Main Beach and the Laguna Beach coast

Outdoors

Hiking near Laguna Beach

National forests, parks, lakes and recreation areas with hiking trails near Laguna Beach, closest first.

24places to hike
20 mito the closest
3within 30 miles
Year-roundbest months

Good to know: Carry more water than you think you need, check the managing agency’s page for trail closures and fire restrictions, and start early on hot days.

Closest picks

1

Falcon Group

20 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service

Falcon Group Campground has three individual group campsites just off the scenic Ortega Highway in Southern California, which connects San Juan Capistrano and Temecula Valley Highway.

2

Brea Dam

26 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.

3

Carbon Canyon Dam

27 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.

Map of all 24 places

Map of 24 places loads as you scroll.

Within 30 miles (3)

20 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Falcon Group

Falcon Group Campground has three individual group campsites just off the scenic Ortega Highway in Southern California, which connects San Juan Capistrano and Temecula Valley Highway.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Photography
  • Scenic Drive
  • Star Gazing
  • Wilderness

26 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Brea Dam

The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
  • Picnicking

27 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Carbon Canyon Dam

Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.

  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing

30 to 75 miles (20)

39 mi northeast · National Park Service

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities. It follows the historic route of the 1775-76 Spanish colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, CA.

  • Hiking
  • History
  • Horseback riding

45 mi north · USDA Forest Service

Angeles National Forest

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
  • Hiking
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback riding
  • Off-highway vehicles
  • Picnicking

48 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service

San Bernardino National Forest

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting

53 mi east · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Observatory Campground

Science buffs and families are drawn to Observatory Campground for its proximity to the Palomar Observatory, a world-class center of astronomy research operated by the California Institute of Technology.

  • Camping
  • Hiking

54 mi east · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Crestline Group Campground

Crestline Group Campground is located in a wooded area on Palomar Mountain, at approximately 5,390 feet in elevation. Many trees including Black Oak, Cedar, White Fir and Live Oak surround the site.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Ranger programs

55 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake is open, however, campsites are no longer available for reservation on Recreation.gov. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking

56 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Deer Group Camp

Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Water sports

57 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Coulter Group Campground

Nestled within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Coulter Group Campground offers a secluded forest setting ideal for family reunions, youth groups, scout troops, and other organized gatherings.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking

57 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Jackson Flats

Jackson Flats is a group camping facility located next to beautiful Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, which holds numerous nature programs, hikes and activities on Saturdays during the summer.

  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Hiking

57 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Meadow Group Campground

Meadow Group Campground is located off State Highway 2 between the Manzanita Loop of the Chilao Campground and the Chilao Ranger Station, 26 miles north of the 210 Freeway in La Canada, California.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Ranger programs
  • Wildlife viewing

57 mi east · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Oak Grove Campground

Located on the Cleveland National Forest, Oak Grove Campground is nestled in a valley of large oak groves and manzanita. Recreation Oak Grove Trail is a short walk of 1.5 miles and is located across Rt. 79, behind the Ranger Station.

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History

58 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Bandido Group Campground

Located along Santa Clara Divide Road in the Angeles National Forest, Bandido Group Campground sits among fragrant Jeffrey pines in the upper montane zone of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Mountain Biking

61 mi east · Bureau of Land Management

Beauty Mountain Wilderness

The Beauty Mountain Wilderness encompasses a total of 15,627 acres and is managed by the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office .

  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Photography
  • Wilderness

62 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers

Hansen Dam

The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.

  • Boating
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Picnicking
  • Water sports
  • Wildlife viewing

64 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers

Mojave River Dam

San Bernardino County Parks manages this project in the high desert wilderness at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains. No permanent pool, but camping and picnicking facilities are available. Access to the Pacific Crest Trail.

  • Hiking

67 mi southeast · National Park Service

Cabrillo National Monument

In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo climbed out of his boat and onto shore, becoming the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States.

  • Hiking
  • History
  • Wildlife viewing

68 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

Juniper Flats

Juniper Flats covers 101,272 acres of mixed public and private lands. Located between the Mojave Desert and the forests of the San Bernardino Mountains, Juniper Flats hosts a unique mixture of plants from both environments.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting
  • Nature education
  • Off-highway vehicles
  • Photography

70 mi northwest · National Park Service

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding

75 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

San Gorgonio Wilderness

This wilderness is part of the eastern slope of the San Bernardino Mountains with topography rapidly changing from low, rolling foothills and canyons to steep, rugged mountains. Elevations range from 2,300 to 5,500 feet.

  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting
  • Photography
  • Wilderness
  • Wildlife viewing

75 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

Sand to Snow National Monument

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

  • Accessible Swimming
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Winter sports

75 miles and farther (1)

76 mi north · Bureau of Land Management

El Mirage OHV Area

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Off-highway vehicles

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Laguna Beach. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

Get outside around Laguna Beach

Around Laguna Beach

Treasure Island Framed by Fence (Explore), Laguna Beach
Treasure Island Framed by Fence (Explore) - Flickr - tinyfroglettinyfroglet · CC BY 2.0
Early Morning At Shaw S Cove, Laguna Beach
Early Morning At Shaw S Cove (183670035)Vanessa Kay · CC BY 3.0
Breaking Waves, Laguna Beach
Breaking Waves (14977177817)incidencematrix · CC BY 2.0

More outdoors near Laguna Beach

Questions

Where is the closest place for hiking near Laguna Beach?

Falcon Group (USDA Forest Service), about 20 miles northeast of Laguna Beach as the crow flies. Next are Brea Dam (26 mi) and Carbon Canyon Dam (27 mi).

When is the best time for hiking near Laguna Beach?

Based on Laguna Beach’s average highs, all year. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

Laguna Beach AI

Your Laguna Beach local guide
Hey there!

I'm Laguna Beach AI. Ask about neighborhood food, independent shops, local history or planning a visit.

AI recommendations may be inaccurate. Verify hours and prices. Questions are processed by Cloudflare. Privacy