase the flowing water, and used AI transitions to smoothly switch between different angles of the falls. I also used CapCut’s photo enhancement features to increase the brightness and clarity of the shots, bringing out the natural colors of the scene.
4. Malibu Creek State Park: A Picturesque Paradise for All Hikers
Location: Malibu Creek State Park, 1925 Las Virgenes Rd., Malibu, CA 90265
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 5 miles (Round-trip)
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Price: $12 for parking
Why It’s a Must-Do:
Malibu Creek State Park is a sprawling park known for its beautiful vistas and historic landmarks. It offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. It’s also home to the Malibu Creek Rock Pool, which makes it the perfect spot for a refreshing dip after your hike.
Personal Experience:
I chose the Malibu Creek Loop Trail, which is a relatively easy hike that takes you through the park’s iconic rock formations and alongside the Malibu Creek, which eventually leads to the famous Malibu Creek Rock Pool. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, with jagged mountains surrounding me and plenty of wildlife along the way.
The loop took me about two hours to complete, with some time spent at the rock pool, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The park also offers several other trails if you wish to extend your hike or explore different areas.
CapCut’s Role:
I used CapCut to create a dynamic and vibrant video montage of my hike. The AI transitions helped me seamlessly move between different parts of the trail, and the AI-powered music editor allowed me to choose a relaxing instrumental tune that complemented the peaceful atmosphere of Malibu Creek.
5. Echo Mountain Trail: A Historic Hike in Altadena
Location: 1600 E Loma Alta Dr., Altadena, CA 91001
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Distance: 5 miles (Round-trip)
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Price: Free
Why It’s a Must-Do:
The Echo Mountain Trail is a historic and challenging hike that leads you to the Echo Mountain Railway, a former railway station that was once part of the Pacific Electric Railway system. The trail offers panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles Basin.
Personal Experience:
I hiked Echo Mountain on a Saturday morning, eager to explore the historic ruins of the old railway. The trail starts off with a steep incline, but the views as you ascend are worth the effort. Once at the top, I was able to explore the old Echo Mountain Railway ruins while enjoying incredible vistas of Pasadena and the surrounding areas.
The hike is challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a more strenuous and historic outdoor experience.
CapCut’s Role:
I used CapCut to capture the ruins and the breathtaking views at the summit. The AI-enhanced filters helped make the rocky terrain and city views even more striking, and I also used CapCut’s AI video editor to create a timelapse of the trail’s changing landscapes as I hiked.
Los Angeles offers so much more than what meets the eye. Its natural beauty is both diverse and accessible, making it the perfect place for outdoor adventures. Whether you are hiking up to the Griffith Observatory or taking on a more challenging trail like Echo Mountain, LA has something for everyone.
And with CapCut by my side, I was able to document these hikes, capture the best moments, and enhance my photos and videos with AI-powered features. If you’re planning your own hiking adventure in LA, be sure to bring your camera or smartphone, and don’t forget to download CapCut—it will make sharing your outdoor adventures easier and more fun than ever before.
Happy hiking, and happy editing!
