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Best backpacking hiking trails in Los Angeles County
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Best backpacking hiking trails in Los Angeles County

Got your backpack ready? These multi-day trails are perfect for hardcore adventurers looking to carry everything they need for an extended journey into the wild.

Here are some great trails to explore in Los Angeles County.

Most popular trails

1

Difficult

Trans-Catalina Trail

Los Angeles County, California · star 4.0 (6) · 60.5 km · Est. 3 day

2

Medium

Windy Gap, South Mount Hawkins, Mount Islip and Crystal Lake Loop Trail

Los Angeles County, California · star 5.0 (2) · 27.1 km · Est. 1 day 2 hrs

3

Easy

Cogswell Reservoir via Devils Canyon Dam Truck Trail

Los Angeles County, California · star 4.0 (1) · 23.4 km · Est. 1 day 0 hrs

4

Medium

Pebbly Beach to Black Jack Campground via Trans Catalina Trail

Los Angeles County, California · star 4.0 (5) · 22.5 km · Est. 1 day 1 hrs

5

Difficult

Manzanita, Vincent Gap, Pacific Crest and South Fork Loop Trail

Los Angeles County, California · star 5.0 (4) · 36.5 km · Est. 2 day

6

Medium

Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap via PCT

Los Angeles County, California · star 5.0 (5) · 18.7 km · Est. 1 day 0 hrs

7

Medium

Marshall Canyon, Potato Mountain and Motorway Cobal Canyon Motorway Loop Trail

Los Angeles County, California · star 4.0 (4) · 16.9 km · Est. 4 hrs 57 min

8

Medium

Trans Catalina Trail - Avalon to Two Harbors

Los Angeles County, California · star 5.0 (12) · 36.4 km · Est. 1 day 4 hrs

9

Difficult

Mount Burnham and Mount Baden-Powell via Silver Moccasin Trail

Los Angeles County, California · star 4.0 (6) · 24.6 km · Est. 1 day 2 hrs

10

Difficult

Idlehour Trail - Mount Wilson Toll Road

Los Angeles County, California · star 5.0 (4) · 29.6 km · Est. 1 day 3 hrs

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Reviews for backpacking hiking trails in Los Angeles County

Alfred Nielsen avatar

Trans-Catalina Trail

Alfred Nielsen 路 reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Msgr. Georgianne Christiansen avatar

Windy Gap, South Mount Hawkins, Mount Islip and Crystal Lake Loop Trail

CanyonNavigator75 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Malka Cremin CPA avatar

Cogswell Reservoir via Devils Canyon Dam Truck Trail

CliffPeakdreamer33 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Carroll MacGyver avatar

Pebbly Beach to Black Jack Campground via Trans Catalina Trail

ThicketAlpinist29 路 reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

The Hon. Mickey Stoltenberg avatar

Manzanita, Vincent Gap, Pacific Crest and South Fork Loop Trail

FernHighlander10 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in Los Angeles County

What is the climate like for hiking in California?

California's vast geography results in diverse climates. Coastal regions, with their mild, Mediterranean climate, offer year-round hiking opportunities, though winter rains may muddy trails. In contrast, the inland valleys and desert regions are best hiked from October to April, as summer temperatures can be prohibitive.
The Sierra Nevada, famous for its mountains and forests, is popular in summer and fall. However, winter brings heavy snowfall, making trails inaccessible. Meanwhile, the pleasant climate of Southern California allows for hiking throughout the year, with cooler, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
To summarize, California's diverse climate offers year-round hiking opportunities, varying by region. Visit www.parks.ca.gov for more detailed information about specific trails and their recommended seasons.

Do I need a permit to hike in California?

Permits for hiking in California, particularly in wilderness areas or for overnight trips, are often required. Managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management, permit processes vary. For more information, visit respective agency websites or www.recreation.gov for federal lands.

Is wild camping allowed in California?

Wild camping in California is generally permitted in national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands. However, restrictions apply, such as the requirement of a campfire permit. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Detailed regulations can be found on agency websites like www.fs.usda.gov

Are there mountain rescue services in California?

In case of a hiking emergency in California, dial 911. Also, the California Office of Emergency Services coordinates search and rescue. The Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) has several units in California, with information available at www.mra.org. Always plan ahead and hike safely.

Are there dangerous plants in California?

California's flora varies widely, from coastal scrub and redwood forests to desert plants and alpine flora in the Sierra Nevada. This diversity can affect hiking experiences and trail conditions. For detailed information on California's flora, visit the California Native Plant Society website: www.cnps.org

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in California?

California's diverse habitats host a wide range of wildlife, from harmless squirrels to larger mammals like black bears. Ticks and mosquitoes may pose minor nuisances to hikers. Be aware of potential encounters, particularly with venomous snakes in desert areas. For more, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/

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