Gym workouts? Pish posh. Take advantage of April this Spring, and get your workouts in-outside. We say you go check out the endless views around us with these marvelous hiking spots that only the LA locals know about. They make for better IG videos anyway. Here’s a list of spots JohnHart recommends, trust us, we know beautiful real estate. Check out JohnHarts top suggestions.
Most trails will be ridden with tourists, sometimes children, or simply too many people! So we threw in some secret spots that host some incredible views, landscape, and your future breath taking moments. Come prepped! Spring is a comin’ so the California sun will be out to play and there is no shade on some of these trails, so, water, sunglasses, hats and sunscreen are a must!
The Wisdom Tree Hike
Griffith Park
This is a view you have to earn. Part of this trail gets you up close and personal with the Hollywood sign, but there’s a lovely gem awaiting your selfie when you continue up Beachwood Canyon passed the trailhead. The infamous Wisdom Tree is accompanied by a panoramic view and hand written letters left by fellow hikers who have trekked to this magical spot, so when you make it up, leave a bit of your wisdom (we said wisdom, not your business card). The Wisdom Tree is the only tree in the area that survived the Hollywood Hills fire that took place in 2007. Rigorous ascents and marvelous views of Griffith Park, and once you arrive you’re overlooking Lake Hollywood, and DTLA. This is definitely one of JohnHarts favorite hikes. The trail is guided by plaques of the people who chipped in to save the park from being torn down and turned into a celebrity dwelling. One of the largest donations coming from Hugh Heffner, yeah, LA scores some points when we have a celeb of that nature pitching in to save the environment.
Oh and by the way, this Tree has its own Instagram account. @the_wisdom_tree_la
ADDRESS: Tree of Life Trail, Los Angeles, CA 90068
DISTANCE: 3 miles (not a loop)
TIME: 2 hours
DIFFICULTY: Moderate-Difficult
Special thanks to Modern Hiker for trail measurements
Runyon Canyon
in the beauty of the Hollywood Hills
Hollywood
A hiker’s paradise in these here parts. If you’re looking to check out hot views and hot bods, this is your spot. Runyon is known to be the holy grail of celebrity sightings, so don’t be surprised when you see Dr. Dre racing you up the hill. Not only will you enjoy the nature around you, you’ll be sure to see incredible million-dollar homes encompassing this trail, along with waxed and chiseled gay couples. Packed dirt and wooden steps leads around a loop through the canyon, with momentary inclines. This is also the perfect people watching spot with plenty of moments that catch you off-guard and make you say “I think I just saw a dog wearing yoga pants”. Will be closed April to July due to repair work, so start planning now for when it re-opens as it will be packed!
ADDRESS: 2001 N Fuller Ave
DISTANCE: 1.5-mile loop with possibilities to extend to 3.5mile
TIME: 30-60 mins
DIFFICULTY: Easy
Sara Wan Trail | Corral Canyon Park
Malibu
This is one sexy hike. Talk about classic ocean views and a crisp ocean breeze, this trail has some “sea-nic sights”, and is fairly empty during your weekday afternoon. Once you hit the peak of the loop, you’ll find yourself taking deep breaths and wondering if there really is anything to fuss about. On your casual descent, you’ll catch some waves breaking on the coast that extend to Palos Verdes. Even though you’ll be in full sun you’ll also have a subtle ocean breeze to cool you down. This is LA hiking scenery at its best, and the reason we happily pay California property taxes, ahem.
ADDRESS: 25623 Pacific Coast Highway
DISTANCE: 2.5 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
John is the Vice President here at JohnHart, and as such is responsible for managing and directing the firm towards obtaining its ultimate goals.
He is also one of our main contributors on the Blog. (please see his profile page on the main site for more information.)
