With year-round sunny weather and a geographical location that lets you hit some of the state’s best beaches and peaks in the same day, there’s hardly a bad time to get outside in Southern California. From the panoramic views at Runyon Canyon to the iconic Hollywood sign at Griffith Park, next time you’re looking for a stellar view of the city, just head outdoors. Whether you’re seeking an intense and strenuous Hike or something a little more laid back, here are some of the best hikes in LA.

Bridge to Nowhere in the San Gabriel Mountains

The ten-mile trail to the Bridge to Nowhere follows the San Gabriel River through hot, rocky terrain and spiky yucca plants. At the end of the trail, you’ll find the failed government project that spans across the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. The bridge is now a popular bungee jumping destination. The afternoon heat can be punishing, though, so if you plan on embarking on this hike, be sure to head out early and allow at least six hours to complete the trek.

Paradise Falls in Wildwood Park

Despite the advice of singing sensation TLC, it’s kind of hard to resist chasing waterfalls. Waterfalls are magical, and Paradise Falls in Wildwood Park is no different. The 40-foot-tall falls plunge down the cliff and into a pool below. A short two-mile hike gets to you the falls, but if you want a longer trek, you can extend it to 4.5 miles by adding on a stop at Lizard Rock. 

Runyon Canyon (Hollywood)

Catch all of Hollywood’s most famous people on Runyon Canyon. One of the best hikes in LA and a popular one among celebrities–Orlando Bloom, Justin Bieber, Natalie Portman, and Khloe Kardashian are a few celebs who’ve been spotted working out in their perfectly-coordinated workout gear– Runyon Canyon is about as LA as LA hikes get. Though there’s not much interaction with nature here beyond a dusty trail, Runyon Canyon is one of the best workout hikes in LA and still comes with a great view.

Eaton Canyon

Another hiking trail with waterfalls in Los Angeles, the hike to the falls at Eaton Canyon can be reached after a shady and fairly flat three-mile round-trip hike. The hike starts at the nature center and is the perfect trail for a hiking newbie or someone looking for a shorter hike that’s still worth the effort.

Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood

Mount Hollywood is the tallest peak in Griffith Park and can be reached from the north side of the Observatory parking lot. From the top of the mountain, you can see everything from the Pacific Ocean to the Verdugo Mountains. On a smog-free day, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley, the Los Angeles basin, the skyline of Downtown Los Angeles, and an up-close view of the iconic Hollywood sign.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

Though most of the best hikes in LA offer views of the ocean or Griffith Observatory, the trails at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area boast excellent views of downtown. Home to the regional cross-country races, you’re guaranteed a great workout here. The park also has several amenities like a Japanese garden, restrooms, and picnic areas, perfect for cooling off after working up a sweat.

Malibu Creek State Park

One of Los Angeles’s most beloved hikes, the trail at Malibu Creek follows a creek through the woods. Walk alongside the trail until you reach Century Lake, the place where several scenes from the 1968 Planet of the Apes film were shot. A nice 5.7-mile loop, it’s a great place for those seeking to stretch their legs and reconnect with nature in Tinsel Town.

Palisades Park