Best Winter Hikes in LA: Easy Trails for Kids With Gorgeous Views
- Angela Cantoni
- 10 hours ago
- 7 min read
Ready to escape the hustle and bustle for some fresh winter air with your little adventurers? Los Angeles might be famous for its beaches and theme parks, but we've got some absolutely magical hiking trails that are perfect for families during the cooler winter months! From gentle waterfall walks to scenic mountain views, these kid-friendly trails offer the perfect blend of adventure and accessibility.
Winter hiking in LA is honestly one of our best-kept secrets! The cooler temperatures make it comfortable for little legs, the crowds are thinner, and the views? Simply spectacular! Plus, many of our local trails showcase their most gorgeous side during winter months, with flowing waterfalls and lush greenery that'll have your kids (and you!) absolutely enchanted.
Why Winter is the Perfect Time for Family Hikes in LA
Let's be real – summer hiking with kids in LA can feel like you're trekking through a desert! But winter? That's when the magic happens! The temperatures hover in the perfect 60-70 degree range, making it comfortable for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. Plus, winter brings rain (when we're lucky!), which means cascading waterfalls and vibrant green landscapes that transform our trails into something straight out of a fairy tale.
The best part? Parking is actually available! No more circling Runyon Canyon for 30 minutes hoping someone leaves. Winter hiking means you can actually focus on the adventure instead of the logistics.
Essential Winter Hiking Tips for Families
Before we dive into our favorite trails, let's chat about keeping everyone safe and happy on the trail! 🎒 Winter hiking with kids requires just a bit more planning, but trust us – it's totally worth it!
Layer Up Like Pros: Even though it's LA, mornings can be chilly! Dress your kids in layers they can easily add or remove. Think moisture-wicking base layers, a warm middle layer, and a windproof outer layer.
Pack Smart Snacks: Winter hiking burns more energy, so bring plenty of kid-approved trail snacks. Think granola bars, trail mix (watch out for nut allergies at school pickup spots!), and plenty of water.
Start Early: Winter days are shorter, so hit the trails early to maximize your daylight hours. Plus, early morning hiking means fewer crowds and better wildlife spotting opportunities!
Gentle Giants: Perfect First Hikes for Little Ones
This absolute gem is like stepping into a magical forest right in the heart of LA! 🌿 The Ferndell Nature Trail is a delightful half-mile loop that's perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Your little ones will be mesmerized by the babbling creek, charming bridges, and lush tropical plants that make this feel like a secret garden.
Winter Magic: The abundant shade keeps everyone comfortable, and winter rains often make the stream flow stronger, creating a symphony of water sounds that kids absolutely love!
Practical Info: Free parking available, restrooms nearby, and the trail is stroller-accessible for most of the route. Perfect for a quick morning adventure before nap time!
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills (yes, really!), this 0.3-mile Discovery Trail is pure gold for families with young children! The trail winds through beautiful black walnut woodland and ends at a picturesque lake where kids can spot ducks, turtles, and other wildlife.
Winter Highlights: The cooler weather brings more active wildlife, and the bare trees create beautiful silhouettes against the winter sky. Plus, the ducks are always entertaining!
Family-Friendly Features: Clean restrooms, picnic areas, and a nature center that's perfect for extending your adventure. The trail is mostly flat and completely manageable for tiny hikers.
Ready for a real adventure that'll make your kids feel like explorers? The Bronson Caves trail is a fantastic two-thirds-mile round-trip that leads to actual caves! 🕳️ These aren't just any caves – they're famous Hollywood filming locations that'll have your movie-loving kids completely fascinated.
Winter Wonder: The trail offers stunning views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory, and winter's clear air makes the vistas absolutely spectacular!
Adventure Factor: The caves themselves are safe to explore (no special equipment needed), and there are plenty of photo opportunities that'll make your Instagram followers seriously jealous.
Waterfall Wonders: Chasing Winter Cascades
This is hands-down one of our favorite family waterfall hikes! The 1.2-mile roundtrip trail to Millard Canyon Falls is gentle enough for kids but exciting enough to feel like a real adventure. Winter transforms this trail into something absolutely magical, with the waterfall often flowing at its most impressive.
Seasonal Spectacular: After winter rains, this 50-foot waterfall becomes a roaring cascade that'll have your kids completely mesmerized. The sound alone is worth the short hike!
Trail Highlights: The path follows a creek most of the way, providing constant entertainment for little nature lovers. Keep an eye out for wildlife – we've spotted rabbits, squirrels, and countless bird species here.
Pro Tips: Wear shoes with a good grip, as rocks can be slippery near the falls. Bring a camera because the photo opportunities are endless!
Another absolutely stunning waterfall hike that's perfect for families! This easy 1.6-mile roundtrip trail leads to a beautiful 30-foot waterfall nestled in a canyon setting that feels worlds away from city life.
