3 Hikes to Do in Los Angeles When You Want to Be Alone But Not Lonely
4 min. read
Solitude is glorified in hiking lore. Conquering a gritty trail on your own can get you into books and films and outdoor magazines, not to mention give your social media presence a boost. If epic, esoteric experiences are what you seek in nature, that’s awesome.
But this post isn’t for you.
This one is for the non-Cheryl Strayeds among us — for those who want to get away from ‘stuff’ without losing cell service.
Thankfully, Los Angeles is perfect for this kind of hiker. These three trails offer space for peace and contemplation without triggering any “last human on Earth” feelings.
Temescal Canyon Loop
Photo credit: Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority
This is a three-mile loop featuring verdant canyons, serene ocean views and beautiful people.
But don’t let the proliferation of fitness models in full make-up intimidate you. This is Pacific Palisades, and much like the mansions dotting the hillsides around you, they are simply a part of the scenery. The trail is on the moderate side, where families with children, touristy folks in flip-flops, gearheads and hardcore trail runners mingle together in a delightfully confusing way.
The trailhead is inside Temescal Gateway Park, just off of Sunset across the street from Palisades High. You can park on Temescal Canyon Rd for free or in the paid parking lot. Santa Monica Big Blue Bus has a stop across the street.
Why it’s perfect for hiking alone
The trail takes you up and out of the scooter-teeming Westside through a rugged canyon that never manages to get too wild. That could be a bad thing if you’re looking for total privacy. However, it’s perfect if you’re up for some people-watching. The route is easy to follow, so unless you’re deliberately trying to get lost (not recommended, especially in summer months), you can put your navigation skills on cruise control and enjoy the surprisingly lush landscape and salty breeze.
Even though there are always people here, it never manages to get obnoxiously crowded. If you want a more contemplative experience, go on a weekday. You’ll still run into other hikers, but have plenty of room for yourself.
Since this is a loop, where you start doesn’t matter either. I like going counterclockwise and tackling the rockiest part of the trail first. But if you’re looking for straight up cardio then feel free to take the stairs up. Most people start with the stairs, so if you (like me) don’t enjoy trailing or being trailed by someone, go counterclockwise.
Cedar Grove in Griffith Park
Photo credit: City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks
Think Griffith Park is too touristy? You’re not wrong. But it’s also over four thousand acres, so if you stay away from the Observatory and the Sign, you’ll find trails that are surprisingly peaceful, even on weekends.
Most trails on the south side are great for solo hiking, but for the most serene experience, the hike from the Merry Go Round parking lot to Cedar Grove can’t be beat.
There’s no “official” write-up for this route, but here it is on the Griffith Park map.
From the Merry Go Round Lot One, head to the end of the paved road. Take the fire road up to 5-Points and go straight, passing the Joe Klass water stop on your right. Then, follow the semi-paved road down to the grove, past the Los Feliz water tank.
Out-and-back, this averages out to about three miles. I’d consider it a moderate-to-easy hike. The incline is steady, you’ll be on a wide fire road, and there are plenty of spots to pause and take a breath . There are more strenuous use trails, if you’d like a challenge. Just keep in mind that Griffith Park is notorious for confusing signage, and the trails sprawl in different directions like a giant spider web. So, wander, but don’t wander off.
Why it’s perfect for hiking alone
Sometimes hikes are about the journey. In this case, your hike will be about the destination. Cedar Grove is the quietest place in the middle of Los Angeles. The entrance to the grove is guarded by two dubious bedfellows in the plant world: a regal cedar and a sprawling date palm. Note this is as a metaphor for SoCal’s cultural (con)fusion, then make your way to a small plateau with more cedar trees, some flowering shrubs, a few picnic tables and a bench with a view of the entire LA basin.
If you’re here on a weekend, you’ll find other people having quiet conversations or enjoying a snack. If you’re here on a random Tuesday, you could have the place to yourself but still be in sight of other hikers on nearby trails. Perfect Waldeinsamkeit.
Kenneth Hahn Loop in Culver City
Photo by Ana Merkulova
That green patch of hills you see off the 405 in Culver City is a very hike-able public park.
A few years back it was connected with the Baldwin Hills Overlook, so you can now get in a workout on the Culver City Stairs, and then coast across La Cienega via a bridge to the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. You can spend an entire day here exploring, picnicking and/or lazing around with the city as your backdrop.
If you opt to do the Community Loop, it’s about two and a half miles that starts out on a flat, partially paved road and leads to a narrow dirt path with some incline.
But truthfully, hiking here can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. The park is divided into an upper and lower half with a vehicle-accessible road connecting the two. Take one of the wider, partially paved fire roads if you’re looking for something easier or one of the rougher single track trails for more solitude, views and cardio.
Why it’s perfect for hiking alone
You’ll see people here, especially in the summer evenings, but it’s easy to get away. The hilly La Brea side tends to be more quiet, while the main lawn and picnicking area from the La Cienega side is popular with families and people taking quinceañera photos.
If you’re here in springtime, you may catch the orchid trees and lilies blooming in the Doris Japanese Garden. Pause and enjoy the views of West LA framed by branches of pink butterfly-shaped blossoms.
Kenneth Hahn definitely wins on the view front. On the La Brea side, one sweeping glance let’s you take in DTLA, San Gabriels, Santa Monica Bay, Westside, Hollywood Hills, and on a clear day, most of the South Bay all the way toward Long Beach.
You’ll also see oil pumps peppering the hillside to the west of the park in the Inglewood Oil Field. Consider this an opportunity to meditate on the juxtaposition of beauty and ugliness in life.
Once you’re done hiking, settle down on the grass and observe fellow humans without feeling the need to engage.
