Do It. Hike at Griffith Observatory.

This has to be my new favorite Los Angeles hiking spot. Although it's not quite as shady as Runyon, the view from the hills near the Griffith Observatory is unparalleled. You have the view of all of Los Angeles, including downtown's skyscrapers, the observatory, and an up-close view of the Hollywood sign.
The paths are also great. Not too steep an incline, well paved, and wide. When I went this weekend, it was packed, but even so the wide paths made passing and resting along the side easy without inconveniencing other hikers.

Parking is free and pretty ample and the trails are dog friendly. As my dog Homer and I went up the sidewalk to go to the trail closest to Griffith Observatory, we passed two other trails, so there's plenty of room to explore and enough reason to revisit.

I also hear this is an ideal spot to go for a sunset hike.

-- Lauren Williams

Photo credit: the BEAT.

Do It. Hike Runyon.

This spot is really a perfect hiking area for those who aren't exactly seasoned hikers. Right now is the perfect time of year to go for a hike through runyon. It's cool, but sunny and this place is super dog friendly; one of the few places you can let your dog off the leash.

Runyon gets a lot of flack from the hardcore hiking crowd because it's kind of posh. It's right off Laurel Canyon Drive, and is a regular spot for celebrity sightings. ... and it's surrounded by gigantic homes.

But the view of LA from these trails is beyond comparison, and it's light enough to do very casually on a Sunday afternoon since it's only three miles. But the eucalyptus, small brooks, and the rope swings (when they're up) make for an excellent hike.

Get there before 10:30 a.m. though, otherwise it fills up pretty fast.

-- Lauren Williams