Winter Magic: The trail stays shaded and cool, making it comfortable even on warmer winter days. Plus, the waterfall is most impressive during and after the rainy season.
Kid-Friendly Features: The trail is well-maintained with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for children as young as 4-5 years old. There are plenty of spots to rest and enjoy snacks along the way.
Mountain Views Without the Challenge
Want gorgeous mountain views without the technical climbing? El Escorpión Park is your answer! This hidden gem in the San Fernando Valley offers multiple trail options, from easy quarter-mile nature walks to longer 2-mile loops, all with stunning panoramic views.
Winter Advantages: Clear winter skies provide incredible visibility of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On really clear days, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean!
Family Features: Multiple trail options mean you can customize your hike based on your kids' energy levels and interests. The park also has picnic areas and restrooms, making it perfect for a half-day family outing.
Higher Elevation Adventures for Experienced Young Hikers
For families with older kids (8+) who are ready for a real mountain adventure, this paved 1.2-mile round-trip hike to Echo Rock offers incredible valley views! The fact that it's paved makes it accessible, but the elevation gain provides just enough challenge to feel accomplished.
Winter Rewards: Clear winter air provides stunning views of the San Gabriel and Antelope valleys. On exceptional days, you might even spot some snow on the higher peaks!
Safety Note: This trail requires more preparation and isn't suitable for very young children due to the elevation and exposure.
Snow Play Alternatives for Mountain Lovers
Let's be honest – if you're dreaming of true snow hikes with the kids, you'll need to head higher up into the Angeles National Forest. But here's the thing: those trails require crampons and ice axes, which definitely aren't kid-friendly!
Instead, consider these winter alternatives that give you mountain beauty without the technical requirements:
Highway 2 Snow Viewing: Drive up Highway 2 between Camp Valcrest and Islip Saddle, where you'll find safe pullouts perfect for snow play and photography without any hiking required!
Chilao Visitor Center: Open weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., this spot offers easy loops through snow-dusted pines that feel magical without being challenging.
Making the Most of Your Winter Hiking Adventures
Perfect Timing for January Outings
January is honestly the sweet spot for family hiking in LA! 🗓️ The holiday crowds have dispersed, the weather is consistently pleasant, and many trails show off their winter beauty. Aim for mid-morning starts (around 9-10 a.m.) to take advantage of warmer temperatures while still having plenty of daylight.
Weekend Warriors: If you're looking for family activities in Los Angeles this weekend, these trails are perfect for Saturday or Sunday morning adventures that leave plenty of time for other activities.
Photography and Memory-Making Tips
Winter hiking provides incredible photography opportunities! The soft winter light, potential morning mist, and dramatic cloud formations create the perfect backdrop for family photos that you'll treasure forever.
Don't forget to let your kids be the photographers too! Give them a disposable camera or your old smartphone to document their perspective on the adventure. You'll be amazed at the unique shots they capture!
Safety First: Winter Hiking Essentials
Even on "easy" trails, winter hiking requires a bit more preparation. Here's what we always pack for our family adventures:
The Must-Have List: First aid kit, extra layers for everyone, snacks and water (more than you think you need!), sunscreen (yes, even in winter!), and fully charged phones for emergencies.
Trail Etiquette: Teach your kids to respect wildlife, stay on marked trails, and pack out everything they pack in. These lessons in outdoor responsibility will serve them well for life!
Extending Your Adventure: Post-Hike Family Fun
Many of these trails are perfectly positioned for combo adventures! After your morning hike, consider visiting nearby attractions to make it a full day of family fun.
Griffith Park Combos: After hiking Ferndell or Bronson Caves, explore the nearby Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo, or Travel Town Museum.
San Gabriel Valley Adventures: Combine your Millard Canyon or Monrovia Canyon Falls hike with a visit to local family restaurants or farmers' markets in Altadena or Monrovia.
Building Lifelong Outdoor Enthusiasts
The real magic of winter hiking with kids isn't just the exercise or the fresh air – it's about creating positive associations with nature and outdoor adventure. When kids experience success on these manageable trails, they build confidence that carries over into all areas of their lives!
Start with the easier trails and gradually work up to more challenging adventures as your kids grow. Before you know it, you'll have a family of hiking enthusiasts ready to tackle trails throughout California and beyond!
Conclusion
Winter hiking in LA with kids is one of those perfect family activities that checks all the boxes – exercise, fresh air, quality time, and memories that'll last a lifetime! Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Millard Canyon, exploring caves at Bronson, or enjoying peaceful nature walks at Ferndell, these trails offer the perfect introduction to outdoor adventure for your little ones. So grab those hiking shoes, pack some snacks, and get ready to discover why winter is truly the best time to explore LA's incredible trail system with your family! 🥾
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