We hope you’ll join us out here!
LA County is one of the most diverse and beautiful places on the planet. Hiking and riding here allows you to explore stunning locations you otherwise just can’t reach. If you’re new to hiking, get ready to discover the beauty of Los Angeles County at your own pace – with a little forethought and preparation just about anyone can get out and enjoy LA County trails.
While some avid hikers enjoy experiencing the trails on their own, we recommend new hikers never head out alone. Ask a friend to join you – hiking enthusiasts often enjoy the company and are happy to share their tips, show you their favorite hikes, and lend you gear. If you don’t know anyone who hikes, check out the local hiking clubs or online Facebook and Meet Up groups that plan group outings.
Tips for Beginner Hikers
- Download the official Trails LA County app so you can know whether you’ll expect to see hikers, cyclists or equestrians on your outing. The app also provides accurate trail maps, up-to-date closure info, and offline mapping for when you lose cell reception.
- Click here for trail etiquette (link to Sharing the Trail page) and safety guidelines on sharing multi-use trails and download Sharing Our Trails, a multi-use trail etiquette guide by Concerned Off Road Bicyclists Association (CORBA) for specific guidelines for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers.
- Learn how to read the “Yield to” signs on multi-use trails (image of Yield to sign from current website).
- Stay alert. Pay attention to your surroundings and just don’t tune out. If you do listen to music, keep the volume low and use only one earbud.
- Hiking with kids? LA County trails offer opportunities for outdoor adventures for the whole family. Check out our resource page for tips on planning your first kid-friendly hike. (Link to Hiking with Kids page.)
- And don’t forget Fido! (link to Hiking with Dogs page). If you are planning to take your canine companion out on the trail with you, remember a little preparation will go a long way in making sure your dog is ready to hit the trails.
- Wildlife encounters (link to Wildlife Encounter page) – Learn what animals may be present on the trails and take appropriate precautions.
Safety Guidelines for Beginners
Below is a quick list of guidelines for having a safe trail outing. If you’d like more in-depth information, check out our pages on safety and sharing the trail with other users.
- As a general rule for beginners, hiking one mile on relatively flat terrain at a moderate pace takes approximately one-half hour. For hikes labeled “challenging,” or on days when the temperature is over 90 degrees, allow extra time and take more water! Hikers should wear sturdy shoes with ankle support.
- Watch your step and look ahead to alert you of upcoming trail conditions.
- Be alert of natural hazards:
- Poison Oak – Be careful to avoid this shrub, as skin exposure to poison oak can create a rash. People respond to the plant in varying degrees, but best to avoid if possible. If exposed, wash the area with poison oak soap to remove all potential oils.
- Ticks – These small species latch onto skin and can be difficult to remove. Ticks live in a variety of habitat, so it may be difficult to avoid exposure. Best to do a full check of your body after spending time on the trails. If found, it is important to remove the full body of the tick, including the head.
- Rattlesnakes – This poisonous snake seeks out warm spaces during the day, which could include trail areas. Luckily, it will warn you of its presence with its distinctive rattle. If you encounter a rattlesnake, leave it alone and it should ignore you as well.
