It is commonly known that an integral part of Los Angeles is in its scenery and beautiful nature. One of the best ways to experience this is on the many serene hikes and trails, many of which happen to be in the vicinity of the Box House. Today, we will be sharing some of our favorite hiking spots to visit and adventures to embark on when we stay at the Box. Get ready to burn some calories, stretch your legs, and get to know LA in its splendor.
Hollywood Sign Trail
Perhaps one of the most well known and instagrammable on this list is the Charlie Turner Trail to the Hollywood sign in Griffith Park. It’s about 40 minutes (or more) of walking on the way up, but it’s certainly worth the beautiful view: San Fernando Valley, the tall building scraping the skyline, and of course, the Hollywood Sign right beneath your feet.
Address: 2800 E Observatory Ave
Hours: 5am–sunset.
Parking: Griffith Observatory has many lots that you can usually find a spot in. If there’s nothing or its just too busy, look for street parking along Observatory Avenue. Both cost $4 per hour.
Dogs allowed on leashes!
Length: about 3 miles
Time: 90 mins
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City
This destination doesn’t seem like the typical state park, with oil rigs studding the mountain, the arid landscape, and existing in the city’s industrial area. However, what really makes this hike unique is the steps: there are 260 stone slabs that leave even the most fit winded. Though grueling, these steps lead to a beautiful view of the entire city.
Address: 6300 Hetzler Rd, Culver City
Hours: 8am to dusk
Parking: Jefferson Boulevard.
No dogs allowed :(
Length: Less than 1 mile, but very steep
Time: 30 mins
Wilacre Park in Studio City
This beautiful hike is popular with locals because of the easy parking, good workout, and capability to bring their pets along. With a moderate incline and a loop of three miles, it’s the perfect spot to relax and take in nature with the locals.
Address: 3431 Fryman Rd, Studio City
Hours: 6:30am to 6:00pm
Parking: You can easily park in the very large parking area at the intersection of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Fryman Road. It costs $3.
Pets are allowed!
Length: about three miles, but you can shorten or lengthen depending on the path
Time: again, depends on the path
Runyon Canyon
In terms of proximity, this is one of the most ideal hikes on the list! From the Box, it’s only ten minutes with little to no traffic. A mecca for fitness gurus and relaxed yoga enthusiasts alike, you can always find a multitude of people on this trail. It is a gradual ascent with a beautiful view of Downtown Hollywood, the Hollywood Hills, and many architectural masterpieces. We highly recommend this hike at the Box!
Address: 200 N Fuller Ave
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Pets are allowed on leashes, and off leash in designated areas only.
Length: As long as you want it to be, though around 1.5 miles at minimum for a good view
Time: From 45 minutes to an hour
Escondido Falls
If you are up for a challenge, this 3.8 mile hike begins off of Pacific Coast Highway on blacktop (weird, right?). Once you go uphill on roads for about a mile, you begin to go downhill and follow a dirt path. The nature makes this hike even more unique: hopping over small creeks and descending though fennel and mustard, the sheer amount flora and fauna (especially the wildflowers) will shock you.
However, the true draw to this hike is the set destination: a beautiful waterfall. Lower Escondido Falls offers a calming pool of cool water and a gentle, trickling water cascade. However, for many, the steep climb to upper Escondido Falls, a huge and powerful waterfall, is most certainly worth it. You can even climb up behind the waterfall (at your own risk: you are responsible for your own safety).
Address: 27807 Pacific Coast Highway
Hours: N/A
Pets are allowed
Length: around 4 miles
Time: depends on how long one enjoys the waterfall