Los Leones Canyon

Los Leones Trail holds a special place in my heart. It was our very first hike after moving from Chicago to Los Angeles in April 2024. My girlfriend and I set out on this trail, excited to explore the beauty of Southern California, and it did not disappoint. We were surrounded by wild nature—majestic trees, vibrant cacti, lush bushes, and that breathtaking view of the ocean that seemed to stretch endlessly. It was an unforgettable experience, a perfect introduction to the natural wonders of this region. Hearing about the devastating Palisades Fire that impacted this area is heartbreaking. I’m not sure what the trail looks like now, but I truly hope this beautiful spot will recover and thrive again. Nature has an incredible way of healing, and I’m optimistic that Los Leones will once again be a haven for hikers, offering peace, beauty, and inspiration to everyone who walks its path.

I was recently introduced to Los Leones hike by a friend just after getting to LA. It’s a really nice hike on the west side near the water. The great thing about this hike is that it can be however long or short you’d like it to be with all kinds of terrain. Some people hike it and others bike it. Gorgeous views of the water and surrounding hills.

My husband and I completed the hike up and down the mountain in 2 hours and 40 minutes, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Along the way, I noticed some people hiking with their dogs, even though the signs clearly stated that dogs were not allowed. However, the dogs seemed well-trained and didn’t cause any problems.

Easy to moderate hike in pacific palisades. There are 2 parking areas and street parking. It’s usually packed on the weekends. I wouldn’t really recommend this with small kids as some parts of the trail thin out. Beautiful views of the mountains and ocean. The “second” half of the hike is mostly a winding incline.

Small parking spaces right in front of the entrance. Lots of street Parking. Not crowded (Monday). Steady incline not too crazy but very narrow in the beginning. Make sure your shoes are comfortable... I didn't make it to the top because of my shoes. But I'll go back for sure. Some shade spots if u need to rest. Also seen to other parking lots before making it to the gate, not sure if trails start there but one did look like a restroom was at the one closest to the gate.

Awesome trail! First time on this one, and man, the views at the end were spectacular. Parking at the base is plentiful. If you’re someone who doesn’t hike to often, or are afraid of heights, this trail might not be for you. There are some pretty steep drop offs with about 2.5 feet width of trail at a couple points. Loved it. Super lush and green after the rainfall this weekend.

Nice views and not too difficult of a hike. However very crowded and lack of trail etiquette. The trails are narrow and lots of people also bring their dogs which makes it more difficult to navigate through at times. Otherwise enjoyable, it gets less crowded after you make your way past the Paseo Miramar outlook.

This is a well maintained trailhead and is a good hike to do. You can go to Parker Mesa from here or even Eagle Rock!