Looking for a weekend adventure the whole family can enjoy? Los Angeles offers a variety of family-friendly backpacking trails that provide the perfect mix of scenic beauty, manageable terrain, and accessible camping spots. Whether you’re introducing your kids to backpacking for the first time or looking for a new destination to explore, these trails make it easy to foster a love for the outdoors.

This guide highlights the best backpacking routes for families near LA, complete with trail details, kid-friendly features, and tips to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Pack your gear, grab the kids, and head out for an unforgettable family adventure!

Pro Tips for Backpacking with Kids

Start Small

When introducing kids to backpacking, begin with short and easy trails. A manageable distance, like a 2- to 4-mile round trip, helps build confidence without overwhelming them. Trails such as Crystal Lake to Deer Flat Campground offer gentle terrain and scenic stops that kids will enjoy. Starting small also allows parents to gauge their child’s stamina and interest in the activity. Keep the pace slow and steady, focusing more on the journey than the destination. Celebrate milestones, like reaching the halfway point, to keep enthusiasm high. A positive first experience is key to fostering a long-term love for the outdoors.

Let Kids Carry Their Own Pack

Involve kids in the backpacking experience by giving them a small, lightweight pack to carry. Choose a comfortable backpack that fits their size and load it with essentials like a water bottle, a few snacks, and maybe a favorite toy or a small flashlight. This not only lightens your own load but also helps kids feel like active participants in the adventure. Be sure to keep the pack’s weight manageable—no more than 10–15% of their body weight. As they grow more confident, you can gradually add small responsibilities, such as carrying their own rain jacket or a trail map. This fosters independence and teaches them about being prepared.

Take Breaks and Be Flexible

Kids naturally have shorter attention spans and tire more quickly, so plan for frequent breaks to rest, snack, and explore the environment. These pauses can become some of the most memorable parts of the trip—whether it’s skipping rocks in a creek, spotting wildlife, or simply sitting together to admire the view. Be prepared to adjust your itinerary if needed, allowing for slower progress or shorter distances than planned. Flexibility is key to ensuring a fun and stress-free trip. Encourage curiosity by letting them investigate plants, bugs, or rocks they find along the trail. These moments of discovery help turn the hike into an exciting adventure rather than a chore.

Pack Comfort Items

Even in the great outdoors, familiar items can help kids feel more at ease. Bring along a stuffed animal, favorite blanket, or small toy to provide comfort during downtime or bedtime. These items can help ease the transition from the familiarity of home to the novelty of camping. A storybook or small journal can also add a touch of home to the experience, especially at night around the campfire or in the tent. These items don’t have to add significant weight to your pack, but they can make a big difference in helping kids feel secure and relaxed in unfamiliar surroundings.

Teach Kids “Leave No Trace”

Backpacking with kids is an excellent opportunity to instill a sense of environmental stewardship. Teach them the principles of “Leave No Trace,” such as packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife. Make it interactive by turning it into a game—challenge them to spot litter or identify durable surfaces for walking and camping. Explain why it’s important not to pick plants or disturb animals. These lessons not only preserve the natural environment but also teach kids responsibility and respect for nature. A trip that balances fun and education helps create mindful, eco-conscious adventurers.

Learn more about Leave No Trace.

Top Family-Friendly Backpacking Trails Near Los Angeles

Los Angeles is home to numerous trails that are perfect for introducing kids to the joys of backpacking. These routes offer manageable distances, gentle terrain, and exciting features like waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic views, making them ideal for families. Many of these trails include convenient camping spots where kids can safely explore, play, and learn about nature. From the shaded paths of Santa Anita Canyon to the coastal beauty of Leo Carrillo State Park, these destinations provide the perfect balance of adventure and accessibility. Whether it’s a short hike to Crystal Lake or a creekside trek to Cooper Canyon, each trail offers unique experiences that will captivate both kids and adults. These family-friendly routes are a great way to create lasting memories while fostering a love for the outdoors in your little adventurers. With a variety of options near the city, planning a weekend getaway has never been easier.

Paradise Campground

• Location: Los Padres National Forest

• Distance from LA: 85 miles

• Trail Length: 1.5 miles to nearby trails

• Difficulty: Easy

• Pass/Permit Needed: No pass required.

