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Los Angeles, California

Looking for the best backpacking in Los Angeles? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Los Angeles. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Los Angeles

  • Altadena, California

    Eaton Canyon to Idlehour

    4.5
    10.99 mi / 3291 ft gain
    Idlehour is nestled deep in the Angeles National Forest, so it feels like you're in the heart of some untapped wilderness instead of six miles away from a bustling metropolis. The trail camp is accessible by foot through a variety of locations, but the most popular route is through Eaton Canyon, ...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Idlehour Trail

    4.0
    14.89 mi / 4665 ft gain
    Idlehour Trail is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous located near Mount Wilson, California.
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Backpack Bear Canyon

    6.8 mi / 689 ft gain
    Parking: Parking is available at the Switzer Falls Picnic Area, or in the two overflow lots on the hill. You will need an Adventure Pass to leave your car parked here. Make sure to follow posted signs - there are some parking spots that do not allow overnight parking. Amenities: Bear Canyon has ...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Hike to Trail Canyon Falls

    4.0
    4 mi / 800 ft gain
    To get to the trail, take Big Tujunga Canyon Road until you see signs for Trail Canyon Road. The entry point is easy to miss, but keep an eye out for a stop sign and cars parked at the bottom of a dirt path. Drive up the dirt path for direct parking at the trailhead (4x4 is definitely recommended...
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  • Topanga, California

    Hike Calabasas Peak Motorway

    7.3 mi / 1817 ft gain
    Getting There You can, from Los Angeles, go one of three ways: take I-405 to US-101 and head west, or from downtown, take US-101 the whole way, OR, get on I-10 from the Westside or east of there and take that until it becomes PCH, then take that to Topanga Canyon (turn left onto Old Topanga Canyo...
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  • Pearblossom, California

    Hike to the Cooper Canyon Trail Camp

    5 mi / -765 ft gain
    There's a small parking lot just below Cloudburst Summit on the way to Waterman Mountain. Start your adventure there. I'd be hard pressed to say it's more than 15 yards from the sign for the summit (7018' AMSL). There's a fire road, if you're newer to altitude and don't know how to read a map (or...
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  • Pearblossom, California

    Hike Mt. Waterman

    5.0
    6 mi
    Mt. Waterman is accessed along Highway 2 in the Angeles National Forest. Heading east from La Canada look for mileage marker 58.0 (34 miles from La Canada) just past the closed ski resort. Park at one of the large paved turn outs on your left. Display an Adventure Pass ($5 at Ranger Station or Bi...
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  • Azusa, California

    Little Jimmy Trail Camp

    4.3
    Take Hwy 2 out of La Canada north along Angeles Crest Highway. Follow this for quite sometime enjoying the fine views in all directions. After traveling through two consecutive tunnels continue to Islip Saddle parking lot (on left). There will be a vault toilet & a picnic table. Display your ...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon Trailhead

    16.22 mi / 5610 ft gain
    We started out at 8am on a Sunday, usually parking at Ice House Saddle can be tricky, I would advise going earlier. We headed out on our journey hiking up to the saddle, when you reach the switchbacks there is a fresh water spring, it's the last place you can get water...so stock up! We pressed o...
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  • Llano, California

    Table Mountain Campground

    Table Mountain Campground is a hilly campground that offers ADA-accessible sites, pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, BB! grill, water, and parking spaces for a two-car limit. Rules are strictly enforced, which is great, so we can enjoy nature and not someone’s party/music. Book your campgro...
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  • Avalon, California

    Trans Catalina Trail: Two Harbors to Avalon

    37.55 mi / 7205 ft gain
    Trans Catalina Trail: Two Harbors to Avalon is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Two Harbors, California.
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Bikepack Catalina Island

    5.0
    43.5 mi / 5700 ft gain
    This is a great introductory overnight bikepacking adventure. With restaurants, water, and stores at each end of the ride, your packing list is minimal. Head out on Saturday morning and make it back in time for dinner on Sunday evening. Packing List Your Bike – I did this ride on my drop bar grav...
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  • Avalon, California

    Trans-Catalina Trail

    5.0
    37.67 mi / 8189 ft gain
    This adventure is a great way to see the entire island of Santa Catalina. Catalina Island is situated less than 30 miles off the coast of Southern California, and can be reached by ferry from Dana Point, San Pedro, or Long Beach. Catalina Express in the company that operates the ferry. This adve...
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  • Malibu, California

    Backpack to the La Jolla Valley Walk-In Camps

    5.0
    10 mi
    Hello Friends! I just took a really chill overnight backpacking trip to the La Jolla Valley Backcountry campsite and I’m going to give you some details so you can have as nice of an outing as I did!The trailhead is conveniently just off of the Pacific Coast Highway, across the street from the Tho...
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