6 of the Best Sunset Hikes in Los Angeles

Experience golden hour from the 6 best sunset hikes in Los Angeles.

Everyone knows that Los Angeles is a beautiful city, it’s why tourists flock here, and people all over the world are eager to move here.

We’ve got a secret, though.

Even if you’ve lived here for years, you haven’t truly experienced the serene beauty our city has to offer until you explore the best sunset hikes in Los Angeles.

While you can take a hike at any time, there are significant benefits to hiking at sunset.

Southern California summers get toasty, and sunset brings cooler temperatures that are perfect for hiking.

But one of the biggest benefits of sunset hikes is the views.

In a city that is constantly bustling, it’s rejuvenating to slip away into the mountains and watch the downtown lights glimmer from a distance as the sun sinks into the ocean.

Below are the 6 best sunset hikes in Los Angeles. Enjoy them!

1. Ascot Hills

Ascot Hills is noteworthy because it is far less crowded than many other Los Angeles hiking trails while still offering sunset hikers beautiful views of the Downtown LA skyline, and peaceful mountain vibes.

There are multiple trail options at Ascot Hills, each featuring moderate inclines along dirt and cement pathways bordered by vibrant wildflowers.

Dogs are welcome on leash.

Distance:

• 2.1 miles
• Duration of about 75 minutes.
• Ascot Hills is a loop trail.

Difficulty Level:

• Easy to moderate difficulty level.
• Ascot Hills has a peak elevation of 567 feet.

Location:

East LA & El Sereno
4371 Multnomah St, Los Angeles, CA 90032

2. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

With over 280 steep steps leading to the top of the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Trailhead, hikers should be prepared for a nice workout.

Taking the stairs offers views of the city at varying heights. You can expect to see panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills and the San Gabriel Mountains before watching the sun disappear into the Pacific Ocean.

For hikers looking for a more spacious, less workout-heavy experience, dirt switchbacks with manageable inclines can be taken instead.

Distance:

If beginning at the stairs and coming down the switchbacks, you can expect to hike:

• 1.3 miles
• Duration of about 45 mins.
• This is a loop trail.

Difficulty Level:

• Moderate difficulty level.
• Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook has a peak elevation of 334 feet.

Location:

Baldwin Hills
6050 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

3. East Observatory Trail

Griffith Observatory has several hikes, with East Observatory Trail being one of the most accessible and family-friendly trails on the grounds.

A third of the way through the trail, you will find a meeting point between the East and West Observatory Trails.

This area provides up-close views of Griffith Observatory, the Downtown LA skyline, and the Hollywood sign.

Whether you’ve lived in Los Angeles for years, you’ve just moved here, or you’re stopping by for a visit, hiking the East Observatory Trail is an excellent opportunity to see several Los Angeles landmarks at one time.

Dogs are welcome on leash.

Distance:

• 1.5 miles
• Duration of about 45 minutes.
• This is an out-and-back trail.

Difficulty Level:

• This more manageable level hike is ideal for beginners and children.
• East Observatory Trail has a peak elevation of 380 feet.

Location:

Los Feliz
2700 N Vermont Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Check out the Griffith Observatory hiking trails map to find other trails to explore.

4. Topanga Lookout Trail

Topanga Lookout Trail differs from most hiking trails in Los Angeles because there are no ocean views.

Instead, a large graffiti-covered concrete slab, known as the Topanga Lookout Tower Ruins, overlooks cascading canyon and mountain views.

The Topanga Lookout Trail is considered one of the best sunset hikes in Los Angeles, so it gets a lot of foot traffic during golden hour.

There may be a short wait for the best photo spots, but with such a breathtaking view, you won’t mind staying a while.

Dogs are welcome on leash.

Distance:

• 2 miles
• Duration of about 60 minutes.
• This is an out-and-back trail.

Difficulty Level:

• This more manageable level hike is ideal for beginners and children.
• Topanga Lookout Trail has a peak elevation of 495 feet.

Location:

Fernwood & Monte Nido
23300 Saddle Peak Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302

5. Runyon Canyon Trail

If you’re looking to get the full Los Angeles experience and bump into some Hollywood stars, Runyon Canyon Trail is a must-visit.

For all meditation and art enthusiasts, Runyon Canyon is home to an expansive, intricate Rock Mandala created by theater artist Robert Wilson.

In addition to celebrity sightings and natural artwork, Runyon Canyon has been dubbed the most popular hiking spot in Los Angeles because it features hiking trails suitable for all experience levels.

There are three trail entrances at Runyon Canyon: the Mulholland Entrance, the Fuller Entrance, and the Vista Entrance.

Each trailhead offers varying degrees of difficulty, with Mulholland being the shortest and most physically manageable hike.

The Mulholland trailhead is just under a mile long and can be hiked within 30 minutes.

For people looking for a moderate hike, the Fuller Entrance is ideal. This trailhead features steep steps and inclines and can be completed in about 45 minutes.

For a more lengthy and challenging hike, start your hike at the Vista Entrance.

Dogs are welcome off-leash in designated areas.

Distance:

• 2.7 miles.
• Duration of about 90 minutes.
• This is a loop trail.

Difficulty Level:

• Moderate to expert difficulty level.
• The Vista Entrance has a peak elevation of 750 feet.

Location:
Hollywood Hills

Vista Entrance:
2905 Runyon Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Mulholland Entrance:
7317 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Fuller Entrance:
2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

6. Solstice Canyon Loop

Solstice Canyon Loop is a nature lover’s and history buff’s dream.

The most notable features of this hike are the small but picturesque Solstice Waterfall and the ruins of The Roberts Ranch house.

Visitors can expect to hike up a heavily shaded set of stairs to reach these locations.

The remainder of the hike will be along sun–covered and shaded dirt paths through the Santa Monica Mountains, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Dogs are welcome on leash.

Distance:

• 3 miles.
• Duration of about 90 minutes.
• This is a loop trail.

Difficulty Level:

• Moderate difficulty level.
• Solstice Canyon Loop has a peak elevation of 700 feet.

Location:

Malibu
3455 Solstice Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

FAQs

How do you prepare for a sunset hike?

Taking time to prepare for a sunset hike will ensure you make it through the trail and back safely.

Here are a few tips for sunset hikes:

1. Have a hiking buddy and share your location with friends and family.
2. Dress comfortably and bring extra layers in case you get chilly.
3. Water, water, water. And snacks, too.
4. Bring bug spray. Mosquitos are especially active on summer nights.
5. Be mindful of wildlife. Research what to do if you encounter them.

When is golden hour in Los Angeles?

Golden hour in Los Angeles is the final hour before sunset.

How many hiking trails are in Los Angeles?

There are around 60 hiking trails in Los Angeles.

Whether you’re looking for a sunset hike, a sunrise hike, a mountain hike, a coastal hike, or an easy or challenging hike, Los Angeles has fantastic hiking options to fit your liking!

This article showed you the best sunset hikes in Los Angeles

With summertime heat fast approaching, there has never been a better time to experience the best sunset hikes in Los Angeles.

Head over to a trail to enjoy city lights, ocean views, and the setting sun.