The best walks and hikes around Cerritos
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Hiking around Cerritos primarily involves exploring well-maintained urban parks and multi-use paths within the city and its immediate surroundings. The landscape features expansive green spaces, rolling hills, and mature trees, particularly in larger community parks like Don Knabe Community Regional Park. While extensive rugged hiking trails are limited within the city limits, nearby regional networks offer additional options for varied terrain. The area provides accessible routes suitable for walking, running, and cycling.
Best hiking trails around Cerritos
- The most popular hiking route is San Gabriel River Trail, a 7.1 miles (11.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 52 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers varied scenery and urban parks along its path.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail, an easy 1.2 miles (2.0 km) path. This loop provides peaceful urban nature views and diverse wildlife.
- Local hikers also love the La Mirada Community Regional Park Loop, a 1.6 miles (2.6 km) trail leading through park areas, often completed in about 41 minutes.
- Hiking around Cerritos is defined by urban parks, multi-use paths, and green spaces with rolling hills. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy park loops to longer, more challenging regional connections.
- The routes in Cerritos are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 1.0 stars from over 3 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Cerritos's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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9.86km
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If you're looking for a peaceful, accessible hike in Long Beach, the Heartwell Park Trail delivers a pleasant experience. This 6.1-mile (9.9 km) route, despite its 'moderate' rating, features a remarkably flat profile with only 34 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, making it feel much easier and suitable for all fitness levels. You'll stroll along well-maintained, tree-lined pathways, passing open recreational fields and a tranquil fishing pond often frequented by ducks, providing a continuous green corridor through the city.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as Heartwell Park offers extensive amenities and parking. The trail is enjoyable year-round thanks to Long Beach's mild climate, so you can pick any day for a leisurely walk or jog. No permits or fees are required, making it an easy choice for a spontaneous outdoor activity.
Beyond the hiking trail, Heartwell Park is a hub for community activities, featuring a public golf course, picnic areas, playgrounds, and various sports facilities. It's a true urban oasis, offering a diverse landscape that includes a dedicated bike and run path extending to the San Gabriel River path, perfect for those looking to extend their adventure.
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The West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail is a delightful urban escape, often described as a secret garden for its peaceful atmosphere. You'll find a mix of dirt paths and paved sections winding alongside the San Gabriel River, shaded by trees and dotted with native plants. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, from various birds and butterflies to flowers, making this a surprisingly rich natural experience within Lakewood.
Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail's less popular nature means you'll likely find lighter traffic and a more serene environment. It's an easy 1.2-mile (2.0 km) route with only 10 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 30 minutes to complete. This makes it perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick run, and it's dog friendly, provided your furry friend stays on a leash.
What truly sets this trail apart is its ability to provide a tranquil natural experience right in the middle of a busy urban area. It's an accessible option for all skill levels, offering a valuable community space for recreation and connecting with nature. The trail's easy hiking difficulty makes it an excellent choice for beginners or families looking for a quick outdoor adventure.
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2.64km
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The La Mirada Community Regional Park Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through a surprisingly diverse urban green space. You'll enjoy meandering paths that circle a tranquil urban lake, providing lovely water views and a chance to spot local waterfowl. The route also features lush greenery, including mature oak trees, and on clear days, you can even catch distant views of the San Gabriel Mountains, making it a scenic escape for all.
Planning your visit to this popular hiking trail in La Mirada is simple, as the park provides ample parking. Given its popularity and the array of amenities, consider arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends, to ensure a convenient spot. This easy 1.6-mile (2.6 km) loop, with only 47 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 41 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a quick, refreshing outing any time of year.
Beyond just hiking, La Mirada Community Regional Park is a highly versatile recreational area, recognized as one of Los Angeles County's most picturesque parks. It's home to two premier disc golf courses, a fishing lake, and the Splash! Aquatics Center, offering plenty of family-friendly activities. This makes the park an excellent destination for combining a leisurely walk with other sports or a fun day out with the kids.
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The San Gabriel River Trail offers a unique blend of urban and natural scenery, following the river through varied terrain. You'll find yourself on largely paved paths, but don't be surprised by sections of crushed granite or even unpaved segments, especially as you pass through green spaces like El Dorado East Regional Park. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, with distant views of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, making it a pleasant escape from city life.
This moderate 7.1-mile (11.4 km) hike has a minimal elevation gain of just 20 feet (6 metres), taking approximately 2 hours and 52 minutes to complete. The trail is well-equipped with amenities like rest stops, water fountains, and bathrooms at various parks along its extensive length. Parking is generally available near trailheads, but it's always wise to arrive early, especially on weekends, and consider hiking during cooler parts of the day.
What makes the San Gabriel River Trail stand out is its incredible length and ability to connect numerous communities and regional parks across Los Angeles County. It serves as a vital recreational corridor, linking to other trails like the Rio Hondo River Trail. This particular segment provides an easy hiking experience, perfect for families or anyone looking for a long, flat walk with diverse surroundings.
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The San Gabriel River Trail segment from Caruthers Park to Liberty Park offers a surprisingly pleasant urban escape, primarily on a paved surface that makes for an easy 2.3-mile (3.6 km) hike. As you follow the channelized San Gabriel River, you'll encounter a blend of developed areas and refreshing green spaces, including the more naturalized West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail with its native plants and potential for birdwatching. This route is perfect for a relaxed walk or jog, providing a gentle outdoor experience with minimal effort and only 8 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as both Caruthers Park and Liberty Park act as full-service trailheads. Liberty Park is particularly well-appointed, offering convenient parking, restrooms, water fountains, and even playgrounds, making it an ideal spot for families. Since the trail is a popular multi-use path, you'll find it well-maintained and accessible throughout the year, though a 54-minute estimated duration means it's easy to fit into any schedule.
