Hey! I’m Lena — I’ve lived in Los Angeles for over a decade, and as a lifestyle blogger who’s mildly obsessed with celebrity culture (no shame), I’ve learned where to spot a star while getting my steps in. If you’re visiting LA and hoping to sneak in a casual hike and ma From paparazzi hot zones to low-key local favorites, here’s my full breakdown of where celebrities go hiking in Los Ang.
1. Runyon Canyon – The UltimateLet’s start with the obvious: Runy. Thi Pro: Go 2. FrymIf Runyon is the flashy, paparazzi-fueled scene, Frym ir. N This is where LA locals go when they’re not trying to impress anyone — which, ironically, includes a lot of celebrities. 3. Griffith Park – Classic, Huge, and Full of SurprisesGriffith Park is massive — like, you could get lost in it massive. There are dozens of trails winding through here, including routes to the Griffith Observatory and the back of the Hollywood Sign. It’s a local favorite because it has options for every level of hiker. Location: Multiple entrances, but Los Feliz Blvd or Fern Dell Dr are good starts Vibe: Old Hollywood meets new fitness culture Famous hikers: Zac Efron, Brie Larson, Rebel Wilson
Want to hike like a celebrity but without the crowd? Try the Western Canyon trail — it’s less traveled and has some killer views. 4. Temescal Canyon – The Brentwood FavoriteOver on the west side, Temescal Canyon is where you’ll find the more “serious” hikers — think LA moms in Lululemon, actors doing prep for a role, and the occasional writer looking for inspiration. I saw Reese Witherspoon here once, walking with what looked like a full script in her hand. Location: 15601 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades Vibe: Coastal, lush, and feels way less urban than Runyon or Griffith Celebrity sightings: Chris Pine, Laura Dern, and plenty of studio execs you probably wouldn’t recognize — but should
Bonus: The ocean views from the top are absolutely worth the climb. 5. Franklin Canyon – LA’s Hidden GemNow this one’s for the true celeb-spotting connoisseur. Franklin Canyon is tucked away above Beverly Hills and doesn’t get as much foot traffic — which is exactly why it attracts certain celebs who want peace without going too far from home. Location: 2600 Franklin Canyon Dr, Beverly Hills Vibe: Quiet, shady, slightly secretive Spotted here: Hilary Duff, Ellen Pompeo, and the occasional low-key director with a dog
It’s also gorgeous — think duck pond, winding dirt paths, and big oaks. A totally different vibe from the more exposed city trails. Final Thoughts: Hiking Like a Local (and MaHere’s the thing — celebrities live in LA, and they hike like the rest of us. The difference? They tend to favor trails close to their neighborhoods, ones that balance beauty and privacy. If you’re hoping for a celeb encounter, your best bet is Runyon (for the scene), Fryman (for peaceful A-lister vibes), or Griffith (for sheer variety). Just remember: be chill. No one wants a surprise photo mid-sweat. What to bring: Water (seriously, bring more than you think you need) Sunscreen and a hat Sunglasses (if only to look incognito) A respectful attitude — don’t be that person with a selfie stick yelling “OMG!”
And hey, even if you don’t spot a celebrity, you’ll still get to enjoy some of the most beautiful views LA has to offer. Win-win. Happy hiking!
– Lena
|