Urban Gone Wild

Hike Mount Washington

A cardio climb up a mountain. Check. Stunning views. Check. And located right in LA? How very chic! Urban hiking has a wild side and the proof is on Mount Washington just northeast of downtown LA. This 4-mile loop traverses Mount Washington and its up-and-coming neighborhood, with gorgeous downtown vistas along the way. Start with a thigh-burning ascent up the stairs at Avenue 43, which was originally the path of a cable car line that carried residents up the hill before it was torn up in the 1920s. The climb continues up the steep Canyon Vista Drive for another half-mile and rewards at its peak with—you guessed it—a sweeping vista down the canyon. Turning onto San Rafael Avenue, you'll see the wrought iron gates of the Self-Realization Center and artisan homes along the cliff. The pavement gives way to a stretch of secluded dirt path slinking discretely behind the houses before returning you to the paved road where you’ll begin your descent. Highlights on the way down include a nature preserve filled with California walnut trees, and beautiful Moon Canyon Park.

TIP: Give your car the day off. The Gold Metro Line stops two blocks from Avenue 43.

Park on Marmion Way at Ave. 43, or take the Gold Metro Line to the Southwest Museum stop. Begin at the staircase just uphill from Marmion Way at Ave. 43. Continue climbing up Canyon Vista Dr. Take a right on San Rafael Ave., then turn left on Sea View Ave., just past Mount Washington School. Sea View Ave. gives way to a dirt path, before looping back into the paved Sea View Dr. When you hit San Rafael Ave. again, keep left, then veer right on Moon Ave., which becomes Crane Blvd., which eventually leads to Museum Dr. When you hit Marmion Way, take a right to return to where you started and complete the loop. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View
  4. Devilishly Hairy

    Mount Diablo is a devilish name but it’s home to some hairy spiders that don’t need to send a chill down your spine. Tarantulas come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. One of the best places to see them is on the northern slopes of Mount Diablo.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View