Do you like nature? Do you like free activities? Do you like keeping fit in a fun way? Then you should try hiking. Whether you want to go for an hour or a whole day, hiking is a great way to spend your time. You can go with friends, with your dog(s) or by yourself, and check out some beautiful sights and new parts of Los Angeles. Here are some suggestions for hikes to check out in Los Angeles. 

Hollywood Sign hike(Twitter/@JessicaNFrey)

(Hollywood)

This hike is popular for Los Angeles natives and tourists alike. At 4.3 miles, the hike isn’t too rigorous, and the average hiking duration is an hour or two. The trek itself is fairly steady and not too steep. All the way up you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Los Angeles, and at the top you can see Hollywood in its entirety, as well as the back of the iconic Hollywood sign.

Eaton Canyon (Twitter/@thisangelfan)

(Altadena)

If you’re in the Altadena area and have a few hours to kill, check out this hike. Just under four miles, this hike leads to a beautiful waterfall and nice rock formations to sit and catch your breath on. And you can even go in the water below the waterfall. The hike isn’t too steep or difficult, but there will be some rock climbing and stream crossing involved. You can go with a big group, bring your dogs and enjoy this casual but beautiful hike. Also, at the entrance/exit to the trail, there is a Nature Center that provides free presentations.

Los Liones trail (Twitter/@marknaji)

(Pacific Palisades)

This hike may not be for the faint of heart. With a distance of 7.3 miles, this trail will take you up the fire roads of Topanga State Park and will lead you to Parker Mesa. The hike is fairly shaded and will take you through beautiful, lush canyons. If it’s clear enough, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Bay and the San Bernardino Mountains.

Malibu Creek (Twitter/@FranHernandez3)

(Malibu)

Another long hike, this eight mile trek will take you about half a day, and while it is family friendly, it’s still moderately difficult. This hike will provide gorgeous scenery any time of year, for the creek itself is the largest watershed in the Santa Monica Mountains, and it’s unique in the fact that the path is cut through hard, volcanic rock; it’s not made out of sedimentary rock. There are a few areas to swim, fish and rock climb, as well. Fun fact: movies like “Planet of the Apes” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” were filmed here.

Sturtevant Falls (Twitter/@gehn)

(Pasadena)

Located in Pasadena, this is a fairly easy, 3.7-mile trek. Starting at Chantry Flats and leading to Sturtevant Falls, this is a mellow trail where only the last half-mile or so is uphill. With lots of streams and a beautiful waterfall at the end, this hike is a good way to escape busy city life and immerse yourself fully in nature.  

(Twitter/@MeghanRWiggins)

(Hollywood)

 One of the most popular hiking spots in L.A., you can find people of all ages hiking or running Runyon Canyon at any time of year. Only a three and a half mile loop, this trail isn’t too tough, and offers stunning views of Los Angeles all the way up. There are a few different trails you can take, and all lead to beautiful peaks where you can enjoy views from urban L.A. to Catalina Island (on a clear day).

Vasquez Rocks (Twitter/@gleekmagical)

(Agua Dulce - northern Los Angeles)

Calling all “Star Trek” fans, we have another trek you may be interested in. If you have any interest in seeing the location of the battle between Captain Kirk and the Gorn from the first season of the show, you must go on this trail. About an hour north of Downtown L.A. in Agua Dulce, this trek has unforgettable, multi-colored rock formations that measure up to 150 feet high. There are multiple trails that only are around three miles long, and have gentle inclines.

Solstice Canyon (Twitter/@KmoonlightS)

(Malibu)

This picturesque six mile hike is not only almost completely shaded (most of the time), but it's also on an incredibly well maintained trail for a hiker of any status to enjoy. At the end of the trail, you'll find a waterfall, the ruins of an old burned-down mansion and the oldest still-standing stone building in all of Malibu. You’ll not only get to enjoy some scenery and exercise, but also sightsee some pretty cool Los Angeles artifacts.

Reach Staff Writer Samantha Jacobs here. Follow her on Twitter here.