Pacific Palisades Paradise: Discovering the Ultimate Ocean-View Hiking Trail

May 4

As the days grow longer, and we pull out of the wettest rainy season Los Angeles has seen in decades, I hurry to slam my work laptop shut, lace up my hiking shoes - and play outside.

The goal is childlike: I want to savor the final drops of sunlight before the darkness of evening sets in. I don’t want to be stuck in my home office, or (worse) the corporate (at times, soul-sucking) offices of America. I don’t want to live to work; I want to work to live! And yet, work sucks all of my precious daylight. I vow to get outside as much as possible in spite of my job.

I don’t always make it outside, but it’s a goal. And with my attempts, I end up hiking at least once a week after work; it is pure joy. To get out of my head, forget obligations and enjoy my favorite part of Southern California: the weather, the outdoors, the beauty of the sunlight, the sunset, and the perfection of virtually pristine, year-round weather!

*Sunny day in Pacific Palisades from where the Los Leones Trailhead meets the East Topanga Canyon fireroad*

On the weekends, I gravitate towards the coastline; anything to see the blue of the ocean, the waves crashing in the distance sands. Anything to see trees, and breathe fresh air.

My favorite Pacific Palisades hike, which I find myself returning to, time-and-time again: Los Leones Canyon Trail!

In the most recent season, after all the heaviest of rain fall, it sprouted two additional streams and mini-waterfalls that dotted the main trail. I was enthralled. Kept texting and telling all my friends: get out and see this little stream, this moving body of water! It’s rare. Perhaps once in a lifetime! In all my ten years of hiking is lovely Los Leones Trail, I’ve never seen a stream cut across this trail. It blows my mind. And yet the world persists and this hike is still totally underrated!

*Selfie against the Pacific Palisades hills and a small peek of the ocean on the right*

Thus, I am sharing it with you. Even if the stream is long dried up, but the time you make it - I love bringing food, a picnic, a snack - and once you see that lovely ocean view - grabbing a seat at the one bench and devouring your trophy food.

*Rare sighting of a small stream cutting across the path (after a particularly rainy season!)*

Why I Recommend Los Leones Canyon Trail for a City Hike

Why do I love Los Leones Canyon trail and hike? Read on dear, friend!

(1) Semi-shaded along a canyon - the trail starts with the first 30-40 minute walk along a canyon. I oftentimes hear the water running, but cannot see this moving body of water! The foilage is usually so dense and the stream so tiny - it just appears to be a lush canyon. The trail hugs this canyon so even on hot days, it’s less hot than the full sun trails (small wins).
(2) Out and back trail - Instead of a loop, it’s an out-and-back trail. You go out, and when you’re ready to turn around, you turn back! You have full control of when you start/end the trail! Heading back is slightly easier as it’s downhill, so plan accordingly .
(3) Ocean views - I said it earlier, and I’ll say it - louder - OCEAN VIEWS! Once you get past part I, after the canyon, the trail opens up with 180 degree views of the ocean! WIN!! I felt a lovely ocean breeze once the foilage opened up and I saw the sand, the beach, and the Pacific Palisades homes nestled in the mountains. It was pure gorgeousness.
(4) Elevation Gain - If you do the full hike it’s a 1,100 foot elevation gain; however, I find it much easier to hike to the ocean view (which is the East Topanga Fire Road), and then turn back. So if you’re not into a big elevation gain, you can turn back at will. That being said, there IS an elevation gain so you will get a workout. Once you hit the fireroad and ocean view, you can keep going to the overlook, and that fireroad has no shade and continues uphill (so you get a bigger workout!)
(5) Off of Sunset and kinda Malibu located - While a busy and popular trail, it’s less busy than Temescal as you need to drive further north on the PCH to get to it! On a SAT morning, it took me 35 minutes from Leimert Park to get there leaving at 10 AM. I immensely enjoy the coastal drive, snaking along the PCH, windows rolled down, fresh air and ocean breeze giving me life. Temescal feels more city-like, and this one feels more like, “I’m here for the hike!” This trail puts you that much closer to the golden ring of Malibu (effortless cool)! At least, it feels like Malibu :) So I’ll give it to them!

*Shaded selfie along the canyon part of the hike*

How Much Time Do I Need For the Los Leones Trail?

I would allocated 3 hours minimum for the hike, and this gives you time to park, use the bathroom, walk to the trailhead, and take photos along the way without feeling rushed!

You definitely want to finish hiking through the canyons to see the ocean views from where it meets up with the East Topanga Canyon Fireroad! If you turn around while you’re in the canyon part, then I’d argue you missed the entire point of the hike!

I am an intermediate hiker (and like moving at a good pace), so it typically takes me 30-45 minutes to get through the canyon if I’m moving. Of course, if you’re moving slower, then leave up to 60 minutes make it through the canyon.

Since it’s an out-and-back hike, then your simply double your time to estimate your return trip length! Keep in mind, the way out is uphill (slower) and the way back is downhill (faster)- so I typically move even faster the way home! And then find myself back before I know it.

*Ocean views from the East Topanga Canyon fireroad*

Parking For Los Leones Trail

Where to park, that is the question! Thus far, I find parking pretty easy when I start hiking at 9 AM or 10 AM on a weekend. When I’m leaving in the afternoon, I often find even more spots since so many hikers have left. On a rare occasion, there was an event up the hill, and volunteers were using the street parking - that was the most difficult time finding parking; but even then, I parked within 7 minutes.

Here’s where to Park for the Los Leones Canyon Trail:

Street Parking is available on Los Liones Drive - when you first turn West on Los Liones Drive, you’ll see several cars leading up to a Stop sign. Keep driving Northwest, as I’ve always found better parking further up. I suspect those that park near the Stop sign are walking down Sunset and going to the beach instead; so that is not your ideal spot.
Three parking lots just for the trail (see below handy diagram!) - I find the parking lots often full (so I don’t often check) but my friends have consistently found spots so don’t discount it! The three parking lots are on East side of Los Liones Drive. Don’t mistake the church parking lot on the Left (Westside of the street) as a hiking parking lot; it is for the church! Yes, these lots are FREE! At the time of this blog and all prior years, these 3 lots have been free (so park while you can!).

Overall, I’ve always found parking; but keep in mind I try to get out there by 9 AM / 10 AM! But if I were to be invited for an afternoon hike, I wouldn’t blink and eye and would just go out there and try it!

*Handy parking and bathroom map for Los Leones Canyon Trailhead*

Is There A Bathroom?

Does the Los Leones Trailhead have a bathroom?

YES, the Los Leones Canyon Trailhead has a public bathroom!
On this particular day, both bathrooms were open, and has a flushing toilet (yay) and running water. There was toilet paper, toilet seat covers; however, no soap (so use your hand sanitizer!)
Were the bathrooms clean? For a trail bathroom, it was cleaner than the last time I came, about a month ago. It’s significantly cleaner than non-flushing toilets and potta-potties. If you need to go, I think it’s better than going on the trail (as many hikers can frequent the trail, so there is no privacy LOL)!

*Los Leones Canyon Trail, facing westward toward the parking and trail entrance*

Los Leones Canyon Trailhead in Pacific Palisades is at 510 Los Liones Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

More hiking details at the always helpful AllTrails

About Linhda

Linhda thrives on being a tourist in her own city, generously sharing over 10 years of Los Angeles knowledge with fellow enthusiasts!

An enthusiastic bike-to-work cyclist, also known as a commuter, Linhda has recently embraced the world of roller skating. If you have any questions about LA, drop her a line, or simply say HELLO! Meeting new people brings her immense joy. Cheers! linhdy@outlook.com