This section of the San Gabriel River Trail functions as a vital green corridor, connecting various communities and providing valuable recreational space within the urban landscape. Its easy difficulty and connection to multiple parks, like El Dorado East Regional Park and Rynerson Park, make it a family-friendly option for those seeking a quick dose of nature. It's a great way to experience local ecosystems and enjoy a bit of fresh air without needing to venture far from the city.
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Tips from the Community
Limited cars use the roads so it is nice to get away from traffic
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One of the largest urban parks in the valley, with lakes, meadows, sports fields, picnic areas, etc.
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The San Gabriel River is one of the best routes in the entire valley to bike safely without traffic on a dedicated trail from the hills through the sprawling downtown areas to the ocean. The trail runs on the river levee, mostly on the east bank. While the river is mostly a concrete canal, there are a few sections where it passes by parks like here the El Dorado, or private gardens and plant nurseries, adding a few touches of green in this huge metropolitan area that otherwise has few long, dedicated bike routes.
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The San Gabriel River is one of the best routes in the entire valley to bike safely without traffic on a dedicated trail from the hills through the sprawling downtown areas to the ocean. The trail runs on the river levee, mostly on the east bank. While the river is mostly a concrete canal, there are a few sections where it passes by parks like here the El Dorado, or private gardens and plant nurseries, adding a few touches of green in this huge metropolitan area that otherwise has few long, dedicated bike routes.
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Very large public park along the river with a network of car-free bike trails and quiet park roads connecting several lakes, shady groves, and picnic facilities with restrooms and water.
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Starting at the mouth of the San Gabriel River one mile to the west, this is one of 4 main bike paths radiating inland from the coast.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hiking trails are available in and around Cerritos?
Hiking around Cerritos primarily involves exploring well-maintained urban parks and multi-use paths within the city. You'll find expansive green spaces, rolling hills, and mature trees, especially in larger community parks like Don Knabe Community Regional Park. While extensive rugged hiking trails are limited directly within the city, nearby regional networks offer additional options for varied terrain, including paved and unpaved multi-use paths suitable for walking, running, and cycling.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners in Cerritos?
Yes, Cerritos offers several easy trails perfect for beginners. For instance, the Don Knabe Regional County Park loop β La Palma is an easy 1.5-mile path offering a pleasant walk through a significant green space. Many of the city's over 25 community and neighborhood parks also feature accessible paths for leisurely strolls.
Can I find longer hiking routes near Cerritos?
For those seeking longer routes, the region provides options like the Laguna Lake, Brea Creek, & Hiltscher Park loop β Fullerton. This trail is 12.2 miles long and features varied terrain through parklands and along waterways. Another moderate option is the El Rancho Verde Park β La Palma, California, which is 7.2 miles long.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in Cerritos?
Absolutely. Many of Cerritos's parks are designed with families in mind. Parks like Heritage Park, known for its 'Play Island,' and Don Knabe Community Regional Park offer spacious areas, playgrounds, and easy walking paths suitable for all ages. The Don Knabe Regional County Park loop is a great easy option for families.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I might see while hiking near Cerritos?
While hiking near Cerritos, you can encounter several interesting features. The Laguna Lake is a prominent natural feature, and you might also come across the San Gabriel River Trail, a popular multi-use path. Don Knabe Community Regional Park itself is known for its beautiful sculptures and two large fishing lakes.
Are there any circular hiking routes available?
Yes, several circular routes are available. The Don Knabe Regional County Park loop β La Palma is a popular easy circular path. For a slightly longer option, consider the Ralph B. Clark Regional Park loop β Fullerton, which offers a pleasant 1.4-mile circuit.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Cerritos?
The routes in Cerritos are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 1.0 stars from 2 reviews. Over 100 hikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the well-maintained urban parks and accessible multi-use paths for walking, running, and cycling.
Are there any trails with good views around Cerritos?
While Cerritos is primarily known for its urban parks, Don Knabe Community Regional Park is highlighted as one of the most scenic parks in Los Angeles County, offering views of rolling green hills and large trees. For broader scenic views, exploring segments of regional trails like the San Gabriel River Trail can provide more expansive vistas.
Where can I find information about parking and amenities near Cerritos parks?
Cerritos maintains over 25 community and neighborhood parks, many of which offer amenities like playgrounds, picnic areas, and multi-purpose fields. For specific parking information and detailed amenities, you can visit the official Cerritos city parks website: cerritos.gov/recreation-culture/parks/. Larger parks like Don Knabe Community Regional Park typically have dedicated parking facilities.
Are there any less crowded hiking trails or places to walk in the Cerritos area?
While popular parks can see more visitors, exploring some of the smaller neighborhood parks listed on the Cerritos city website might offer a quieter experience. Additionally, early mornings or weekdays are generally the best times to find less crowded paths in any of the city's green spaces.
What is the best time of year to hike in Cerritos?
Cerritos generally enjoys mild weather, making hiking pleasant for much of the year. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities. Summers can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended during those months. Winters are typically mild and suitable for walking.
Are there any trails that connect to broader regional networks?
Yes, the multi-use paths in and around Cerritos often connect to broader regional networks. For example, the San Gabriel River Trail is a popular route that links to an extensive network, providing opportunities for longer journeys beyond the immediate city limits.
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