This guide covers 8 beginner trails in the Los Angeles area with under 700 feet of elevation gain, organized by sub-region.
Each trail includes surface type, restroom access, and time estimates calibrated for hikers aged 50-65.
We prioritized stable surfaces and accessible facilities based on National Park Service and California State Parks data.
Trail Directory: Quick Comparison
| Trail Name | Best For | Essential Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Griffith Observatory via West Trail | Observatory access | 2.6 mi / Dirt (packed) |
| Runyon Canyon (Easy Loop) | City views | 1.9 mi / Dirt |
| Gabrielino Trail (JPL to Gould Mesa) | Shaded creek walk | 5.1 mi / Paved & dirt |
| Solstice Canyon | Waterfall & ruins | 2.6 mi / Paved |
| Crystal Cove State Park (Moro Canyon) | Coastal scenery | 4.0 mi / Dirt (packed) |
| Aliso & Wood Canyons | Oak woodlands | 3.5 mi / Dirt (packed) |
| Santa Ana River Trail | Level riverside | 4.0 mi / Paved |
| Douglas Family Preserve | Ocean bluffs | 1.5 mi / Dirt (packed) |
How to use: Scan for trails matching your interests. Essential Stats show distance and surface type, both critical for joint safety.
Quick Answers
- Paved trails for knee concerns: Solstice Canyon, Santa Ana River Trail.
- Shade for summer: Gabrielino Trail, Aliso & Wood Canyons.
- Best for first-timers: Douglas Preserve, Santa Ana River, Griffith Observatory.
- Ocean views: Crystal Cove, Douglas Preserve.
Griffith Observatory via West Trail
The Quick Take: Iconic LA landmark on packed dirt with moderate climbing.
Logistics & Technical Specs:
- 2.6 mi Loop | 540 ft | 2 hours (age 50-65)
- Surface: Dirt (packed) | Knee: 3/5 | Shade: Partial (40%)
- Restrooms: Trailhead & Observatory | Cell: Excellent
- Parking: Free street at Fern Dell Dr (limited)
- Los Feliz, CA (4 mi from Los Angeles)
Explorer’s Safety Insight: Steady climb distributes cardiovascular effort. Morning starts avoid afternoon heat reaching mid-80s.
Best For: Cultural experience, city vistas, observatory
Avoid If: Need nature immersion, solitude
Tip: Park before 9am on weekends for street parking.
“Elevation gain drives cardiovascular demand more than distance. A 500-foot climb on 2 miles works your heart harder than 5 flat miles.”
Runyon Canyon (Easy Loop)
The Quick Take: Hollywood’s accessible trail with panoramic views, minimal shade.
Logistics & Technical Specs:
- 1.9 mi Loop | 500 ft | 1 hour 45 min (age 50-65)
- Surface: Dirt | Knee: 2/5 | Shade: Minimal (15%)
- Restrooms: Near entrance | Cell: Excellent
- Parking: Limited street on Fuller Ave
- Hollywood, CA (3 mi from Los Angeles)
Explorer’s Safety Insight: Minimal shade means temperatures 10-15°F hotter. If temps will exceed 85°F, reschedule.
Best For: Hollywood Sign views, dog-friendly off-leash
Avoid If: Need solitude, shade, heat-sensitive
Tip: Arrive before 8am for parking.
Gabrielino Trail (JPL to Gould Mesa)
The Quick Take: Shaded creek-side trail through riparian groves near Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Logistics & Technical Specs:
- 5.1 mi Out-and-back | 300 ft | 3 hours 15 min (age 50-65)
- Surface: Paved (1.2 mi) then dirt | Knee: 4/5 | Shade: Full (75%)
- Restrooms: Trailhead (primitive) | Cell: None
- Parking: Free at Windsor Ave lot
- Altadena, CA (12 mi from Los Angeles)
Explorer’s Safety Insight: Dense shade and creek keep temperatures 15-20°F cooler. Paved start section reduces fall risk before transitioning to packed dirt.
Best For: Summer hiking, shade seekers, creek scenery
Avoid If: Need cell service, short distance
Tip: First 1.2 miles paved. Turn back here for shorter 2.4-mile option.
Solstice Canyon
The Quick Take: Paved waterfall hike with historical ruins.
Logistics & Technical Specs:
- 2.6 mi Out-and-back | 300 ft | 1 hour 30 min (age 50-65)
- Surface: Paved | Knee: 5/5 | Shade: Partial (50%)
- Restrooms: Trailhead | Cell: Spotty
- Parking: Free (20 spaces, fills early)
- Malibu, CA (30 mi from Los Angeles)
Explorer’s Safety Insight: Paved surfaces reduce fall risk by 60% for adults over 50. Year-round creek provides cooler temps.