• Why It’s Great for Families: Paradise Campground offers easy access to nearby trails, making it a perfect base for a family backpacking adventure. Its short distances are ideal for young children, and the peaceful setting allows plenty of opportunities for exploration.

• Features: Flat terrain, shaded campsites, and nearby creeks for kids to play.

• Highlights: The campground’s accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere make it a great introduction to outdoor adventures for little ones.

Switzer Falls Trail

• Location: Angeles National Forest

• Distance from LA: 22 miles

• Trail Length: 4 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Pass/Permit Needed: Adventure Pass required for parking.

• Why It’s Great for Families: Switzer Falls Trail offers an easy and scenic hike with plenty of shade, making it perfect for families. The main attraction is Switzer Falls, a beautiful waterfall that’s a fun destination for kids.

• Features: Water crossings, shaded forest paths, and a picnic area near the trailhead.

• Highlights: The waterfall destination is a great motivator for kids, and the trail is manageable even for younger hikers.

Crystal Lake to Deer Flat Campground

• Location: Angeles National Forest

• Distance from LA: 45 miles

• Trail Length: 2.5 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Easy

• Pass/Permit Needed: Adventure Pass required for parking.

• Why It’s Great for Families: This short trail offers gentle terrain and plenty of opportunities for kids to connect with nature. It’s a great choice for families looking for an easy overnight trip without a long drive.

• Features: Beautiful views of the San Gabriel Mountains, picnic areas, and accessible camping spots.

• Highlights: The short distance makes it a stress-free introduction to backpacking for kids.

Malibu Creek State Park

• Location: Santa Monica Mountains

• Distance from LA: 30 miles

• Trail Length: 5 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Pass/Permit Needed: No pass required.

• Why It’s Great for Families: This park offers a mix of shaded trails and open meadows, along with historical landmarks like the MAS*H filming site. The campground is easily accessible, making it a great choice for families with younger kids.

• Features: Kid-friendly terrain, wildlife spotting, and creek crossings.

• Highlights: The variety of scenery and kid-friendly activities keep little adventurers engaged throughout the trip.

Cooper Canyon Trail

• Location: Angeles National Forest

• Distance from LA: 50 miles

• Trail Length: 4 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Pass/Permit Needed: Adventure Pass required for parking.

• Why It’s Great for Families: Cooper Canyon Trail offers a serene forest adventure with a peaceful creek and shaded trails. It’s ideal for families seeking a quiet getaway with manageable terrain.

• Features: Shaded forest paths, water crossings, and Cooper Canyon Falls for exploration.

• Highlights: Kids will enjoy spotting small wildlife and playing near the creek while parents appreciate the peaceful surroundings.

Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Canyon Loop

• Location: Channel Islands National Park

• Distance from LA: 70 miles to Ventura Harbor, plus a ferry ride

• Trail Length: 8 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Pass/Permit Needed: Campground reservations and ferry tickets required.

• Why It’s Great for Families: A trip to Santa Cruz Island feels like stepping into another world. The trails are scenic yet manageable, and the chance to see unique wildlife like the island fox makes it exciting for kids.

• Features: Coastal views, endemic wildlife, and the family-friendly Scorpion Canyon Campground.

• Highlights: The adventure of the ferry ride and the island’s pristine environment make it a memorable trip for the whole family.

Santa Anita Canyon to Spruce Grove Campground

• Location: Angeles National Forest

• Distance from LA: 23 miles

• Trail Length: 4.2 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Pass/Permit Needed: Adventure Pass required for parking.

• Why It’s Great for Families: This trail combines shaded forest paths with fun stops like Sturtevant Falls, which is great for breaks and exploration. Spruce Grove Campground offers a tranquil and kid-friendly setting for overnight stays.

• Features: Waterfalls, creek crossings, and a peaceful campground with picnic tables.

• Highlights: The mix of waterfalls and forest makes it a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for families.

Los Angeles’ family-friendly backpacking trails make it easy to enjoy the outdoors with kids. From the gentle paths of Paradise Campground to the scenic views of Santa Cruz Island, these destinations are perfect for creating lasting memories while fostering a love for nature.

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