Los Leonis Trail
Hiking the Los Liones Trail in Pacific Palisades
A quick, scenic escape from the city — ocean views, canyon shade, and California chaparral.
those rare hikes that gives you a taste of wilderness without ever really leaving the city. It starts quietly,
hidden behind a neighborhood, but within minutes you’re surrounded by canyon walls, shady greenery, and the
sounds of birds instead of traffic.If you’ve got about an hour or two, this trail is the perfect quick escape — though it can easily turn into a
half-day adventure if you keep going toward Parker Mesa Overlook for sweeping coastal views.
Distance, Elevation, and Difficulty
You can tailor this hike to your mood:
- Short version: ~2.6 miles round-trip (about 1.3 miles each way) with roughly 550 ft of elevation gain.
- Long version: ~4 miles round-trip if you continue toward Parker Mesa; expect about 1,000 ft of climbing.
Most hikers call it moderate — not a stroll in the park, but not technical or extreme either.
The shaded canyon at the bottom feels easy, but the switchbacks and exposed ridgelines will get your heart
pumping.
What It’s Like on the Trail
The first part of Los Liones feels like a hidden garden — shaded, lush, and lined with ferns, ivy, and sycamores
that almost form a tunnel overhead. Morning light filtering through the leaves makes it feel magical.
As you climb, the canopy opens into coastal sage scrub and chaparral, and the ocean begins to peek
through the canyon. Each switchback opens a wider coastal view; on a clear day you might even spot Catalina Island.
There’s a scenic bench near the ridge — a perfect place to rest and soak in the panorama.
Plants and Wildflowers
This is classic Santa Monica Mountains terrain. Expect to see yucca, coastal sage,
scrub oak, and toyon. In spring the hills burst with wildflowers such as
sticky monkey flower, canyon sunflower, and deerweed. By late summer the palette
shifts to muted golds and silvers — still beautiful in a rugged, Californian way.
Wildlife You Might See
Take it slow and listen — Los Liones is full of life. You might spot western fence lizards darting
across the trail or a red-tailed hawk above. Songbirds, woodpeckers, rabbits, and ground squirrels
are common. The area is also habitat for bobcats and, less commonly seen, mountain lions deeper in the park.
Spring and summer bring plenty of butterflies and bees. Be aware that rattlesnakes do exist here; they’re usually
shy but worth keeping an eye out for.
Tips for a Great Hike
- Go early for cooler temps and better light — it gets hot quickly once the sun is up.
- Bring water and sunscreen — shade disappears higher on the ridge.
- Watch your footing on dusty, steep sections near the top.
- Give wildlife space — and be cautious around brush and rocks where snakes might hide.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re squeezing in a quick morning workout or chasing ocean views on a sunny afternoon, the Los Liones
Trail delivers big rewards for the effort. It’s close to the city, scenic, and just challenging enough to feel
like a true escape. If you’ve never hiked it, put it high on your list — and bring a camera. That view from the
top, with the Pacific glimmering below, is pure Los Angeles magic.