The benefits of hiking for actors are threefold: it’s an entirely free activity that can occupy a full day, it’s a fantastic (and not at all boring) workout, and it can be done with company or solo for post-audition head clearing. We rounded up a few of the top-notch places to trek—none of which are Runyon Canyon.
Mount Hollywood Summit
Where: Griffith Park
The draw: Atop Griffith Park is the Mount Hollywood Summit, the park’s highest peak that makes for an ideal hike and also boasts one of the finest and most sweeping views in all of H’wood. And the better news: it’s only about 40 minutes each way, so you can squeeze this one in even if you don’t have a ton of time.
Santa Anita Canyon
Where: San Gabriel Mountains
The draw: This one is a full day’s investment. As with many investments, though, the payoff is vast. The biggest draw is the Sturtevant Falls, a 50-foot waterfall that will make even the most seasoned hiker stop for a marvel.
“M*A*S*H” site hike
Where: Malibu
The draw: Here’s one that every actor—even the hiking-averse—can get behind. The site where “M*A*S*H” was filmed has been preserved so you can get a taste of show business history while also stretching out those legs. It’s an easy hike and there’s also a safe-for-swimming pond, which you can make use of on warm days.
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Where: Culver City
The draw: In theory, the industrial nature of the Baldwin Hills route would never render it a desirable destination for a clear-your-head hike. But in reality, the 250-plus concrete steps make for an ideal hike.
Santa Monica Mountains
Where: Santa Monica
The draw: Spanning Malibu and Downtown L.A., the Santa Monica Mountains entail numerous hiking trails, making it all the more enticing as you can choose a starting point closest to your own ‘hood. You’d be wise to check out the Vanalden Cave, though, which you can wander inside and is a mere 0.6-mile hike.
Escondido Canyon Park
Where: Escondido
The draw: Definitely the lushest spot on this list, Escondido Canyon Park is a true essential for L.A. hiking. It’s a four-mile round trip (the ideal length, basically) and your efforts will be rewarded with the moss-encompassed waterfall at the trail’s end. Be warned, though: the creek flows through the path at several points, so this one can and will muddy your paws.
Ready to hustle? Check out Backstage's L.A. audition listings!