Los Angeles

Los Angeles County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting an incredible variety of landscapes right in one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas. From rugged mountain peaks to expansive high-desert terrain, the county offers year-round adventures for hikers, bikers, campers, climbers, and nature lovers. Its two primary mountain ranges—the San Gabriel Mountains and Santa Monica Mountains—provide dramatic backdrops with dense forests, waterfalls, and panoramic views, while the northern Antelope Valley delivers classic Mojave Desert experiences with Joshua trees, wildflower blooms, and vast open skies.

The Mountain Ranges

The San Gabriel Mountains dominate the northern and eastern parts of the county and form the bulk of the Angeles National Forest (and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument). Spanning over 1,000 square miles with peaks exceeding 10,000 feet, this range is LA’s backyard wilderness. Outdoor activities here are world-class:

• Hiking and backpacking: Over 500 miles of trails wind through canyons, forests, and alpine zones. Popular routes include the strenuous ascent to Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy, the county’s highest point at 10,064 feet), the scenic Bridge to Nowhere hike, Switzer Falls, and Eaton Canyon. Sections of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and Gabrielino National Recreation Trail offer multi-day adventures.
• Camping and picnicking: Dozens of campgrounds (like Millard, Bear Canyon, or Sturtevant) and trail camps provide everything from car camping to backcountry sites. Many feature creekside spots and stargazing opportunities.
• Rock climbing and canyoneering: World-renowned spots in the forest attract climbers with trad, sport, and bouldering routes amid granite walls and dramatic gorges.
• Mountain biking and horseback riding: Multi-use trails cater to all skill levels, with helmets and trail etiquette essential.
• Winter sports: Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing at resorts like Mountain High and Mount Baldy (with lifts and zip lines) transform the high country into a snowy playground.

To the west and along the coast, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area stretches about 50 miles from the Hollywood Hills to Malibu. This coastal range offers over 500 miles of trails, including the iconic 67-mile Backbone Trail for epic backpacking. Highlights include:

• Hiking to Sandstone Peak (the range’s highest point at 3,111 feet) for ocean and city views.
• Easy-to-moderate walks in Solstice Canyon (with waterfalls and ruins) or Paramount Ranch (a historic movie set).
• Mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and wildflower spotting.

Smaller ranges like the Santa Susana Mountains, Verdugo Mountains, and Sierra Pelona add even more trails, scenic drives (such as Angeles Crest Highway), and hidden gems for day hikes or trail running.

The Desert

In northern Los Angeles County, the Antelope Valley represents the western edge of the Mojave Desert—a high-desert landscape of Joshua trees, creosote bushes, and dramatic rock formations. This area (including Lancaster and Palmdale) is ideal for cooler-weather adventures and offers a stark contrast to the mountains:

• Hiking: Easy-to-moderate trails at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park (famous for its otherworldly sandstone outcrops and PCT sections), Prime Desert Woodland Preserve (3+ miles of loops through native Joshua and juniper groves), and Saddleback Butte State Park (a 3.8-mile climb to panoramic 360° desert and mountain views).
• Wildflower viewing and nature exploration: In spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve explodes with orange blooms. Year-round, visitors enjoy birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and interpretive trails at preserves like Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland.
• Off-roading and biking: Vast OHV areas (like Dove Springs) and dedicated bike trails provide thrilling rides through open desert terrain.
• Horseback riding and stargazing: Equestrian centers and dark skies make this perfect for saddle-up adventures or evening astronomy under some of Southern California’s clearest night skies.

Practical Tips

LA County Parks & Recreation maintains dozens of multi-use trails across these areas, many free or low-cost and suitable for all abilities (from family-friendly nature walks to strenuous peak bagging). Always check conditions—flash floods, fire risks, and extreme heat (especially in the desert) are common—so bring plenty of water, sun protection, and the Adventure Pass for national forest sites. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in a shaded canyon, summiting a snow-capped peak, or wandering among Joshua trees at sunset, Los Angeles County’s mountains and desert deliver unforgettable outdoor escapes just minutes from the city.

Grab your boots (or bike, or skis) and explore—LA’s wild side is closer than you think!

Points of Interest

Campgrounds