Hey guys, I love hiking around LA, but some of the popular trails get way too crowded on weekends. So I am looking for somewhere a little quieter where you can still get a great view of the city, mountains, or ocean.
I don’t mind driving a bit if the trail is worth it. Are you willing to share your secret spots? 
That’s a tough one, especially on a Saturday. Honestly, the trick in LA is going anywhere that isn’t Runyon Canyon. 
If you really don’t mind driving, head farther into the Santa Monica Mountains around Sandstone Peak. Cheeseboro Canyon (or Palo Comado) out in Agoura is also a nice hiking spot that doesn’t get too crowded. Parking around these areas isn’t that challenging.
Enjoy and feel free to share your secret spots one day. 
Los Liones can be nice. If you continue farther up toward Parker Mesa Overlook, the crowds usually thin out. The view toward the ocean is absolutely worth it on a clear day.
I would try to go a bit earlier because parking there is limited.
You should try out Palos Verdes. Especially the Portuguese Bend / Forrestal area. It offers the Pacific + Catalina views without the Malibu circus.
I also did Caballero Canyon off Reseda twice. It’s a rather short one, but don’t get fooled, it’s also steep. The views are superb.. valley, maintains, even the ocean on clear days. There is plenty of parking available.
Haha never did any of those hikes mentioned above. 
I love the Verdugo Mountains. There are a couple of trails. I normally do the south hike and Verdugo Peak. I never saw insane crowds there.
I want to note that this one isn’t a short hike. It can take around 3 hours from start to the Verdugo Peak. So bring enough water and check the temperatures. It’s not the Runyon Canyon type of hike.
What’s wrong with the Runyon Canyon hike? 
Gotcha, not the most challenging one.
I got one most people have probably never heard of. Towsley Canyon around Newhall/Santa Clarita. It doesn’t attract too many people. I always park in the free lot at the bottom and walk a bit. It offers nice valley and Mountain views.
I took that one not too long ago. Runyon Canyon is awesome. People in West Hollywood love it (and yeah, I know it’s not WeHo).
Just gets way too crowded on the weekends & parking is a bi***.
One of my favorites is Marshall Canyon. There are different trails and enough shade because most of the trail is covered by trees.
I took my dog with me and she loved it. Also good for people who want to ride their bikes.
O’Melveny Park in Granada Hills is the second largest city park in Los Angeles and somehow still a total secret. You will find free parking right off Sesnon Blvd.
I like pushing up to Mission Point for insane 360° views over the entire San Fernando Valley.
Still one of the best hikes. You can’t beat the views.
