⛰️ Top Hiking and Walking Trails in the San Fernando Valley

These are the most popular 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, and the approximate time.

Top Hiking Clubs

These are local hiking clubs and groups you can join.

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.