It’s often said that nobody walks in L.A. – a nod to the city’s notorious reputation for congested traffic, impacted in no small part by this town’s legendary custom car scene – but when one looks closer, it’s easy to conclude that Los Angelinos sure love to hit the best hiking trails. Folks here are just as likely to cut a deal over a hike at Bronson as they are over cocktails in a posh downtown hotel. Indeed, we can tell you that between the hills, beaches, and iconic concrete infrastructure, this is one of the best cities when the craving for getting outdoors hits.

Here are some of our favorite Woodland Hills urban adventures to explore when hiking is on the agenda. With one-in-a-lifetime climbs, easy-to-reach ocean views, and everything in between, these picks will have you reconsidering the option of putting off exercise until next year.

Laskey Mesa Trail, located in the Upper Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, is a 5.2-mile loop trail generally considered a “moderately challenging route,” taking an average of two hours and eight minutes to complete. This trail has become popular for bird-watching, hiking, and horseback riding, so you’ll likely encounter others while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit any time of the year; dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

Serrania Ridge Trail, located in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, travels through Serrania Avenue Park and Serrania Park, which offers beautiful views – all while providing a fantastic workout, regardless of skill level. Some sections of the trail are narrow, steep, and rocky, though, so it’s recommended that you wear shoes with good grip to help you tackle the rougher parts. Mention Serrania Ridge Trail to anyone around Woodland Hills who loves to hike, and you’ll hear about its “steep start with rocky areas, pleasant trails beyond the park, occasional bike sightings, and a 360-degree view at the end.” Recent reviews note overgrowth off the main trail, and in August, the area may have flowers in bloom with some overgrown areas.

Natoma Loop Trail, located in Topanga State Park, starts with an easy descent on the left side – but it’s often cautioned that the trail is less maintained on this side, with some uneven parts. Still, this moderately challenging route takes an average of 55 minutes to complete and, like Laskey Mesa Trail, has become a hotspot for birding, hiking, and walking. The trail is open year-round and ideal to explore any time of the year; however, you’ll need to leave the pups at home.

Castle Peak Trail, located in Tahoe National Forest near Soda Springs, is generally considered a challenging route yet remains a trendy area for hiking, snowshoeing, and running, so you will likely run into other folks while exploring. During the summer, this route represents a popular adventure as you make your way towards the summit of Castle Peak and Basin Peak; part of this route is also great for snowshoeing during the winter months. To reach the true summit of Castle Peak, you’ll need to scramble a very steep, exposed section of rock, so if you’re not comfortable scrambling, you may want to skip the summit section. This portion of the route can be dangerous during the winter months and requires mountaineering gear to experience when it’s icy and snowy. Don’t get us wrong – views at the top are fantastic, but be careful to watch for the weather.

East Las Virgenes Canyon Trail, situated in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, is a 6.3-mile out-and-back adventure near West Hills, generally considered a moderately challenging route taking an average of two hours and 24 minutes to complete. The East Las Virgenes Canyon Trail is open year-round and is famous for birding, hiking, and horseback riding. Mountain bikers also share it, so keep your eye out for others on the trail. To reach this route, you’ll enter the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve at the western end of Victory Boulevard, beginning your trek at the Victory Trailhead. Look for beautiful wildflowers like lupine and wild mustard, especially during the spring months of April and May. A fee is required to part at the Victory Trailhead Parking Lot, with more information available here.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, Woodland Hills serves as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike who are looking for the best hiking trails. The lush landscapes of the Santa Monica Mountains offer a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle and bustle. Our verdant enclave is surrounded by many trails waiting to be explored, and we hope this roundup allows you to discover nature’s path.