⛰️ Top Hiking and Walking Trails in the San Fernando Valley

These are my favorite hikes, trails, and walks in the San Fernando Valley, CA.

These walks and hikes offer a perfect way to get your steps in and explore the Valley.

Each walk below includes details on where to start, the distance, the approximate time, and why I love it.

Top Hiking Clubs

These are my favorite local hiking clubs and groups.

Make friends, go hiking with neighbors, and build a sense of community.

• ⛰️ Valley Girl Hiking Club

• 🌳 Sierra Club (SFV Chapter)

Fryman Canyon Loop

• Location: Studio City

• Type: ⛰️ Hike

• Difficulty: Easy

• Distance: ~3 miles (loop)

• Duration: ~1.5 hours (round-trip)

• Dog Friendly: Yes

This is an easy-to-moderate hiking loop. There’s lots of shade and you’ll see a mix of the city skyline and vegetation.

Fryman Canyon is a good alternative to busy Hollywood hiking spots. It’s like Runyon Canyon without being crowded.

You’ll see lots of locals with their dogs. It’s a safe, nature-filled walk near Ventura Blvd.

Lake Balboa Park

• Location: Encino/Van Nuys

• Type: 👟 Walk

• Difficulty: Easy

• Starting Point: Lake Balboa parking lot

• Distance: 1.3 miles (loop)

• Duration: ~30 minutes per loop

• Dog Friendly: Yes

Lake Balboa Park is a flat, urban park walk looping around a 27-acre lake.

This paved path is scenic and stroller-friendly, lined with grass and willow trees. In the spring, you’ll see lots of cherry blossoms.

Perfect for a quick, relaxing walk or jog with lots of people watching.

Marvin Braude Gateway (Caballero Canyon)

• Location: Tarzana

• Type: ⛰️ Hike

• Difficulty: Medium

• Starting Point: Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park

• Distance: ~3 to 5 miles (out-and-back or loop options)

• Duration: ~1.5–2.5 hours (depending on route)

• Dog Friendly: No

This trailhead opens into a network of fire roads and trails in the Santa Monica Mountains.

One popular option is hiking up Caballero Canyon. You’ll enjoy great views of the Valley and the ocean (on a clear day).

It’s a moderate climb that’s great for logging serious steps, making it ideal training for bigger hikes.

Go at sunrise or sunset for stunning light over the Valley.

O’Melveny Park Trail

• Location: Granada Hills

• Type: ⛰️ Hike

• Difficulty Medium

• Starting Point: O’Melveny Park

• Distance: Up to ~4 miles out-and-back (to Mission Point)

• Duration: ~2 hours (to summit and back)

O’Melveny is L.A.’s second-largest park (672 acres). It’s filled with meadows and picnic areas at the base.

A steep trail leads from the park up to Mission Point. At the top, you’ll see a full panoramic view of the Valley.

The trail is well-maintained and popular on the weekends with fitness groups.

Pack water if you plan to hike to the top. Or, enjoy a picnic in the shade below.