Fun on Fiji

Hike Fiji Hill and Visit Adjacent Occidental College in Los Angeles

09.22.2021
Hiker at Fiji Hill at Occidental College in Los Angeles

Adjacent to Occidental College, Fiji Hill makes a great workout with nice cityscape vistas on this 2-mile route in Eagle Rock. Park at the Yosemite Recreation Center, just north of Occidental College and find the trailhead at the south end of the paved lot. The trail branches into two—stay left (you’ll return on the rightmost route), passing the swimming pool and a surprisingly large stone-seated amphitheater. The path ascends quickly under some pines (about 300 feet over the next half-mile) but the vast majority of the trail is exposed.

Hiker at Fiji Hill at Occidental Campus Los Angeles

Hiker taking a break on the ascent of the trail at Fiji Hill in Los Angeles

Hiker sitting at bench at summit of Fiji Hill in Los Angeles

At the top there’s a bench with an attached steering wheel, oddly enough. Because the hill is so prominent, the views are expansive. Steer your eyes to the north to see the iconic eponymous boulder peering over Eagle Rock and beyond to the San Rafael Hills, the Verdugo Mountains, and the San Gabriels. 

Hike at a tree swing at Fiji Hill in Los Angeles

Bench and steering wheel at the top of Fiji Hill in Los Angeles

Hiker heading up a trail at Fiji Hill in Los Angeles with mountains in the background

When you’re ready, continue downhill along the fence overlooking Occidental College’s fields, staying left at any junctions. You’ll end up on campus, where a pre-president Barack Obama used to roam. The grounds here are beautiful. We recommend staying south on Coons Road and turning right onto Range View Avenue, which turns into Bird Road. This passes the famous Moore Lab of Zoology, home to the world’s largest taxidermy collection of Mexican birds (>39,000). Pass more lecture halls and the Occidental bookstore to reach the main quad with a nearby picnic area and sculptures, including some of manual laborers who created the grounds themselves. 

Woman walking at Occidental Campus in Los Angeles

Occidental Campus Feast local community garden

Woman walking the campus by picnic tables at Occidental Campus in Los Angeles

Head east on Campus Road—passing Feast, the local community garden—taking it to its terminus, where a trail will deposit you back at Yosemite Recreation Center and your car.

BONUS: Trade the kava and rum for some craft beer and pinball fun at Walt’s Bar, a resident watering hole just a quarter-mile west of campus. Enjoy local ales (and wines), classic bar fare, retro arcade games, and chill vibes after your hill of a hike!

Walt's Bar with cold beers in Los Angeles

To get to the Yosemite Recreation Center lot and trailhead from the east, take the CA-134 to the Colorado Blvd. exit and head west, turning left onto Townsend Ave. and right onto Yosemite Dr.. From the west, take the CA-134 to the Harvey Dr. exit and make an immediate right, followed by an immediate left onto Wilson Ave. This turns into Broadway and shortly connects with Colorado Blvd. Turn right at Eagle Rock Blvd., followed by a left onto Yosemite Dr. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View

  3. Big Burdell!

    If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.

    View

  4. H is for Hawk Hill

    After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

    View

  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

    View

  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View