Looking for the best free hiking trails in San Fernando Valley? Here are five scenic spots locals love.
The Valley's Hidden Gem: Discover the Great Outdoors
Whether you're new to the San Fernando Valley, visiting LA for the first time, or just exploring your new neighborhood, one of the best ways to fall in love with the area is through its free, scenic hiking trails. The San Fernando Valley offers a perfect balance of urban accessibility and breathtaking nature, without the stress of expensive fees or overcrowded parking lots.
Why Hiking in San Fernando Valley Is So Accessible
Unlike other areas in Los Angeles where access often means parking fees or limited space, most hiking trails in the San Fernando Valley are open to the public for free. That means you can get fresh air, exercise, and stunning views without worrying about entry costs. With year-round sunshine and mild weather, there’s no wrong time to hit the trail.
Top 5 Best Hiking Trails in San Fernando Valley (Updated 2025)
1. Fryman Canyon Park : Studio City
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📍 Location: 8401 Mulholland Drive, Studio City, CA
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🆓 Entry: Free
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🅿️ Parking: Free lot and street parking available
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🥾 Trail Length: 3-mile loop (easy–moderate)
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🕓 Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fryman Canyon is a local favorite for beginners, tourists, and weekend walkers in the San Fernando Valley. This well-maintained loop offers tree-shaded paths, gentle inclines, and stunning views over the Valley. Located right off Ventura Blvd, it’s also close to cute cafes and shops for your post-hike coffee stop.
👉 Perfect for: solo hikes, dog walks (on leash), and first-time visitors.
2. Stoney Point Park : Chatsworth
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📍 Location: On Topanga Canyon Blvd, between Chatsworth St &, CA-118, Chatsworth, CA 91311, United States
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🆓 Entry: Free
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🅿️ Parking: Free street parking along Topanga Canyon Blvd
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🥾 Trail Length: 1.5 miles (varies)
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🕓 Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Stoney Point Park is a San Fernando Valley landmark with striking sandstone boulders that attract hikers, climbers, and photographers. There’s no entrance fee, making it one of the easiest spots to explore without planning ahead.
👉 Perfect for: short scenic hikes, beginners, rock climbing, and photography.
3. Topanga State Park
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📍 Location: 20828 Entrada Rd, Topanga, CA 90290, United States
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🆓 Entry: Free to hike; Vehicle use and Hourly Parking fee may apply
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🥾 Trail Length: Up to 10 miles (choose your route)
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🕓 Hours: 8:00 a.m. – sunset
Although Topanga State Park is technically part of the state park system, hikers can access many of its trails from the San Fernando Valley side without paying a separate entry fee. Parking lots sometimes charge, but street parking nearby can be free. Eagle Rock Trail is one of the most popular hikes, offering sweeping Valley views.
👉 Perfect for: intermediate hikers, day trips, and panoramic photo ops.
4. Griffith Park
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📍 Location: Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
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🆓 Entry: Free
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🅿️ Parking: Free in most areas; pay stations in select lots
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🥾 Trail Length: 2–6 miles (depending on route)
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🕓 Hours: 5:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country and is easily accessible from the San Fernando Valley through Burbank. Hike to Griffith Observatory, Mount Hollywood, or just wander the Valley-side trails, no entrance fee required.
👉 Perfect for: tourists, couples, families, and sunset seekers.
5. Wildwood Canyon Park : Burbank
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📍 Location: 12241 Canyon Dr.Yucaipa, CA 92399
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🆓 Entry: Free
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🅿️ Parking: Free in the lot and nearby street parking
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🥾 Trail Length: 2.3-mile loop
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🕓 Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
A peaceful, hidden gem in the San Fernando Valley, Wildwood Canyon offers a moderate incline and stunning views of the city below. This trail is loved by locals for its quiet charm and easy accessibility.
👉 Perfect for: sunrise and sunset hikes, local explorers, and those seeking less crowded trails.
Hiking Tips for First-Time San Fernando Valley Explorers
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🕓 Go early to avoid midday heat.
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💧 Bring water even short hikes can get warm in San Fernando Valley.
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🧢 Sun protection is essential.
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👟 Wear proper footwear many trails have rocky or uneven terrain.
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🐶 Dogs are welcome on most trails (on leash).
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🚫 No permits or fees required for hiking at any of the listed locations, except optional parking at Topanga State Park.
Why Locals Love Hiking in San Fernando Valley
These San Fernando Valley trails are more than just hiking paths, they’re where locals build community, stay active, and recharge. They offer free access, beautiful views, and year-round hiking weather. Whether you live in Lake Balboa, Northridge, or Encino, there’s a trail nearby waiting for you.
Don’t Forget to Share Your Adventure
San Fernando Valley has some of the most Instagram-worthy outdoor spots in Los Angeles. Take a snapshot at Fryman Canyon’s overlook, pose by Stoney Point’s sandstone rocks, or capture that golden hour light at Wildwood Canyon. Tag #SanFernandoValley and #SFVHikes to share your moment!
Explore San Fernando Valley Like a Local
Ready to make San Fernando Valley your new backyard? From free hiking trails to vibrant neighborhoods, there’s no better place to live, explore, and thrive.
📲 Contact Clearway Real Estate to discover homes near your favorite hiking spots.
🌐 homesbyclearway.com
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @thejustinbonney
🏡 Explore. Live. Love San Fernando Valley.
