From improving your cardiovascular fitness to reducing stress, hiking has many health benefits — and of course, it's enjoyable! Find a trail near you.
Regardless of age or ability, you can find a hike that offers the right level of personal challenge and may even provide you with some unique physical and mental health benefits.
“The nice thing about hiking is that it works for nearly everyone, from a gentle walk on a flat path to mountain climbing,” said James Benoit, MD, a Providence family medicine physician.
Brisk walking or hiking is a good way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, particularly if your route includes some hills, which will force your heart to work harder. Taking a hike on the slightly uneven surface of a trail also provides a natural way to engage the core muscles in your torso and to hone your balance.
“You usually don’t get that type of lateral motion from walking on a treadmill or riding a bike,” Dr. Benoit said.
However, if you have problems with stability or vision, using walking or trekking poles can give you an added level of security on uneven terrain. Use poles with a spiked metal tip when walking on dirt or grass. Plant the pole out in front of you as you walk to take a little pressure off your knee joints.
Another benefit of hiking may be the restorative and stress-relieving power of being outside in nature. A number of small studies hint that spending time in green space — nature preserves and parks — may ease your stress levels. Given the growing consensus that stress contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease risk, anything you can do to mitigate stress is likely helpful.
“I’m passionate about hiking,” Dr. Benoit said. “There’s a sense of peace and composure you get from being outside.”
Looking for a great hike?
Get started by going to alltrails.com or look at the list below to explore hikes close to you.
ORANGE COUNTY
Fullerton Loop Trail
Fullerton, CA
Length: 11.2 MI
Elevation Gain: 885 FT
Route: Loop
This is a unique mix of 85% dirt single- and double-track trails with 15% sidewalk/asphalt riding. The trail is a patchwork of old equestrian paths that run along property lines and an old railroad bed corridor. Almost like a video game, there are features hidden all along its length that beg for exploration.
The most accessible portion of the trail is the paved section in the first approximately 0.7 miles when going counterclockwise. The majority of the trail is estimated to be in the mostly gentle (5% or less) grade category, but there are steeper sections. Trail-goers using wheelchairs/mobility equipment or strollers may want to avoid steeper sections or ask for help if they choose to navigate these sections of the loop. All-terrain tires or motorized equipment may be needed for the surface type and grade past the 0.7-mile mark.
Peters Canyon Lake View Trail
Orange, CA
Length: 5.3 MI
Elevation Gain: 593 FT
Route: Loop
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, this 5.3-mile loop trail takes just over 2 hours to complete on average. This is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs on leash are welcome, and the trail is open year-round. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. There is a $3 fee to park in the Peters Canyon Regional Park area.
San Clemente State Beach Trail
San Clemente, CA
Length: 4.5 MI
Elevation Gain: 55 FT
Route: Out-and-back
Take a stroll along the beach via this 4.5-mile out-and-back trail. With virtually no elevation gain, it is considered an easy route and takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. This hike will require additional time if you decide to take advantage of one of the many detours the trail offers, including the San Clemente Pier and Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful no matter when you visit. Dogs are welcome, but they must be leashed.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Los Leones Trail
Pacific Palisades, CA
Length: 4.4 MI
Elevation Gain: 1,190 FT
Route: Out-and-back
Take on this 4.4-mile out-and-back trail near Pacific Palisades and reward yourself with beautiful views of the ocean, Catalina Island, Malibu, West Los Angeles and beyond. Several benches also await you once you reach the first overlook. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it requires an average of 2.5 hours to complete. The area is popular for birding, hiking and running, but you'll need to leave pups at home; dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Be sure to bring plenty of water and comfortable hiking shoes for the elevation gain.
Seascape Trail and Golden Cove Trail
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Length: 0.7 MI
Elevation Gain: 40 FT
Route: Out-and-back
This family friendly trail in the heart of the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers panoramic views of the ocean, as well as the narrow, rocky beaches below. The hike begins at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, a small museum and gift shop open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. From the center walk the peddle and dirt path to the Golden Cove Trail. Continue on until you reach the Calle Entradero vista point. After finishing the hike, spend the afternoon at the nearby park with picnic tables and a view of the historic Point Vicente Lighthouse.
