5 Hiking Trails In Hollywood To Kickstart Your 2025 Resolutions

HOLLYWOOD, CA — With the holidays behind us, there’s no better way to kick off 2025 than by hitting the dusty trails to fulfill New Year’s resolutions of staying active and connecting with nature.

Recent studies have highlighted the numerous health benefits associated with lacing up your hiking boots for an adventure.

Hiking regularly can enhance cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones and improve balance. A 2023 study published in BMC Public Health found that participants in a winter hiking intervention increased their physical activity levels, which led to better sleep and less stress.

But it isn't all about physical health. Spending time in nature — especially while hiking — has also been linked to better mental health. According to 2024 research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, exposure to green spaces can boost mood, reduce anxiety and lower the risk of depression.

Heather Eliassen, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard, says even those who live in cities and work indoors can and should try to reap the health benefits of nature.

“If there are some green spaces a short or medium distance from home, try walking or biking to the green space to get the benefits of exercise while getting [there],” she said. “Or, find green space you could incorporate into your commute to or from school or work.”

AllTrails, a website and app that was "founded on the idea that we’re all made better by spending time in nature," makes it easy to find nature areas and hiking trails of varying levels near you.
While searching, the website allows users to set the distance, difficulty level, length, suitability and more.

In Hollywood and around Los Angeles County, the website lists dozens of scenic trails — from steep mountainous terrain that can take hours to ascend to quick and "easy" trails along babbling brooks and wildflowers.

Here are five trails in and around Hollywood to explore:

Bronson Caves — Less than a mile out and back, this Griffith Park trail leads to Bronson Caves, famous for being the setting of the bat cave in the 1960s "Batman" series. The short hike from Canyon Drive can be made longer by connecting to several other trails, including the Brush Canyon trail.

Boy Scout and Observatory Trail — This 1.4-mile, out and back trail winds through the heart of Griffith Park, starting at the Greek Theatre and ending at Griffith Observatory.

Wisdom Tree, Cahuenga Peak and Mount Lee Summit Loop — This 3.9-mile loop trail includes stops at two of the biggest hiking attractions in Hollywood, including the Hollywood Sign. Don't be fooled by its urban locale — this is real hiking, with a 1,407-foot elevation gain over a relatively short distance. Those wanting a quicker — but still steep — hike can turn back at the Wisdom Tree, a lone tree that sits atop Burbank Peak, which offers sweeping views of both Central Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

Hollywood Sign via Canyon Drive — This 6-mile, out and back trail offers a moderately challenging hike to Mt. Lee with a reward of a behind-the-scenes view of the Hollywood Sign. The trail is popular with visitors and locals alike, so be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.

Lake Hollywood Trail — This 3.3-mile loop offers an easy way to get out in nature — the flat trail meanders around Lake Hollywood and is surrounded by the gorgeous scenery of the Hollywood Hills.

Search for more hiking trails near you.