Best For: Knee problems, waterfall, ruins, families
Avoid If: Need strenuous workout, cell connectivity
Tip: Weekend parking fills by 10am.
“Start with trails under 300 feet of elevation gain for your first five hikes.”
Crystal Cove State Park (Moro Canyon)
The Quick Take: Coastal canyon with ocean views on maintained dirt.
Logistics & Technical Specs:
- 4.0 mi Loop | 450 ft | 3 hours (age 50-65)
- Surface: Dirt (packed) | Knee: 4/5 | Shade: Minimal (20%)
- Restrooms: Visitor Center | Cell: Good
- Parking: $15/day (Moro Canyon entrance)
- Laguna Beach, CA (50 mi from Los Angeles)
Explorer’s Safety Insight: Coastal location stays 10-15°F cooler than inland trails.
Best For: Coastal scenery, wildflowers (spring)
Avoid If: Budget-limited, need shade
Tip: Combine with beach visit at Historic District.
Aliso & Wood Canyons (Wood Canyon Trail)
The Quick Take: Oak woodland with shaded canyon floor.
Logistics & Technical Specs:
- 3.5 mi Out-and-back | 400 ft | 2 hours 30 min (age 50-65)
- Surface: Dirt (packed) | Knee: 4/5 | Shade: Full (70%)
- Restrooms: Trailhead | Cell: Good
- Parking: Free at Wood Canyon Trailhead
- Aliso Viejo, CA (55 mi from Los Angeles)
Explorer’s Safety Insight: Oak canopy keeps temps 15-20°F cooler. Excellent summer option for heat-sensitive hikers.
Best For: Shade seekers, summer hiking
Avoid If: Need ocean views, waterfalls
Tip: Check conditions after winter rains for creek crossings.
Santa Ana River Trail
The Quick Take: Flat paved riverside path.
Logistics & Technical Specs:
- 4.0 mi Out-and-back | 50 ft | 2 hours (age 50-65)
- Surface: Paved | Knee: 5/5 | Shade: Minimal (20%)
- Restrooms: Various access points | Cell: Excellent
- Parking: Free at Featherly Regional Park
- Yorba Linda, CA (40 mi from Los Angeles)
Explorer’s Safety Insight: Zero elevation eliminates cardiovascular stress. Perfect for testing distance tolerance.
Best For: Absolute beginners, knee issues
Avoid If: Need nature immersion, elevation
Tip: Trail extends 110 miles. Customize distance to energy level.
Douglas Family Preserve
The Quick Take: Short ocean bluff walk for first-time hikers.
Logistics & Technical Specs:
- 1.5 mi Loop | 100 ft | 1 hour (age 50-65)
- Surface: Dirt (packed) | Knee: 4/5 | Shade: None (0%)
- Restrooms: None (nearby in Santa Barbara) | Cell: Excellent
- Parking: Free street on Medcliff Road
- Santa Barbara, CA (95 mi from Los Angeles)
Explorer’s Safety Insight: Ocean breezes moderate temperature. Minimal elevation builds beginner confidence.
Best For: First hike, ocean views, dog walking
Avoid If: Need waterfalls, forest shade
Tip: Combine with Santa Barbara day trip.
How to Choose Your First Los Angeles Trail
Elevation gain drives cardiovascular demand more than distance. Start with trails under 300 feet of elevation gain for your first five hikes.
Surface type affects joint safety. Paved trails reduce fall risk by 60% for adults over 50, according to research from the Wilderness Medicine Society. Begin with Santa Ana River Trail or Solstice Canyon before progressing to technical surfaces.
Los Angeles trails face distinct heat challenges. Summer temps regularly exceed 85°F on exposed trails. Morning starts (before 9am) keep you cooler. Coastal trails stay 10-15°F cooler than inland options.
Match trails to concerns. Knee problems? Choose paved surfaces. Heat sensitive? Pick shaded (Gabrielino, Aliso) or coastal (Crystal Cove, Douglas). First-timer anxiety? Start with Douglas Preserve or Santa Ana River.
The beginner trails throughout California offer similar accessible options. For seasonal planning, our month-by-month California hiking guide explains regional timing. California-specific hazards are covered in our California hiking safety guide.
Medical Disclaimer: This site provides general hiking information, not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new physical activity, especially if you have existing health conditions, are over 50, or have been sedentary.
About BackpackJudge: BackpackJudge creates beginner hiking content for adults 40-70, prioritizing stable surfaces, accessible facilities, and realistic expectations for mature beginners. Information compiled from parks data, outdoor recreation resources, and hiking safety guidelines. Conditions and recommendations may change. Always verify current information from official sources before making decisions.
