Best Hiking Trails in Santa Monica, CA

Last Updated: October 1, 2025By Tags:

Best Hiking Trails In Santa Monica CA

Santa Monica, CA offers some of the best coastal hiking trails in Southern California, combining ocean views, rugged canyons, and convenient urban access. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor exploring Los Angeles, the top Santa Monica hiking trails provide an ideal escape from city life while still remaining close to major attractions and amenities. From scenic bluff-top paths overlooking the Pacific to challenging climbs in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains, these routes cater to beginners, families, and experienced hikers alike. In the sections that follow, you will discover must-visit Santa Monica hikes that stand out for their natural beauty, accessibility, and year-round appeal. As you explore these options, you will gain insight into trail difficulty, highlights, and essential tips, helping you choose the perfect outdoor adventure for your next visit to Santa Monica.

Introduction

Santa Monica, CA, is renowned for its sunny beaches and vibrant city life, but it also offers some of the best hiking trails on the Southern California coast. With sweeping ocean views, coastal canyons, and well-maintained paths, Santa Monica hiking trails cater to beginners, families, and experienced hikers alike. This guide highlights the top routes, key trail features, and what to expect, helping you plan the perfect outdoor adventure in Santa Monica.

Temescal Canyon Trail

Temescal Canyon Trail in nearby Pacific Palisades is one of the most popular hikes for Santa Monica residents. This moderate loop rewards hikers with canyon vistas, seasonal waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The trail is well-marked and ideal for those seeking a workout without straying too far from the city.

Because of its proximity to Santa Monica and convenient parking, Temescal Canyon is an excellent choice for early morning or late afternoon hikes, when the light enhances the scenery and temperatures are more comfortable.

Trail Distance (Round-Trip) Difficulty Key Features
Temescal Canyon Trail 3–4 miles Moderate Ocean views, canyon, seasonal waterfall

Los Liones Trail

For a lush, green escape, the Los Liones Trail offers a shaded climb through dense chaparral that eventually opens to breathtaking coastal views. Starting from Los Liones Drive, this trail gradually ascends to an overlook that connects with Parker Mesa and the greater Topanga State Park network.

Los Liones is particularly appealing to photographers and nature lovers thanks to its rich vegetation and dramatic ocean panoramas. As you progress along the trail, you will notice how the serene canyon transitions to expansive ridgeline vistas.

Trail Distance (Round-Trip) Difficulty Highlights
Los Liones Trail 3–7 miles (depending on turnaround) Moderate Shaded canyon, ocean overlook, link to Parker Mesa

Will Rogers State Historic Park

Just a short drive from Santa Monica, Will Rogers State Historic Park features several scenic hiking options. The most popular loop takes hikers up to Inspiration Point, a viewpoint overlooking Santa Monica Bay, downtown Los Angeles, and the surrounding mountains.

This area is perfect for families and beginners due to its gentle grades and clearly marked paths. In addition, its historic ranch setting and open grassy areas make it easy to pair your hike with a picnic or a tour of the park’s cultural sites.

Trail Distance (Round-Trip) Difficulty Best For
Inspiration Point Loop 2.5–3 miles Easy to Moderate Families, beginners, city and ocean views

Tips For Hiking In Santa Monica

To fully enjoy the best hiking trails in Santa Monica, it is important to prepare properly. Start early to avoid midday heat and limited parking, and always bring sufficient water, sunscreen, and a hat. Trails can be dusty and steep in sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Additionally, staying on designated paths helps protect local wildlife and native plants. Many trails are shared with runners and mountain bikers, so remain aware of your surroundings and practice good trail etiquette.

Conclusion

From canyon climbs to coastal overlooks, Santa Monica, CA, delivers an impressive variety of hiking experiences within minutes of the beach. Temescal Canyon, Los Liones, and Will Rogers State Historic Park stand out for their accessibility, scenic beauty, and well-maintained routes. By choosing the right trail for your fitness level and planning ahead, you can make the most of Santa Monica’s world-class outdoor recreation and enjoy unforgettable views of the Pacific coastline.

Finding the Best Hiking Trails in Santa Monica, CA

How can I find the best hiking trails near Santa Monica, CA for different skill levels?

To find trails that match your skill level in the Santa Monica area, start by using reputable trail platforms such as AllTrails, Hiking Project, or local park websites like the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area page. Filter by difficulty (easy, moderate, hard), elevation gain, and distance. Review recent user comments for information on trail conditions, crowding, and parking. For beginners, focus on shorter coastal or canyon trails with moderate elevation gain. Intermediate hikers can look for loop trails with 800–1,500 feet of gain, while advanced hikers may prefer longer ridge routes and summits that involve steep climbs or narrower paths. Checking maps and elevation profiles before you go will help ensure the trail is appropriate for your fitness and experience level.

What are some popular beginner-friendly hiking trails in or near Santa Monica?

Several trails near Santa Monica are well-suited for beginners. Palisades Park offers flat, scenic walking paths overlooking the ocean, ideal for very easy outings. Will Rogers State Historic Park features the Inspiration Point Loop, a relatively short trail with gradual elevation and expansive city and ocean views. Temescal Canyon Gateway Park has lower canyon routes that provide a modest workout without excessive climbing. For those willing to drive a short distance, the Los Liones Trail in Pacific Palisades begins gently and can be turned around at earlier viewpoints to keep the distance manageable. These routes are well-traveled, signed, and generally safe for new hikers who want clear paths and accessible terrain.

How do I check current trail conditions and closures around Santa Monica?

Trail conditions in the Santa Monica area can change due to weather, fire risk, erosion, and maintenance projects, so it is important to verify status before heading out. Start with official sources such as the National Park Service page for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the California State Parks website, and the City of Santa Monica or Los Angeles County parks pages. These sites usually post closure notices, fire restrictions, and parking updates. Supplement this with recent reviews on major trail apps, where hikers report issues like washed-out sections, overgrown plants, or muddy conditions. After heavy rain or during times of high fire danger, always confirm that both the trail and its access roads are open and that any posted advisories are followed.

When is the best time of day and year to hike in Santa Monica, CA?

The best time of day to hike around Santa Monica is usually early morning, when temperatures are cooler, parking is easier, and trails are less crowded. Late afternoon and early evening can also be pleasant, but you should allow enough daylight to complete your route safely. Seasonally, late fall through spring often provides the most comfortable hiking conditions, with clearer skies, cooler temperatures, and greener hillsides. Summer and early fall can be hot and dry, especially on exposed ridge trails, so extra water, sun protection, and lighter routes are recommended. Marine layer fog is common near the coast, particularly in late spring and early summer, which can keep temperatures mild but may limit distant views.

What safety tips should I follow when hiking trails near Santa Monica?

Safety on Santa Monica–area trails starts with preparation. Bring sufficient water for the distance and heat, along with sun protection such as a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, because many routes have limited shade. Wear sturdy footwear with good traction, and carry a basic kit that includes snacks, a charged phone, a map or offline navigation app, and a light layer for changing conditions. Stay on marked trails to avoid erosion, poison oak, and potentially unstable slopes. Be aware of wildlife, including snakes, and give all animals space. Let someone know your planned route and expected return time, especially on longer hikes. Finally, respect posted signs regarding fire danger, trail closures, and parking rules to avoid hazardous conditions and fines.

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