Spooky season is upon us! And as the weather finally cools down, it’s also one of the best times of the year to get outdoors and take a hike.
If you’ve been pining for a way to enjoy nature AND get a little creeped out at the same time, fear not…we’ve rounded up five of LA’s spookiest hikes. So read on, and then hit the trails…if you dare.
The Haunted Forest, Altadena
To reach the Sam Merrill Trail in the San Gabriel Foothills, you must first make your way through the remains of the Cobb Estate. Built in 1918 by the lumber magnate Charles Cobb, the sprawling property was later bought and demolished by the Marx brothers. Over the years, this storied location has earned itself a sinister nickname—The Haunted Forest.
That’s because numerous visitors have reported hearing strange noises and witnessing bizarre apparitions in the area. Stroll its grounds at twilight for maximum creepiness. And if you’re feeling adventurous, continue all the way up the trail to Echo Mountain, where you’ll also spot the abandoned remains of the Mount Lowe Railway.
Devil’s Gate Dam, Pasadena
Named after a massive rock formation on the Arroyo Seco that bears a striking resemblance to Satan himself, the Devil’s Gate Dam is steeped in both spooky lore and LA history. Rumor has it that Jack Parsons—the famous occultist and the co-founder of nearby Jet Propulsion Laboratories—was involved in satanic rituals near the dam…which some say opened up a portal to hell.
Whether you believe that or not, what’s certain is that the nearby Hahamongna Watershed Park is a lush, beautiful haven for nature lovers. So go for the native plants, and stay for the spooky vibes.
The Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park
LA’s iconic 45-foot-tall Hollywood sign is famous throughout the world. But it’s also locally infamous, because of a tragic 1932 incident that may have left it haunted forever. More than 90 years ago, an aspiring 24-year-old actress named Peg Entwistle jumped from the sign to her death on Friday the 13th…and some say her spirit still inhabits the site today.
While you can’t hike all the way up to the sign, you can gaze down upon it if you hike to the Hugh Hefner Overlook. And you might even catch a whiff of Entwhistle’s favorite scent, gardena.
The Tropical Terrace, Malibu
Follow the resplendent Solstice Canyon Trail in Malibu, and you’ll eventually wind up at the ruins of what was once a massive mansion deemed “The Tropical Terrace.” Commissioned by the wealthy grocer Fred Roberts and built by notable LA architect Paul R. Williams, the house met the same fate that so many human structures in our wildlife-urban interfaces do—it burned down in a wildfire in 1982.
However, some say the ghost of its former owner still lingers on the grounds, and occasionally appears with an eerie moan in a sudden burst of flames.
Haunted Moonlight Hike, Coldwater Canyon Park
On October 25th, Join TreePeople at our own Coldwater Canyon Park for an extra-spooky Halloween edition of our moonlight hikes series. It will feature a costume contest, live music, and spooky jump scares along one of the routes! Get your tickets now.