Outdoor Adventures & Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA

Featured Articles

Hiking

Malibu Creek Trail - Hiking

Surfing & Windsurfing

Santa Monica Beach Boogie Boarding - Surfing & Windsurfing

Trail Running

Point Mugu State Park - Trail Running

Climbing

Devil's Punchbowl

Los Angeles Activities

About Los Angeles

Outdoor adventures in Los Angeles are waiting! RootsRated’s local experts explore the very best things to do for hiking, trail running, cycling, mountain biking, climbing, paddling and more. Whether you are searching for a quick outing or a multi-day adventure, RootsRated has an insider’s look at the top trails and destinations Los Angeles has to offer.

Total Experiences

149 reviews

Recommended Activities

Recommended Experiences

Cycling

Ballona Creek - Cycling

From Downtown

33.0 miles

Difficulty

2 of 5 diamonds

Hiking

Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park and Nature Center - Hiking

From Downtown

12.1 miles

Difficulty

1 of 5 diamonds

Surfing & Windsurfing

Zuma Beach - Surfing & Windsurfing

From Downtown

19.0 miles

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

Why the Salton Sea Is the Most Important Lake You've Never Visited

by Krista Diamond

People talk about the shrinking shoreline and deserted ghost towns. But they don’t tell you that the Salton Sea is a beautiful and must-visit sapphire blue ocean in the heart of the desert.
Fast Packing 50 Miles Across the John Muir Wilderness

by Kara Kieffer

This trek through the John Muir Wilderness, though little known and even less publicized, embodies everything that makes the Sierra Nevada such a special mountain range.
How to Backpack 38 Miles Through the Sierra Nevada Backcountry

by Kara Kieffer

The Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park offers everything which make the Sierras such a special mountain range, with one notable exception—no crowds. Here's how to take a solo 38-mile backpacking trip through its secluded, mountainous glory.
The Silver Moccasin Trail: LA's Forgotten Thru-Hike

by Kara Kieffer

Unlike the ever-popular John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, almost nobody knows of the existence of the Silver Moccasin Trail—a 53 mile foot path that traverses Angeles National Forest through large sections of the gorgeous San Gabriel Wilderness.
The Best Backcountry Camping Destinations in Death Valley National Park

by Krista Diamond

Home to 3.4 million acres and 91% designated wilderness, Death Valley National Park is an isolated land of sparkling salt flats, winding canyons, shifting sand dunes, and incredible backpacking opportunities.