Garden of the Gods

Hiking the Garden of the Gods in Los Angeles

When a film location is known as “the most shot-up location in movie history” you know you’re in for an adventure. A 1-mile out-and-back trail in 23-acre Garden of the Gods threads through sandstone boulders that were natural icons of Hollywood’s Golden Age, back when this site was known as the Iverson Movie Ranch. The trail begins with a gentle ascent. Look east across the road at a hat-shaped rock that was featured in the opening of The Lone Ranger television series.

Keep following the trail among towering boulders, oaks, and diverse chaparral flora. The distinct landscape has been the backdrop for an estimated 3,500 productions, subbing as the Wild West, Asia, and Africa, and hosting stars like John Wayne and Richard Burton.

After nearly a quarter-mile, a very short spur trail leads to remnants of an ancient camera mount, a fitting base for an overlook toward grandiose Stoney Peak to the east, Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park to the west, the rolling hills of Rocky Peak Park to the north, and the endless San Fernando Valley to the south. Return to the main path and continue until it dead-ends.

To get to the Garden of the Gods trailhead, take Hwy. 118 to the Hwy. 27/Topanga Canyon Blvd. exit and turn south. After 0.5 mile, turn right onto Santa Susana Pass Rd., then right onto Redmesa Rd. Follow this to the top of the hill and park anywhere on the street. The marked trailhead is on the west side of the road. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View