Westlake Village, California
Westlake Village, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. The top must-visit location is the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Here, you can explore the challenging Sandstone Peak Trail, known for its stunning rock formations. The trail also offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. For a more leisurely hike, try the Paramount Ranch Trail, a historic movie set turned hiking trail. If you prefer water-based activities, Westlake Lake is ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding. Nearby, the Malibu Creek State Park offers more hiking trails, along with opportunities for mountain biking and bird watching. These locations offer the best in outdoor activities, making Westlake Village a top destination for scenic adventures.
Top Spots in and near Westlake Village
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Glendale, California
Nibley Park
5.0Nibley Park is a small and secluded park with lots of trees and green area. There are a number of picnic tables and a restroom, that is ADA compliant. The playground is small but two separate play areas that are marked for their specific ages for young kids to have fun. There is also a half court...Read more -
Glendale, California
Mt. Thom and Tongva Peak
6.06 mi / 1480 ft gainMount Thom and Tongva Peak are accessed by using the 6.2 mile out and back trail, Las Flores Motorway located in the north part of Glendale, CA. Roadside parking is not allowed near the trailhead, you will need to park in the nearby residential area along Sunshine Drive about 0.15 miles away from...Read more -
Ventura, California
Bike the Sulphur Mountain Loop
28.6 mi / 2884 ft gainThe Sulphur Mountain Loop is a 28 mile cycling and mountain biking loop that begins in Ventura Canyon at the Sulphur Mountain Trailhead and loops through Ojai Valley. Beginning at the Sulphur Mountain Road trailhead off Highway 33, follow the road up and over Sulphur Mountain and down until it co...Read more -
Ojai, California
Couch Rock
3.51.3 mi / 627 ft gainDriving up Gridley Road away from Ojai you’ll come upon a small parking lot on your left and a gate barring the way to a dirt road. Park here, as close to the mountainside as possible and head onto the trail. Follow the trail until you see pass a bench, and start heading downhill. Keep your eye...Read more -
Castaic, California
Hiking the Piru Creek Gorge Trail
Take the I-5 exit North of Castaic, CA at Templin Hwy. Turn onto Golden State Hwy heading the only direction it goes from the exit, North. When it dead-ends in a few miles at the National Forest Gate, you are at Frenchman's Flat.You can camp here, or hang with the day hikers. Heading North along ...Read more -
Santa Clarita, California
Hike to Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument
3.2 mi / 153 ft gainThe Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument, established in 2019, memorializes the site where the Saint Francis Dam, built by famed engineer William Mulholland, collapsed in 1929, tragically killing more than 400 people in the middle of the night as a 150+ foot wave of water crashed through ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Ord & Yale Street Park
4.0Recently opened in 2021, right behind the LA Library in Chinatown, you’ll find this secret gem, tucked away in the corner. Covered picnic tables, with checkerboard game boards in place, and all gender bathrooms with changing tables for the little ones. Two play areas as well as a small climbing w...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Secret Swing in Elysian Park
4.20.16 mi / 72 ft gainFor the most direct directions to the swing, plug in "Swing on top of Elysian Park" into google maps, which will take you directly to the trailhead. If you want to do it the more old fashion way, the swing is on top of a hill at the intersection of Angels Point Drive and Park Row Drive in Elysian...Read more -
Ventura, California
East Anacapa Island Loop
2.31 mi / 269 ft gainLeaving from either Ventura or Oxnard via Island Packers, this full-day hike is in the middle of the Santa Barbara Channel on a small island, about one hour from Los Angeles by car and one additional hour by boat. Without a beach on which to anchor, your boat will pull into Landing Cove and idle ...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Trail Canyon Falls
4.04.56 mi / 1017 ft gainTo get to the trail, take Big Tujunga Canyon Road until you see signs for Trail Canyon Road. The entry point is easy to miss, but keep an eye out for a stop sign and cars parked at the bottom of a dirt path. Drive up the dirt path for direct parking at the trailhead (4x4 is definitely recommended...Read more -
Palos Verdes Estates, California
Bluff Cove
4.40.56 mi / 144 ft gainParking for Bluff Cove is located along the sides of the street of Paseo Del Mar, and the trailhead is located right next to the street. Bluff Cove is one of those unique locations in that there are a variety of activities you can do here. It is a great location for surfing, paddle boarding, bod...Read more -
Ojai, California
Rock Climb at Foothill Crag
2 miFrom downtown Ojai, head north on N Signal Street. Head up the hill and turn left onto a gravel road next to a chainlink fence once you get to the top.(There should be a sign that points to "Pratt/Foothill Trailhead.") Continue past a water tank on the right to a trailhead parking area. I've gon...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles Historic Park
5.01.17 mi / 46 ft gainLos Angeles Historic Park is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Dodgertown, California.Read more -
Ojai, California
Rose Valley Falls
5.00.68 mi / 256 ft gain...It's not often that you come across 100 ft waterfalls. This moderate to easy hike to Rose Valley Falls leads you to one of the tallest waterfalls in the Los Padres National Forest. The hike begins at Rose Valley Campground. If you're not staying at a campsite, park outside the entrance of the ...Read more -
Ventura, California
Dive East Fish Camp
The numerous kelp forests, sea caves, and coves of the Channel Island National Park, coupled with its unbelievable sealife makes for some of the best diving in the world. East Fish Camp off Anacapa Island is an excellent introduction to diving on the Channel Islands, with an average depth of 35'...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
City View and Walnut Forest Trails Loop
4.02.59 mi / 568 ft gainThe City View and Walnut Forest Trails in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park are just outside of downtown Los Angeles, and are perfect for all abilities. The trails are most commonly used by dog walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers and families. The top of the hike features a unique pond. Dogs are a...Read more
