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Los Leones Canyon
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,185 Google reviews · Running trail in Pacific Palisades, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Los Leones Canyon's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Starting point with parking for a canyon hiking trail across chaparral grassland for Pacific views.
What runners say about Los Leones Canyon
“Great hike, beautiful views, and one of those LA trails that reminds you nature is close… along with half the city on weekends and holidays.”
“The first mile is lush and shady, then it opens up into a ridge that looks straight down at the PCH.”
Open as of today July 25 2025. Sad to walk amongst charred once-was trees but there is new growth. Dark ash covers the path... it's a cemetery for the former plants & wildlife. I wouldn't take dogs on the trail since the ash will be toxic to their paws as they lick.
I strongly advice everyone to give this trail a try. And don’t forget to bring your camera. The view of the ocean along the cost, LA and all the nature around the area is astonishing. About hiking difficulty level I rate this trial easy to intermediate.
Awesome trail! First time on this one, and man, the views at the end were spectacular. Parking at the base is plentiful. If you’re someone who doesn’t hike to often, or are afraid of heights, this trail might not be for you. There are some pretty steep drop offs with about 2.5 feet width of trail at a couple points.
I was recently introduced to Los Leones hike by a friend just after getting to LA. It’s a really nice hike on the west side near the water. The great thing about this hike is that it can be however long or short you’d like it to be with all kinds of terrain. Some people hike it and others bike it.
Trail conditions & character
“Great hike, beautiful views, and one of those LA trails that reminds you nature is close… along with half the city on weekends and holidays.”
“*PARKING: Usually there are plenty of empty spots available right before the the trail.”
“Along the way, I noticed some people hiking with their dogs, even though the signs clearly stated that dogs were not allowed.”
“Not too difficult, but there are a few stretches of fairly steep inclines and it's pretty rocky in some places.”
“The first mile is lush and shady, then it opens up into a ridge that looks straight down at the PCH.”
“Also seen to other parking lots before making it to the gate, not sure if trails start there but one did look like a restroom was at the one closest to the gate.”
“One workaround is doing the loop in reverse — much quieter, but be warned: it turns the hike from “moderate” into “why are my calves filing a complaint?”
“Not too difficult, but there are a few stretches of fairly steep inclines and it's pretty rocky in some places.”
Plan your run at Los Leones Canyon
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitetrails.lacounty.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–8 pm |
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