Came to this hike the other day and realized it was way harder than I remember but the views are…read morepretty incredible! It's a great workout that's is not crowded at all. So if you're looking to be one with nature without all the shenanigans of LA and get a great workout in, this is the place for you! It also pretty amazing that there is always parking available!

One of my favorite parks to go to as you are able to enjoy a great workout as well as chill time…read morewith the family. I always enjoy a great bike ride or a run at this park. This is also amazing if you bring your dogs or children as they can enjoy as well. Definitely a must if you are in the area.

We Burbankers don't like to brag, but we've got a cozy nature center right past the golf course…read more Hold on to your purses and backpacks, as some live animals live inside and can be brought out for petting purposes. Who pets a snake? Some do. Easy free parking right outside the nature center with lots of interactive displays inside. There's also an outdoor theatre area for presentations and plenty of space for the summer kids' camp. Burbank's hiking trail starts right outside the front door and is now accessible to all with Burbank's new all-terrain hiking wheelchairs, available at no charge with a reservation. Best kept secret? Sparkling clean bathrooms inside.

Decided to hit a hike before the heat kicked up and after a bit of mental wrangling, I choose…read moreStough... However, the trail is currently closed due to recent fire activity a couple weeks ago.

Perfect hike for a hot day…read more I love waterfall hikes and listening to the sound of calm, running water. The added challenge on these hikes is the multiple stream crossings. I brought some hiking poles which helped with balance and probing for loose rocks and logs. If you want to get parking in the lower lot, it's best to come before 8AM. We found parking in the second lot. An Adventure Pass or Day Pass is required. Parking is enforced. A car received a ticket for being in a No Parking zone. The start of the trail is nicely shaded. The second half is a hilly, narrow, sun exposed path which routes back into the canyon toward the Lower Switzer Falls. I'm glad they had fencing on some narrow and steep parts of the trail. We encountered an active rattlesnake which headed down the mountain, so be on the lookout. Overall, the hike takes about 3 hours for 5.5 miles. The additional hike back up to the parking lot was about 1/4 of a mile. Note: if you need to use the restroom, it's best to bring your own toilet paper and to go before you start your hike. It was kind of smelly, but if you gotta go... you gotta go.

This was my first real hike, and it was great! It was a bit confusing to get there but there were…read moreplenty of people around to help out. The water is ice cold and you need water shoes to comfortably walk around in the water. Be careful not to slip on the algae covered rocks! Still wonderful

What a great place! Really calm and full of nature. Also the library is wonderful. Parking is…read morealways available.

Brand Park is on the smaller side, so if you're hoping to get in 6,000 steps, you might need to…read moreloop a few times or explore nearby streets. That said, don't let the size fool you ~ there's something here for all ages. The Japanese Friendship Garden opens around 10 AM and offers a peaceful spot to relax. The koi pond and landscaped gardens are especially calming. There's a small playground for kids with nearby picnic tables ~ great for families. The onsite library hosts occasional events, and the grand staircase leading up to it makes for a great photo op. Parking inside the park is limited, but there's usually plenty of street parking available if you don't mind a short walk.

This was such an amazing hike! It's uphill the entire time until the top of the hill, but the…read morepatience was worth it! At the top there's a flag and you can see a panoramic view of Los Angeles. It was such a pretty view, you can see skyscrapers, homes, and a lake/dam. After an intense uphill hike, you'll be treated with a cooling breeze at the top. I recommend going when it's not so hot. The wisdom tree is also at the top of the hill. The whole hike was around 2 hours. I would do it again for the view.

This is one of my favorite trails -- absolutely beautiful with amazing views. I recommend going on…read morea weekday, either early in the morning or around sunset. Avoid the middle of the day unless you're looking for a super hot, intense workout, because there's very little shade. Parts of the trail are rocky and can get a bit slippery, so good shoes with tread are a must. Bring water, wear a hat, and you're good to go. Totally worth it for the scenery!

