Many trails around Los Angeles close at dusk, even when the park gate stays open. So a night walk is often not allowed.
That leaves a practical question: which spots can you hike after dark, and which are safe enough to choose? This article explains where night walks are allowed, what to carry, and how to join a guided outing.
Which night hike to choose based on your goal and budget
Griffith Park’s 53-mile trail network closes at dusk, even though the park itself stays open until 10:30 p.m. Runyon Canyon also closes its trails at dusk or sunset.
So an open park gate doesn’t mean you can walk its trails after dark. For a night walk on these trails, choose a guided outing.
Compare the options by your goal and budget. For more nearby trails, see Santa Monica Mountains hiking.
| Criteria | Moonlight hike | Topanga day-use lot |
|---|---|---|
| Night access | Yes, with a guide | No, closes at sunset |
| Dates | Call the nature centre | 8 a.m. to sunset |
| Cost | Call the centre | $3 per hour, Dead Horse Lot |
Runyon Canyon is open from sunrise to sunset, and city security enforces the closure after dark. Walking its trails alone at night is not permitted, and you can be fined for it.
LA County moonlight hikes: the best option for wildlife and quiet trails
County moonlight hikes are built around night wildlife and quiet trails. On these walks you can see raccoons, skunks, bats and owls, and you can hear coyotes.
To book one, call the Placerita Canyon Nature Center at (661) 259-7721 for dates and times. For daytime routes to scout before a night walk, see Runyon Canyon and Beachwood Canyon trails.
To get the dates and conditions, call Placerita Canyon Nature Center at (661) 259-7721. Ask which moonlight hikes are scheduled and how to join. You can also visit in person at 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall.
Headlamp with spare batteries, plus a backup light
Water and a warm layer, since it gets cold after sunset
Stay on the guide’s route, even when it feels easy to see
Griffith Observatory Sunset Walk and Talk: the best first outing with a set route
The Sunset Walk & Talk is a guided outing with a set route and a leader. Observatory staff, urban ecologists and Griffith Park Rangers lead it.
The June walk covered about 1.5 miles with steep climbs, so it suits people who already handle steep hills.
To plan the November outing, you need these three details:
- Date and time: Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
- Meeting point: Greek Theatre Parking Lot F/G, 2700 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles.
- Parking: spaces go first come, first served, so arrive early.
Before you book
- Confirm the outing is the Sunset Walk & Talk, with its set route.
- Ask the organizer for the exact distance of that route.
- For nearby trails, check the Verdugo Mountains trail map before you choose.
LA Night Hikers Griffith Park outing: the best guided night hike at a fixed price
This guided night hike lasts three hours and covers 3.5 to 4 miles through Griffith Park. Plan to be on your feet for the full three hours.
The level is moderate: the route is not a short loop, so it suits people who already walk regularly. If you are new to hiking, start with a shorter outing.
The starting price is US$32.26, and it depends on the option you select. Compare options, since some offer free cancellation.
The dates include October 31 and November 1, 2026. Check the one you want before you book.
Before you go
- Meet at 5400 Griffith Park Drive, by the compost facility.
- Drive slowly nearby.
- Wear shoes or boots with grip.
- Pack a headlamp, water, a light jacket, insect repellent and a phone charger.
- Take a hiking stick if you want one.
Devil’s Punchbowl moonlit hike: the free option with a warm finish
The Devil’s Punchbowl moonlit hike is a guided walk on the one-mile loop, running from 9 to 11 p.m. Two hours on a short loop make it a simple evening outing.
It is free, but the dates change. Check the current date before you plan the trip.
Meet at the Natural Area, 28000 Devil’s Punchbowl Road, Pearblossom, California.
To get the next hike date and sign up, call (661) 944-2743 and ask the staff. Confirm the date before you plan your trip.
Even on a one-mile loop, stay on the marked path and keep the guide in sight. At night, a missed turn is easy to make, and you can lose the group.
Arc’teryx Night Hike Series: a past Griffith Park outing that shows how guided night hikes work
This Arc’teryx Griffith Park hike was a past outing, so it gives no date to book. Use it as a model.
Look for a current announcement with a meeting point, such as the north end of Merry Go Round Parking Lot 2. If that lot is full, park in the lower lot below Lot 2 instead.
Check-in started at 7:30 p.m., with sign-in and a waiver done before the 7:45 p.m. start.
Plan for a route just under five miles, with 1,100 feet of climbing, rated moderate, and about two hours on the trail.
Past outing
Cost
- $10
- Check the current price
Gear
- Check the weather
- Dress in layers
- Trail shoes or boots with tread
Lighting
- Prefer no headlamp
- Red light only if you use one
What to carry and how to stay safe on the trail after dark
Walk the route in daylight before you go at night. Learn the ground, the steep sections and the turns. After dark, you will know where the trail climbs and where to slow down.
Pack this gear before you leave:
- A headlamp with spare batteries. It leaves both hands free on steep sections.
- A red light when possible. It helps you see while keeping your night vision.
- Enough drinking water, and sturdy shoes for uneven ground.
- Never drink from streams, rivers or lakes, even if the water looks clear.
Emergency numbers
What works
Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.
What to avoid
Don’t rely on cell service in the Santa Monica Mountains: it can be unreliable.
What works
Santa Monica Mountains Ranger line: (310) 456-7049.
What to avoid
In city parks, don’t dial that number: call 911.
Many Los Angeles trails close at dusk, even when the park gate is open. For a night walk, choose a guided outing with a set route and a meeting point. Walking alone on closed trails is not allowed.
Your next step is to call the organizer and confirm the date, route length and cost before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hike Runyon Canyon at night?
No, you cannot hike Runyon Canyon at night. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and the city enforces that closure after dark. Walking its trails after sunset is not permitted.
Is Topanga State Park open after sunset?
No. Topanga State Park’s day-use parking closes at sunset, so you can’t park there to start a walk after dark. Plan to finish your visit before sunset, or join a guided night outing instead.
Do I need a permit to join a guided night hike in Los Angeles?
Ask the organizer whether you must sign a waiver, because that is the paperwork a guided night hike asks for. The Arc’teryx event required a signed waiver, so expect one.
What should I do if I get lost on a trail after dark?
If you get lost on a trail after dark, stay on the designated trails and use a map or GPS you already know how to operate. Don’t wander off to find a shortcut. For an emergency, call 911.
