One of the biggest things that keeps people from hiking in Los Angeles is how inaccessible some of the city’s best paths and trails are. But if you opt to ditch your car for public transportation, you’ll have quick access to some of the best hikes in town. Here are four great Los Angeles hikes that are easily accessible by the Metro or bus.
Runyon Canyon (Hollywood/Highland Red Line Metro Station)
Photograph: Jeff Gunn/Flickr
As imagined, the most popular hike in all of LA is also the most convenient by Metro. Take the Red Line to Hollywood and Highland, walk west on Hollywood Boulevard to Fuller (about four blocks) and then turn right and walk north approximately 2 blocks directly into the park. In total, only 0.8 miles from the Metro stop to the trailhead.
Griffith Park (Vermont and Sunset Red Line Metro Station)
Photograph: Wikimedia Commons
Most people forget that the Griffith Observatory is also the nexus for a myriad of great hiking options. From the Vermont and Sunset Metro stop, take the LADOT Observatory Shuttle right up to the driveway at the Observatory (the bus runs every 35 minutes). From there, choose from a variety of hikes ranging from a 6.5-mile trek to the Hollywood Sign or a 0.9-mile stroll to Amir's Garden.
If the LADOT Observatory Shuttle is unavailable once you arrive at the Vermont and Sunset Metro stop, you can take the DASH Los Feliz bus toward Los Feliz Boulevard and Hillhurst Avenue and get off at the Vermont Avenue stop. From there, it is a little more than a mile to the Observatory and you can enjoy the beautiful homes and the Greek Theatre en route.
Fryman Canyon Park (Universal/Studio City Red Line Metro Station)
Photograph: Courtesy Fryman Canyon Park
This option would be for the more adventurous types as the Universal City Metro stop is at the bottom of a hill and Fryman Canyon starts at the top. If you don't want to endure that climb, you can take Metro Bus 750 toward the Warner Center Transit Hub and get off at Laurel Canyon/Ventura. From there, you can take the 218 toward Cedars Sinai and exit at Laurel Canyon/Mulholland, which is about a mile from the trailhead. However, since you are dependent on two buses you might enjoy the 3-mile hike up Wrightwood Drive (or just spend $7 on an UberX Ride if you're in a hurry). The homes within Studio City—including George Clooney's—on the way back down are worth checking out alone.
Deane Dana Friendship Park (Silver Line Express - San Pedro)
Thanks to Mayor Eric Garcetti, we now have an Express Bus from Union Station directly to downtown San Pedro that travels faster than the 110 Express Lanes at a fraction of the cost. Once you arrive at 1st & Pacific Avenue, you will take the DASH San Pedro toward 25th Street & White Point Drive. From there, the park is a little more than a mile away—the views of the Pacific Ocean from the top of the Palos Verdes Peninsula are worth every minute of the commute.