My second time doing the stairs here is how I found them…read more Number of stairs- 9 Sycamore Glen to Redwood Dr.-this staircase is not in Fleming's Secret Stairs book, Walk #1, though they could have easily been part of the route. 60 steps Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr. 98 steps Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr. 81 steps up then 19 steps down Tamarac Dr. to Glenullen Dr. 86 steps Glenullen Dr. to Cherry Dr. 99 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Capinero Dr. 44 steps La Loma to Cheviotdale Pl. 54 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Cherry Dr. 43 steps La Loma to Evergreen-this staircase... Hope it helps It's around two miles.

I decided to give the Secret Stairs a visit after a tip from Yelp! There is just something charming…read moreabout a neighborhood network of stairs. The stairs serves well as an easy hike or an exercise spot for those who love stair climbing. One thing I did not expect is that the stairs go up and down. Rather than take you higher and higher, some of the stairs just takes you across hills which for me is disappointing. Also, I did not find the houses along the trail particularly scenic. They are probably nice for Pasadena but definitely a far cry from what you see in nearby Arcadia, San Marino, La Canada, etc. Overall, I consider the Secret Stairs a local attraction. It's a worth a visit if you live less than 20 minutes away and its a fun neighborhood novelty but it's definitely not worth your time if you don't live in the area. Parking: I parked on the street on Elmwood which is the beginning of the trail, but I don't highly recommend it. It's not a particularly well maintained street and it is super narrow and steep without proper curbs/sidewalks. There is also a sign that says 'Tow Away on Red Flag Days'. Refer to the affixes picture. If I returned, I would either park on the street prior to Elmwood or just skip to a different segment.

Nice vast park with a private lot for parking as well as street parking. The restrooms were clean…read more I went for a 1 year old birthday party and this place is huge. There were multiple parties at the park and they were so far from each other which is nice way to feel like we had a space all to ourselves. Ton of tables and shade for picnicking.

I liked this park. It was very relaxing just to go up the hill and chill out and be in natureread more

Hollywood Reservoir is one of my favorite places to walk in LA. . My friends and I usually complete…read morethe entire loop, and every visit is relaxing and enjoyable. One of the biggest advantages is the convenient parking area right at the trailhead. There are also restrooms along the route, making longer walks much more comfortable The scenery keeps bringing me back. The trail offers beautiful views of the reservoir, the surrounding hills, Southern California landscapes, elegant homes, and one of the clearest views of the Hollywood Sign. Wildlife is another reason I enjoy coming here. On a typical walk, I spot squirrels, rabbits, deer, a variety of birds, and sometimes even coyotes or opossums. It's a reminder that nature is still thriving in the middle of LA I also like turning my walks into a small history lesson. Listening to podcasts about William Mulholland while walking around the reservoir adds another layer to the experience and helps you appreciate how important this place has been to the city's history. Whether you're looking for exercise, fresh air, quiet conversation with friends or simply a peaceful place to clear your mind, this trail offers all of it

My friend and I were looking for a hiking trail. Being a L.A. native I haven't hiked this trail,…read moreever. It's been on my list forever and why I haven't been here is beyond me. I put it in my gps and found parking pretty easily. As we got off I noticed we can do the reservoir trail, which is flat gravel, and goes around the lake or we can hike up the mountains to the Hollywood sign. Being that it's summer we decided to do the flat trail that was surrounded by shade. As soon as we walked in my friend haven't noticed but I saw a deer really close to us. We sat in silenced for a while, it was beautiful. Since there is a fence around the reservoir I'm sure most animal will be on the other side, where the trees and mountains are. So it's not close enough where you can touch it. The walk is a 3 mile loop, very beautiful!!!! I mean we were in absolutely aw of the nature, trees, lake, wild life, just everything. Also I think it was very nice that it was my first time exploring. I definitely can't wait to come back again.

