In this economy, we've come to realize that free is good.  And in that sense, L.A. still knows how to take care of us.  The city's majestic beauty stretches across beaches, mountains and deserts, all within the county's borders.

Unfortunately, with fire season comes the threat to the wilderness and a fight to preserve it. Thus, some of the more special canyons and trails (such as Switzer Falls and Eaton Canyon) have been closed indefinitely due to the recent fires that ravaged Angeles Crest over the summer. That, along with the fragile state of our fair state's many of our beaches, parks and trails face continual threats of being closed down. So be sure to check out some of these spots, because you never know how long you'll be able to access them.

Now with the lecturing out of the way, let's get on with it. While L.A. has a plethora of trails to get your boots dirty on, we've gathered a list of the creme de la creme for your hiking pleasure. So get out there and hike!



Runyon Canyon

Runyon Canyon has always been one of L.A.'s trendier hiking spots. You may find a celebrity or two roaming these parts, and you'll always have plenty of company. It's one of the more accessible hiking trails, as you can literally walk right up to the entrance from a residential neighborhood and the various trails will appeal to those looking for a slightly more rigourous hike (though overall Runyon is not very intense). The off-leash dog park attracts dog owners aplenty, adding to its high popularity.

With the view atop their trails, you can overlook most of Hollywood. If you're feeling amorous, but low on the dough, this is a great date spot...that is, if you don't mind the sweating it takes to get to the top.


Franklin Canyon

Franklin Canyon won't give you the ocean views, but it has some of the best wildlife presence and natural lakes among all the nature preserves in L.A. You wouldn't realize this while driving through ritzy Beverly Hills to get here, though. (Franklin Canyon is huge enough that you can enter through the other side, facing the San Fernando Valley.) If you're here long enough, you'll forget you're in the heart of the city.

There are quite a few trails here--some unmarked--but the Fryman Canyon Loop is about 4 miles long, and is a popular route among hikers.  For a great view of the city, take the Hastain Trail.

Dogs are allowed so as long as they're leashed.



Towsley Canyon

More remote than the previously mentioned hikes, Towsley provides a more bucolic setting. Essentially a naturalist's paradise, it boasts unique geological formations, and even has its own tar pits. Located between the Santa Clarita and Sen Fernando Valleys, Towsley Canyon provides various scenic hiking trails. Check out the 6-mile hike--though the last mile is the most challenging, it's worth it when you enter "The Narrows"--a stretch where the canyon breathtakingly converges with a stream 200-feet below.

When your hiking trip reaches its resolution, you can settle down near the picnic tables trail's end. With a hike like this and nature this serene, it'd be a crime to pass it up.



Bronson Canyon

Bronson Canyon has many trails, but the most popular one takes you straight by the Hollywood sign. The top of the trails offer up an amazing view of the city, and that would certainly seem to be the perfect sight-seeing thing to do. However, this hike provides an added sense of adventure with its inclusion of caves --yes, you read right, caves (including the original "Bat Cave") -- that are perfectly safe to walk through.

Located in Griffith Park's vast reaches, the trails here can be a little difficult.  Regardless, it remains popular among families and dog owners.





 Temescal Canyon

Temescal Canyon is one of the few spots that can provide a beautiful view of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and the Santa Monica mountains. 

Stretching over a 10 mile radius, Temescal is huge. However, there are shorter trails, like the Temescal Ridge Trail, clicking in at only 2.5 miles. At the end of this trail is a waterfall--non-existent during the summer, but beautiful during winter, or whenever "rainy season" shows up in Southern California.  The only catch is that it's a steep hike to reach it. Another one of the more popular trails here is Skull Rock, which is fortunately--or unfortunately, depending on what you're looking for--not as menacing as it sounds.

Temescal is one of the better maintained canyon parks in L.A. The facilities can accommodate up to 100 people for overnight trips. And it's not uncommon to see and hear group of people conducting spiritually-based workshops here. Aside from that, Temescal's trails are surprisingly uncrowded.

Parking has become an issue here, because of the state budge. There is an imposed $7 parking fee, but they apply the honor system as a means of collecting.


 Topanga State Park

From Santa Monica to Topanga Canyon in the northern San Fernando Valley, this is one of the largest state parks. Because of its size and vastness, Topanga offers a variety of different trails varying in difficulty and steepness, such as Musch, Los Liones, Eagle Springs, and Santa Ynez Canyon Trail. The Parker Mesa Overlook Trail is one of the more popular sight-seeing trails, as you traverse through woods and creeks, while the Eagle Rock affords you a beautiful view and a sense of accomplishment after hiking 4 miles to get there. What a treat it is, too, because Eagle Rock gives you a panoramic view of the ocean.