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. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

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. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    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. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View