Winter is one of the best times to explore Los Angeles’ surrounding trails. With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, it’s the perfect season for day hiking escapes. From shaded canyons to stunning mountain vistas, LA’s diverse terrain offers incredible options for winter hikes that are both invigorating and peaceful.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly walk or a challenging climb, this guide highlights the best winter hiking day trips from Los Angeles. With detailed trail descriptions, essential tips, and breathtaking destinations, you’ll be ready to embrace the crisp air and scenic beauty of winter.
Top Winter Hiking Day Trips Near Los Angeles
From family-friendly adventures to more strenuous climbs, there’s something for everyone during the winter season. Coastal trails like Solstice Canyon provide stunning ocean views paired with cool breezes, while mountain hikes like Icehouse Canyon offer the allure of crisp alpine air and serene forested paths. These handpicked day trips promise a combination of natural beauty, varied terrain, and ideal weather for outdoor exploration. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or looking for an accessible trail to enjoy with friends or family, these winter hiking options near LA are worth exploring.
Escondido Falls Trail
Location: Malibu
Distance from LA: 30 miles
Trail Length: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Pass/Permit Needed: No pass required.
Why It’s a Great Winter Escape: The trail to Escondido Falls is a family-friendly hike through scenic Malibu canyons. Winter rains often rejuvenate the falls, making this a particularly rewarding trip during the cooler months.
Features: Lush greenery, flowing waterfalls, and shaded trails.
Highlights: The cascading waterfall at the end of the trail is the perfect reward for a short, easy hike.
San Bernardino National Forest – Heart Rock Trail
Location: San Bernardino National Forest
Distance from LA: 70 miles
Trail Length: 1.7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Pass/Permit Needed: Adventure Pass required for parking.
Why It’s a Great Winter Escape: This short, easy hike is ideal for families and features a unique heart-shaped rock formation near a small waterfall. The cooler weather makes the serene forest setting even more inviting.
Features: Shaded trails, a gentle creek, and a natural heart-shaped rock formation.
Highlights: Kids and adults alike will enjoy spotting the heart-shaped rock and exploring the creek area.
Joshua Tree National Park – Hidden Valley Trail
Location: Joshua Tree National Park
Distance from LA: 130 miles
Trail Length: 1 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Pass/Permit Needed: National Park Pass required.
Why It’s a Great Winter Escape: Cooler temperatures make Joshua Tree’s stunning desert landscapes much more enjoyable to explore. The Hidden Valley Trail offers a short, accessible loop with breathtaking rock formations and desert flora.
Features: Massive boulders, desert plant life, and scenic vistas.
Highlights: This short hike offers some of the park’s best scenery, making it perfect for beginners or those short on time.
Chantry Flats – Sturtevant Falls
Location: Angeles National Forest
Distance from LA: 24 miles
Trail Length: 3.25 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Pass/Permit Needed: Adventure Pass required for parking.
Why It’s a Great Winter Escape: Winter rains bring Sturtevant Falls to life, creating a magical hiking experience through shaded canyons and forested paths. The gentle incline makes it accessible to most hikers.
Features: A flowing waterfall, creek crossings, and historic cabins.
Highlights: The tranquil waterfall is a beautiful sight and a great spot for a mid-hike break.
Big Bear Lake – Pine Knot Trail
Location: Big Bear Lake
Distance from LA: 100 miles
Trail Length: 6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass/Permit Needed: Adventure Pass required for parking.
Why It’s a Great Winter Escape: The Pine Knot Trail offers stunning views of Big Bear Lake and surrounding forests, especially with a light dusting of snow. It’s a peaceful escape from the city with plenty of fresh mountain air.
Features: Lake views, towering pines, and a serene summit.
Highlights: The crisp winter atmosphere and fewer crowds make it a refreshing retreat for hikers.
Santa Monica Mountains – Backbone Trail (Sandstone Peak)
Location: Santa Monica Mountains
Distance from LA: 38 miles
Trail Length: 6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Pass/Permit Needed: No pass required.
Why It’s a Great Winter Escape: Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscapes. Cooler weather makes the steady climb to the summit much more enjoyable.
Features: Diverse terrain, ocean views, and a challenging but rewarding ascent.
Highlights: The 360-degree summit views make this hike a must-do for winter adventurers.
Mount Pinos
Location: Frazier Park
Distance from LA: 85 miles
Trail Length: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Pass/Permit Needed: Adventure Pass required for parking.
Why It’s a Great Winter Escape: Mount Pinos is a winter wonderland for hikers, often covered in snow, providing a unique alpine experience. The trail to the summit is manageable but offers rewarding views and peaceful surroundings.
Features: Snow-covered trails, sweeping mountain views, and a serene summit.
Highlights: The snowy atmosphere and pristine mountain environment make it a magical winter destination.
Mount Baldy via Baldy Bowl Trail
Location: Angeles National Forest
Distance from LA: 50 miles
Trail Length: 9 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Pass/Permit Needed: Adventure Pass required for parking.
Why It’s a Great Winter Escape: Mount Baldy’s challenging ascent becomes a winter paradise for experienced hikers. Snow often blankets the upper sections, creating a stunning alpine landscape.
Features: Snow-dusted peaks, rugged terrain, and breathtaking summit views.
Highlights: The combination of physical challenge and winter beauty makes this a must-hike for seasoned adventurers.
Winter hiking near Los Angeles offers a refreshing way to explore the region’s natural beauty while escaping the city. Whether you’re strolling along coastal trails, chasing waterfalls, or conquering snow-dusted peaks, these day trips provide the perfect cool-weather escape.