A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Santa Monica, California

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Temescal Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Temescal Canyon Loop

River/Creek
moderate
3.76 mi
+1,138 ft
Murphy Ranch Loop

Hike Route

Murphy Ranch Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
3.35 mi
+642 ft
Topanga State Park to Parker Mesa Overlook

Hike Route

Topanga State Park to Parker Mesa Overlook

Birding
moderate
3.38 mi
+815 ft
Lower Franklin Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Lower Franklin Canyon Loop

Lake
moderate
1.87 mi
+449 ft
Hondo Canyon

Hike Route

Hondo Canyon

River/Creek
strenuous
3.96 mi
+514 ft
Upper Franklin Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Upper Franklin Canyon Loop

Lake
moderate
0.99 mi
+201 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Temescal/Backbone Loop

Hike Route

Temescal/Backbone Loop

Dogs Allowed
extreme
20.28 mi
+3,464 ft
Topanga State Park Loop

Hike Route

Topanga State Park Loop

Views
extreme
21.56 mi
+4,477 ft
The Hub Out-and-Back

Hike Route

The Hub Out-and-Back

Birding
moderate
15.56 mi
+2,435 ft
Backbone Trail - The Hub to Will Rogers State Park

Hike Route

Backbone Trail - The Hub to Will Rogers State Park

Birding
moderate
13.57 mi
+2,135 ft
Sullivan Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Sullivan Canyon Loop

River/Creek
moderate
10.52 mi
+1,547 ft
Topanga Creek Outpost Loop

Hike Route

Topanga Creek Outpost Loop

Views
moderate
10.34 mi
+1,483 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Inspiration Point - Murphy Ranch Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Inspiration Point - Murphy Ranch Out-and-Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
5.47 mi
+1,671 ft
Green Peak Loop

Hike Route

Green Peak Loop

Views
moderate
7.55 mi
+1,979 ft
Temescal Ridge Trail Hike

Hike Route

Temescal Ridge Trail Hike

Views
moderate
7.67 mi
+2,030 ft
Parker Mesa Overlook

Hike Route

Parker Mesa Overlook

Views
moderate
7.45 mi
+1,831 ft
Santa Ynez Canyon Trail to Eagle Rock

Hike Route

Santa Ynez Canyon Trail to Eagle Rock

Views
moderate
7.23 mi
+1,443 ft
Eagle Rock Loop

Hike Route

Eagle Rock Loop

Cave
moderate
6.5 mi
+1,246 ft