Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or venturing out solo for the first time, LA’s diverse trails offer a mix of rugged mountains, peaceful forests, and scenic coastlines. This guide highlights the best trails for solo backpacking in Los Angeles, complete with essential tips and recommendations to make your journey safe, enjoyable, and memorable.
Best Times to Backpack in Los Angeles
The best time for solo backpacking in LA depends on the trail and your preferences. Spring offers mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, while fall provides cooler weather and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for higher elevation trails to escape the city heat, and winter allows for peaceful hikes in less-trafficked areas.
Beginner Tips for Solo Backpacking
Embarking on your first solo backpacking trip can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, it becomes a deeply rewarding adventure. Whether you’re exploring the shaded trails of Santa Anita Canyon or tackling higher elevations in the San Gabriel Mountains, these beginner tips will help you stay safe, comfortable, and confident on your journey.
Plan Your Route & Share Your Itinerary
One of the most important aspects of solo backpacking is thorough route planning. Choose trails that match your fitness level and experience, starting with well-marked and frequently traveled paths. Before heading out, share your itinerary, including your route, estimated return time, and emergency contacts, with a trusted friend or family member.
Using apps like AllTrails can enhance your safety by providing offline maps and a "Check-In" feature to notify someone when you’ve completed your hike. Having someone aware of your plans ensures help is readily available in case of an emergency.
Stay Aware of Wildlife
While Los Angeles’ trails offer stunning landscapes, they are also home to wildlife like bears, snakes, and mountain lions. Proper precautions will minimize risks and allow you to enjoy the wilderness confidently:
Bears: If you’re camping overnight, store food securely in a bear canister or hang it in a bear bag far from your sleeping area. This not only keeps bears away but also protects the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Mountain Lions: Remain aware of your surroundings, especially in areas where mountain lions are known to roam. Avoid hiking alone at night, stay on established trails, and make your presence known by speaking or clapping occasionally.
Snakes: Stay alert for rattlesnakes, particularly on warm days when they are more active. Watch where you step and avoid placing your hands on rocks or logs where snakes may be hiding.
Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance to ensure a harmonious experience for both you and the animals.
Be Prepared for Weather Changes
Los Angeles’ trails can present a range of weather conditions, often in a single day. During the warmer months, you might encounter hot daytime temperatures followed by surprisingly cool evenings, especially at higher elevations.
Pack extra layers, including a lightweight jacket, to stay warm during cold nights. Sun protection is equally crucial; bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to avoid sunburn and overheating. Staying hydrated is key—carry a water filter or purification tablets to refill safely from natural water sources along the trail.
Know What to Do If You Get Lost
Even experienced hikers can lose their way, but knowing how to handle the situation will keep you calm and focused. Use the S.T.O.P. method:
Stop: Pause immediately to avoid becoming more disoriented.
Think: Assess the situation without panicking.
Observe: Look around for landmarks, your map, or trail markers.
Plan: Decide your next steps carefully, whether it’s retracing your path or finding a safe spot to wait for help.
Always carry a physical map, compass, or GPS device as a backup to your phone’s navigation tools. These essentials, paired with your knowledge of the trail, will help you stay safe and get back on track.
Practice Leave No Trace Principles
As a solo backpacker, you’re responsible for minimizing your impact on the environment. Pack out all trash, camp only on durable surfaces, and avoid disturbing wildlife or plants. By practicing Leave No Trace principles, you help preserve the beauty of Los Angeles’ trails for future adventurers.
Learn more about Leave No Trace.
Pack light but bring essential gear, including a map, compass, headlamp, first aid kit, and enough food and water for your trip. Renting high-quality backpacking gear through GeerGarage ensures you have everything you need without the commitment of purchasing equipment upfront.
Top Backpacking Trails for Solo Adventurers
Los Angeles offers a variety of backpacking trails, each with unique features and challenges perfect for solo adventurers. Here are the top trails, complete with essential details to help you plan your trip.
Santa Anita Canyon to Spruce Grove Campground
Location: Angeles National Forest
Distance from LA: 23 miles
Trail Length: 4.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Pass/Permit Needed: An Adventure Pass is required for parking.
Why It’s Great for Solo Backpacking: This trail offers a serene forest environment with easy navigation, making it a perfect choice for beginners. The well-traveled path ensures you won’t feel completely isolated, while the shaded trails and scenic spots provide plenty of opportunities for quiet reflection.
Features: The trail passes by Sturtevant Falls and winds through lush greenery and creeks. Spruce Grove Campground is peaceful and well-maintained, with access to a nearby water source for filtering.
Highlights: The manageable trail length and accessible location make it an ideal choice for first-time solo backpackers looking to build confidence.
Cooper Canyon to Buckhorn Campground
Location: Angeles National Forest
Distance from LA: 50 miles
Trail Length: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Pass/Permit Needed: An Adventure Pass is required for parking.
Why It’s Great for Solo Backpacking: This short, manageable trail is ideal for those looking for a quick overnight trip. The serene alpine setting and well-maintained path create a peaceful yet accessible experience.
Features: The trail features shaded forest paths, creek crossings, and a stop at Cooper Canyon Falls. Buckhorn Campground is quiet and safe, offering fire pits and picnic tables.
Highlights: Its ease and beauty make it perfect for solo adventurers who want a relaxed backpacking experience.
Crystal Lake to Mount Islip
Location: Angeles National Forest
Distance from LA: 45 miles
Trail Length: 10 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass/Permit Needed: An Adventure Pass is required for parking.
Why It’s Great for Solo Backpacking: The trail combines a moderate physical challenge with stunning panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Its remote feel provides a sense of adventure while remaining close enough to civilization for safety.
Features: Crystal Lake offers a peaceful campsite with nearby trail access, and the hike to Mount Islip rewards you with breathtaking views. The trail is less crowded, giving solo adventurers a true sense of solitude.
Highlights: A more challenging option for those seeking solitude and beautiful vistas without venturing too far from LA.
Backbone Trail (Segment: Malibu Creek State Park)
Location: Santa Monica Mountains
Distance from LA: 35 miles
Trail Length: Varies; popular overnight segment is 6–10 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass/Permit Needed: No pass required, but overnight parking reservations may be needed.
Why It’s Great for Solo Backpacking: This section of the Backbone Trail offers a mix of coastal views, oak woodlands, and open meadows, making it an engaging and scenic journey for solo adventurers. Its proximity to Malibu ensures a balance of seclusion and accessibility.
Features: Campgrounds near the trail provide a convenient spot for overnight stays. Wildlife is abundant, and the well-marked trails are easy to follow.
Highlights: The diversity of landscapes keeps the trail interesting, making it a favorite for solo hikers who enjoy variety.
Sandstone Peak via Mishe Mokwa Trail
Location: Santa Monica Mountains
Distance from LA: 38 miles
Trail Length: 6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass/Permit Needed: No pass required.
Why It’s Great for Solo Backpacking: Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, offering solo backpackers a rewarding challenge with stunning views. Its well-marked trails make it easy to navigate, and the summit provides a sense of accomplishment.
Features: The Mishe Mokwa Trail leads through diverse terrain, including rocky outcrops, wildflower-covered hills, and views of the Pacific Ocean. Nearby campgrounds like Circle X Ranch offer a convenient overnight option.
Highlights: A scenic and rewarding hike that combines challenge with incredible vistas, perfect for intermediate solo backpackers.
Backpacking solo in Los Angeles is a rewarding experience that allows you to explore stunning landscapes and connect with nature on your own terms. Whether you’re tackling a challenging summit or enjoying a peaceful overnight trip, these trails offer something for every solo adventurer.