The City of Angels is also the city of cars, pollution and Rodeo Drive shopping. But the best things in Los Angeles are free, and green, reckons local resident and hike-nut Dylan Price

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By Dylan Price

I love LA. But not for the traffic or urban sprawl. And not for the inflated real estate market or the emphasis on the superficial image - where you live and what you drive.

As clichéd as it sounds, the best things in life are free, and in LA the best thing is definitely free. Hiking! Los Angeles is 498.3 square miles of diverse neighbourhoods strewn about a topography of geographical beauty. With mountain views to die for and the Pacific Ocean. Beat that London.

Runyon Canyon in Hollywood is the most well known of the hiking trails for those in the know. Frankly, it’s my least favorite. Although the downtown and ocean views are spectacular, it’s way too busy for my liking. Didn’t I leave the working ants in NYC? Nonetheless, it’s well worth one visit to familiarise yourself with the lay of the land. Up, down and all around, there are numerous paths and trails to experience if you don’t mind the dogs and the smell. Stinky dogs! Who knew?

Franklin Canyon is a true gem. Part of the Santa Monica Parks Conservancy, I was truly gobsmacked at the pristine beauty of this find in the middle of Beverly Hills. If I didn’t know better while trekking around the gorgeous pond, I would think I was in Northern California with all the pine trees. And to think this was the location for the opening segments for the legendary TV shows, Bonanza and The Andy Griffith Show?

Both of these locations can be reached off Mulholland Drive - yes, that infamous road seen in the film classic ‘Rebel without a cause”. And it does twist and turn from Hollywood all the way to Malibu with some of the most stunning vistas and views in all of LA, and some of the most expensive real estate around. But the good news is the hiking trails are public and free!

Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles

The Griffith’s Observatory Park, in the Los Feliz neighbourhood of LA, is another must do hike. It’s smarter to park down below at any of the several entrances and to trek up and enjoy the views. Not only can you stop and check out the beautifully redeveloped Observatory with its new underground facilities, but you also have amazing views of the LA flood plain. Yes, people - Los Angeles sits on a flood plain, believe it or not. From the rock of Palos Verdes to the Santa Monica Mountains, most of LA was once a swampland. Visit the La Brea tar pits for more information.

Another great trek is the Malibu beaches. I happen to be ‘in the know’ about some public beaches that sit in front of the multi-million dollar beach houses. Off the Pacific Coast Highway, between Las Flores Canyon and the Malibu Pier is Billionaire Beach. Also know as Carbon Beach for the commoners. There are several public entrances that lead to an amazingly pristine and quiet sandy beach. Every time I’m there to view the sunset, I am amazed that no one else is around. What’s five random folks after living in NYC? And there’s always a school of dolphins cavorting directly in front of me. I know a few by name, but they shall remain nameless, to protect their identity.


Malibu Beach

The other great find is Malibu Road. Again, find the public beach entrances and then gag at the enormous beach houses as you walk serenely along, with the ocean waves lapping at your feet. The perfect location to fantasize what it would be like to live there and to enjoy your own private beach.


Dylan Price