BEWARE! CAR BREAK-INS! DO NOT leave valuables in the car!!…read moreMy car got broken into today, 31 May 2026 around 12-2pm. After the hike, I noticed the lock on my car door handle fell off and immediately sensed something wrong and checked my bag. They took hundreds of dollars in cash and all of my credit/debit cards. I have to take my car into the auto shop to get fixed as well. I was not aware of this trailhead being notorious for car break-ins. I was actually trying to hike Condor Peak Trailhead but couldn't find it and ended up at Trail Canyon. I had absolutely no cell signal so I couldn't even do a quick Google search on this trailhead. My first time going into a hike blind and I got robbed. I'm guessing the thieves camp out near the parking and scope out their victims. I parked right in front of the start of the trailhead. I will NOT be returning to this hike. Be careful, stay vigilant.

This hike was interesting, but for me it was definitely more difficult and a lot more dangerous…read morethan I expected. The first part of the trail, down to the creek and along the creek, was not too hard and actually pretty enjoyable. Crossing the creek several times was fun, and there were some nice shaded areas along the way. We also saw a California newt, which was really interesting -- but please do not touch them. Later, when we finally had internet again, we read that their skin produces a toxin, so it's best to admire them from a safe distance. The harder part starts after you climb above the creek. From there, the trail leading toward the waterfall becomes narrow and slippery, and on the right side there are steep drop-offs almost the entire way. The final descent to the waterfall was the biggest challenge for me. You have to go down along the rock with a rope for support, but honestly it did not look safe at all, so we decided not to go all the way down to the base of the waterfall. I would not bring children on this hike. Also, be prepared that the round trip can take around 3.5 hours depending on your pace. A few helpful things to know: * parking was along the road * there are no restrooms * tickets/permits need to be purchased in advance in a different place * internet service was very poor, so it's better to download your map ahead of time * there were not many people, which was nice The waterfall was full and rushing, and the views were beautiful, but personally I would not do this hike a second time.

We finally experienced the free Shakespeare performances in Griffith Park, and it was so much more…read morethan just a play--it was a whole summer evening experience. People arrive early with blankets, picnic baskets, snacks, and drinks, creating such a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere before the show even begins. A few tips from our experience: There is a large free parking lot, and it's well organized with bright signs leading you all the way to the performance area. Even though it was our first visit, finding the venue wasn't difficult--it just felt like a fun little adventure! Even on a Wednesday, the crowd was surprisingly large, so arriving early is definitely worth it. (Independent Shakespeare Co.) Bring a blanket, but don't forget a small cushion! The performance lasts over two hours, and sitting on the ground can get uncomfortable. If you're bringing folding chairs, please sit toward the back so everyone can enjoy the view. There is a 20-minute intermission, giving you plenty of time to stretch your legs, grab a snack, or refill your tea. It gets much cooler after sunset, so bring a light jacket or something warm to throw over your shoulders. A thermos of hot tea is a great idea too. Feel free to bring food and drinks, but be prepared to share your picnic with a few curious bees and other insects. There is a portable restroom on-site, and if it's locked, the access code is 3343. The production quality really impressed us. Professional lighting, excellent sound, microphones--it honestly felt like watching a performance in a real theater, just under the stars. Video recording isn't allowed during the performance, so you can simply relax and enjoy the moment. The host also shared some exciting news--they're building a brand-new stage nearby, and there's a good chance next season's performances will take place there. We'll definitely be back in August for The Comedy of Errors. If you're looking for one of the most unique free summer experiences in Los Angeles, this is one I highly recommend.

There are so many hikes and walks at Griffith Park and one of my favorites is the Griffith…read moreObservatory hike. However, if you're looking to do a flat walk or run, the 4 mile loop around the Harding Golf Course is as simple as it can get. It's a dirt path that can feel like beach sand in some areas and can be shaded or in full sun. I enter the Autry Museum Parking lot and park at the south side of the lot near the trail for free. It's across the street from the LA Zoo. I do this walk with a friend that lives in the area. It's not a trail I would drive out of my way for. I've seen people running, with their dogs and even one lady walking on stilts.