O'Melveny Park Loop
Granada Hills, CA
Length: 4.2 MI
Elevation Gain: 1,437 FT
Route: Loop
Following a wet winter, there are plenty of wildflowers to discover on this 4.2-mile loop trail in the northern San Fernando Valley. A somewhat challenging route, the loop takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Open all year, the trail features hairpin turns, sandstone walls, a decent elevation gain and beautiful views of the Valley and Mission Point. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Wildwood Canyon Trail
Yucaipa, CA
Length: 2.3 MI
Elevation Gain: 918 FT
Route: Out-and-back
Discover picturesque views of Burbank and San Fernando Valley on this 2.3-mile out-and-back trail. While not a long hike (you’ll need about 1.5 hours to finish it) the trail features some decent elevation gain and is considered a moderately challenging trail. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime, as many native wildlife call the canyon home. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Caballero Canyon and Reseda Loop
Tarzana, CA
Length: 3.7 MI
Elevation Gain: 803 FT
Route: Loop
This moderately challenging loop checks in at 3.7 miles in length and meanders alongside Caballero Creek before looping around and ending back on Reseda Boulevard. Showcasing stunning views of Caballero Canyon, this hike should take just under two hours to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round; dogs are not allowed.
HIGH DESERT
Bell Mountain
Apple Valley, CA
Length: 1.4 MI
Elevation Gain: 757 FT
Route: Out-and-back
This out-and-back trail offers a moderately challenging hike to the top of Bell Mountain, a roughly 3,900-foot peak adjacent to Dale Evans Parkway in Apple Valley. The second half of the trail is rocky but relatively easy to navigate. The summit offers stunning views of the Mojave Desert below, as well as the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains to the southeast and southwest, respectively. Bell Mountain is also a wonderful spot for birding, running and mountain biking. It’s a popular destination for locals and weekend warriors alike, so expect fellow hikers during your visit.
SONOMA COUNTY
Helen Putnam Regional Park
Petaluma, CA
Length: 6 MI OF TRAILS
Elevation Gain: Varies
Route: Loop, point-to-point, and out-and-back
Helen Putnam Regional Park is a beautiful wilderness park southwest of Petaluma in Chileno Valley. It features six short hikes that traverse grassy hillsides with sprawling oak woodlands and a fishing pond containing bluegill. Helen Putnam, as it's known to locals, is an idyllic place to gather with friends, picnic and take in the southern Sonoma County countryside.
Annadel State Park’s Rough Go Trail Loop via Canyon Trail
Santa Rosa, CA
Length: 5.9 MI
Elevation Gain: 587 FT
Route: Loop
This 5.9-mile loop trail in Trione-Annadel State Park near Santa Rosa, California is a moderately challenging route that takes an average of 2 hours 18 min to complete. Whether you are birding, hiking or mountain biking, you'll likely encounter other people on your adventures. The park is great place to see wildflowers, especially in April and May. You'll need to leave pups at home, though, as dogs aren't allowed on the Rough Go Trail Loop.
NAPA COUNTY
Skyline and Lake Marie Road Loop
Napa, CA
Length: 5.3 MI
Elevation Gain: 1,227 FT
Route: Loop
This 5.3-mile loop trail within the Skyline Wilderness Park in southeast Napa offers a moderately challenging route and takes an average of 2 hours 49 minutes to complete. The area is a very popular for birding, hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit in any season. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and requires a small entrance fee.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Fern Canyon
Orick, CA
Length: 1.1 MI
Elevation Gain: 127 FT
Route: Loop
Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon is a remarkable place. A level trail of about one mile follows Home Creek as it courses through the forest. This modest stream has over the eons carved a 50- to 80-foot-deep canyon through the rich sedimentary soils. The canyon walls sprout an amazing variety of luxuriant ferns and other moisture-loving plants. On a sunny day, thousands of tiny drops of moisture make the canyon walls sparkle.
Due to the volume of visitors, a day-use permit is required to access Fern Canyon. Reservations are required May 15 to September 15.
