Marina del Rey
Last Updated on Jan 13, 2025
Pacific Palisades offers some of the best hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts, with scenic paths and stunning views that highlight the area’s natural beauty. The Backbone Trail, stretching over 67 miles, is a premier route for those looking to experience the vastness of the Santa Monica Mountains, offering a challenging yet rewarding hike through Pacific Palisades’ diverse landscapes. For a shorter but equally captivating adventure, the Los Leones Trail offers a 4.5-mile hike that takes you through lush canyons and opens up to panoramic ocean views. Additionally, the Eagle Springs Fire Road Loop Trail is a 5.5-mile path that combines paved sections with rugged terrain, leading hikers to the popular Eagle Rock viewpoint, where sweeping vistas of Pacific Palisades await. These trails are perfect for anyone looking to explore the natural splendor of hiking Pacific Palisades, CA.
Palisades Park in Pacific Palisades is a stunning coastal green space offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty. This scenic park stretches along the bluffs, providing walking paths lined with lush greenery, palm trees, and benches that invite relaxation. With a mix of grassy areas and lookout points, it’s an ideal place to catch sunsets, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the ocean breeze. Located near the Santa Monica Pier and easily accessible from Pacific Palisades, Palisades Park is a peaceful escape perfect for those looking to unwind amidst Southern California’s stunning coastal landscape.
Stretching across 67.79 miles, the Backbone Trail epitomizes the essence of exploration in the Santa Monica Mountains. Beginning in Point Mugu State Park and culminating in Will Rogers State Historic Park, this iconic trail traverses through the heart of Pacific Palisades, offering hikers a glimpse into the region's natural splendor. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a novice explorer, the Backbone Trail beckons with its well-maintained paths and breathtaking panoramas.
The Temescal Canyon Trail is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and rewarding views. This moderately challenging hike winds through Temescal Gateway Park, taking you past towering sycamores, vibrant wildflowers, and rugged canyon walls. As you ascend, the trail opens up to breathtaking vistas, showcasing the sparkling Pacific Ocean, the sprawling city skyline, and the verdant Santa Monica Mountains. The loop is approximately 2.6 miles, making it a manageable adventure for most hikers, with plenty of shaded spots to rest along the way. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape into nature or a scenic workout, the Temescal Canyon Trail delivers a quintessential Southern California hiking experience.
For the adventurous souls craving a brush with the untamed wilderness, Bushwacker's Delight presents an enticing challenge. This 0.8-mile trail, nestled within Will Rogers State Historic Park, meanders through dense foliage and rugged terrain, offering a thrilling escapade for experienced hikers. As you navigate the path less traveled, be prepared to immerse yourself in a world of untouched beauty and raw wilderness.
Embrace the serenity of nature with a journey along the Eagle Springs Fire Road Loop Trail. Spanning 5.5 miles and boasting an elevation gain of 1,095 feet, this trail promises a rewarding adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. From paved pathways to scenic overlooks, every step unveils a new facet of Pacific Palisades' natural allure. Don't forget to capture the majestic vistas from Eagle Rock, a popular vantage point along the trail.
The East Topanga Fire Road Trail offers a picturesque journey through the rugged landscapes of the Santa Monica Mountains, connecting from Trippet Ranch to Pacific Palisades. As hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians traverse this scenic route, they are treated to panoramic views of surrounding canyons and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, the trail intersects with the Wire Break Trail and the Los Leones Trail, providing opportunities for further exploration. A notable highlight of the journey is the spur leading to the enchanting Parker Mesa Overlook, where visitors can marvel at breathtaking vistas. Accessible from the Trippet Ranch staging area via the Los Leones Trail, reaching the trailhead requires navigating Topanga Canyon Blvd and Entrada Rd. While embarking on this adventure, it's important to note that dogs are not permitted on the trail, ensuring a serene and undisturbed experience amidst nature's splendor.
Embark on a quest to conquer the heights of Pacific Palisades with the High Point Trail. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, this 2.8-mile trail invites hikers to ascend to "Goat Peak" and behold the beauty that lies beyond. While parts of the trail may be overgrown, the promise of sweeping vistas and encounters with native wildlife makes every obstacle worthwhile.
Step into history and embark on a journey along the Inspiration Point Trail, a testament to the enduring legacy of Will Rogers. Spanning 2.1 miles and boasting an elevation gain of 324 feet, this trail offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Pacific Palisades' past. As you traverse the path, be prepared to be captivated by panoramic vistas of the Los Angeles Basin and Santa Monica Bay, a fitting tribute to the trail's namesake.
Topanga State Park
Venture into the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains with the Los Leones Trail, a 7.3-mile odyssey through lush canyons and verdant landscapes. Named after the majestic mountain lions that roam the area, this trail promises an immersive experience amidst nature's splendor. From ivy-lined pathways to panoramic vistas, every twist and turn unveils the untamed beauty of Pacific Palisades.
Embark on a journey of discovery along the Skull Rock Loop, a 4-mile trail brimming with natural wonders. From rocky terrain to cascading waterfalls, this trail offers a playground for both rock climbers and birders alike. As you traverse the path, be sure to marvel at the eponymous Skull Rock, a geological marvel that stands as a testament to the forces of nature.
Indulge your sense of adventure with a trek along the Trailer Canyon Fire Road, a 4.3-mile trail that promises scenic vistas and rugged terrain. From sweeping views of the ocean to encounters with native wildlife, every step along this trail is a testament to the untamed beauty of Pacific Palisades. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a novice explorer, the Trailer Canyon Fire Road offers a gateway to the wonders of nature.
Embark on a journey of discovery with the Will Rogers Trail, a 4.1-mile odyssey through the heart of Will Rogers State Historic Park. While the trail may pose challenges for even the most experienced hikers, the promise of hidden gems and breathtaking vistas makes every step worthwhile. From scrambling over stones to navigating through lush underbrush, this trail offers a true test of endurance amidst nature's splendor.
Pacific Palisades stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of nature, offering a myriad of hiking trails that beckon adventurers from far and wide. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, the trails of Pacific Palisades promise an unforgettable journey amidst the wonders of the Santa Monica Mountains. So lace up your hiking boots, embrace the call of the wild, and embark on an adventure to remember in Pacific Palisades.